In Charlotte, these are the top places to get your retail fix. Touting offerings that rival any big city, here's your road map to Charlotte’s stellar local shopping scene.
For the Ladies
Having a passion for fashion is a cinch thanks to the city’s cool selection of creatively stocked, locally owned women’s boutiques.
One Twenty Two Boutique
Neighborhood: Dilworth
This body-positive boutique celebrates women through fashion and empowers them to embrace their individuality. Founded by friends Tivonna and Yolanda who happen to have the same birthday (Jan. 22, hence the name One Twenty Two), this fashion-forward boutique invites you to unleash your inner fashionista.
Boem
Neighborhood: South End and SouthPark
Boem is a go-to destination for the latest clothing trends and must-have accessories. At Boem, owner Megan Orrell seeks to create a laid-back, California-cool vibe with a rock ‘n’ roll edge. In addition to well-known designers, Boem offers local, handmade jewelry and lesser-known clothing and accessories brands offering something for everyone. As the staff say, “Experience the Boem vibe!"
Capitol + Poole Shop
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Are you a hound for haute couture? Look no further than Capitol, one of the city’s premier women’s boutiques helmed by locally based but nationally known fashion maven Laura Vinroot Poole. Located in the trendy SouthPark neighborhood, Capitol is an easily accessible place for Queen City residents to stock up on items that rival what is seen on New York Fashion Week runways. Be sure to check out the stylish selection of contemporary and emerging designers at Poole Shop, on the second floor above Capitol.
Captivate
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Located in SouthPark Mall, this elegant women’s boutique carries unique, high-quality fashion finds that will quickly captivate passersby. No matter what the occasion, pop in and explore the sexy styles curated by owner, founder and celebrity stylist Charity Washington.
Kimberly's Boutique
Neighborhood: South End
This South End women’s boutique features a diverse selection of styles with new arrivals every week. Owner Kimberly Guinn invites women to discover their individual fashion identities as they explore the carefully selected inventory in a comfortable environment.
For the Gents
The new crop of men’s clothing stores popping up around the city promises to keep our favorite guys looking fly, even if they still need help with a tie.
128 Park Avenue
Neighborhood: South End
Founded in 2019 by former Carolina Panthers player Captain Munnerlyn, 128 Park Avenue carries stylish men’s (and women's) streetwear hand selected by him and his team. Find brands from the Carolinas and beyond, including Bank City, Michael Cherry, Jordan Craig, Mitchell & Ness, Cooper 9 and more.
Bruce Julian Clothier
Neighborhood: Myers Park
A longstanding leader in Charlotte’s men’s fashion scene, Bruce Julian operates Bruce Julian Clothiers, an upscale menswear boutique specializing in tailored suits, shirts, ties, casual wear and great looking shoes—all in a clubby setting.
Nyoni Couture
Neighborhood: Uptown
This Uptown luxury menswear boutique features high-end men’s fashion with global influences. Owner and designer Nyoni Sioh has curated an exceptional collection of suits, blazers, button-ups, slacks, shoes and accessories for the fashion-forward male.
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Men’s high fashion isn’t for every guy; we get it. That’s why The Sporting Gent, located in historic Myers Park, is a perfect fit for kings of casual wear, whether their adventures take them outdoors or to a fancy dinner party. The shop’s cache includes classic Southern brands like Southern Marsh, Drake, Costa, Atlantic Drift and more.
Tabor
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Laura Vinroot Poole’s endeavors aren’t limited to her posh women’s boutiques; she also owns Tabor, a men’s shop housed in a Myers Park bungalow, where hard-to-find designer lines fill the shelves. Poole is well respected in the fashion world for her ability to curate unique but practical pieces. The New York Times even named her among 50 people changing the South.
William Wilson Clothing
Neighborhood: Myers Park
From U.S. Navy veteran to the first African-American pit crew member to win a NASCAR championship to celebrity stylist, William Wilson’s personal story is just as inspiring as his coveted custom suits. His designer suits and custom clothing have earned him awards like “Best Custom Clothier,” “Best Men’s Suits” and “Best New Clothing Store” on multiple occasions.
For the Jewelry Lover
When it comes to eye-catching accessories and jaw-dropping jewelry, a host of local hot spots are known for their artistic interpretations of both old and new.
Beads, Inc.
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Sisters Christine White and Anne Todd translated their passion for creative design by cultivating Charlotte jewelry mainstay Beads, Inc. Within the walls of the colorful Myers Park studio, shoppers can either purchase already finished pieces or try their hand at crafting a custom wonder, stringing anything from Swarovski crystals to semi-precious stones, sterling silver, Czech glass beads and beyond.
Epic Times Jewelry & Watches
Neighborhood: Uptown
Owner and jeweler James Mack opened Epic Times at the Epicentre in 2015 with a diverse inventory of watches, custom jewelry and accessories. The dedicated team puts customer service and quality first and is committed to helping every person find unique pieces that fit their individual style. Stop in to explore watch brands like Citizen and Invicta as well as custom rings, bracelets, pendants and chains (or for a watch or jewelry repair).
Laura James Jewelry
Neighborhood: Cotswold
Laura James collected heirloom jewelry as a young girl, which sparked her interest in the history of vintage pieces. Hence, the incorporation of antique metal and stones in most of her trinkets at Laura James Jewelry. Whether she’s converting an old timepiece into a modern accessory or designing cutting-edge earrings, James’ creations are one of a kind and can be found in her shop at Cotswold Marketplace.
MoaZen Jewelry
Neighborhood: Uptown
Each custom piece of jewelry designed by twin sisters and artists Faith and Hope Rivers has meaning and purpose behind it. Their designs embody their values of good intention, mindfulness and peace. Collections like Zen, Love Culture and King (a men’s line) inspire positivity, confidence and hope in the wearer.
For the Home
Drawing on the creativity inherent in our city, these local home decor shops will help fill your dwellings with interesting, local pieces that invite conversation.
Abode
Neighborhood: Dilworth
In addition to its reputation as a go-to for stylish housewares in Charlotte, Abode doubles as an interior design firm, where items from European flea markets as well as markets from all over the U.S. fill owner Mary Tobias Miller’s space. You’ll find an eclectic array of furniture, lighting, original artwork, linens and accessories.
Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio
Neighborhood: Oakhurst
Designer and owner Ariene Bethea’s philosophy is to take something pre-loved, find the best part of it and make it new again. Her boutique features furniture, art, lighting and other home decor pieces with vintage and global flair. As you walk through the brightly colored front door, you’ll be greeted by fresh, warm color combinations and aesthetically appealing graphic patterns with diverse ethnic influences that will have you ready to redo your whole house. Services available include interior design, interior styling and staging, prop styling and color consultations.
High Cotton Home Company
Neighborhood: Montford
High Cotton Home Company boasts a big furniture showroom showcasing Vanguard Furniture lines, fabulous lighting, custom to-the-inch rugs, decorative accessories and original artwork from local artists. You’ll find transitional and contemporary furniture pieces in-store and enjoy access to ordering furniture of almost every style and price point.
LaDonna Antiques and Interiors
Neighborhood: South End
Located in furniture-savvy South End, LaDonna Antiques and Interiors brings in items from around the globe, spanning France to Italy and Scandinavia. Unlike other store owners who travel across the Atlantic in search of special pieces, owner LaDonna Harris relies on domestic vendors to find unique items while keeping her own furniture taste in mind.
For the Giver
With an array of homegrown goodies and designs throughout its neighborhoods, the Queen City’s shopping scene is well-established in stocking special gifts that are both thoughtful and personal.
The Beehive
Neighborhood: Uptown
This quaint shop is located inside Overstreet Mall, a bit off the beaten path. The hidden gem is packed with local products, like Trapp fragrances, Cloister Honey products and David French paintings. Here, you’ll also find stunning jewelry, shoes and handbags, and housewares. If your day job brings you Uptown, pop into The Beehive for a fashionable break.
The Brown Sugar Collab
Neighborhood: South End
Explore a variety of handmade local products from this curated retail collective featuring minority makers. Find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting and celebrating Black female business owners. From home decor to beauty products and beyond, you’ll discover something new during every visit.
Happy Kat Candles & Gifts
Neighborhood: North Charlotte and Pineville, NC
Candle designer Kathy Fogle started selling her handcrafted dessert and tropical drink scented candles online in 2016 but after winning Northlake Mall’s Battle of the Pop-Up competition, she secured her first brick-and-mortar location. Then she opened a second location at Carolina Place Mall in Pineville. In addition to selling her deliciously scented candle creations, she also carries products from other local artists, including beauty products, jewelry, ceramics and more.
Nostalgia Hollow Co.
Area: Kannapolis, NC
Owned by mother-daughter duo Yolanda Thompson and Ashley Hines, Nostalgia Hollow Co. is committed to helping other small businesses grow. Their gift shop/coffee shop on North Main Street in Kannapolis, North Carolina, features a carefully curated inventory of gifts, accessories, and home goods designed by local makers and artists.
Paper Skyscraper
Neighborhood: Dilworth
You’ve likely heard of this eclectic Dilworth shop due to its numerous awards and exposure, like its number one spot on Mashable’s list “50 great local shops in the U.S. for finding the perfect holiday gift.” Paper Skyscraper is packed with gifts and goodies full of local flair, like unique coffee table books, games and toys, handbags and jewelry, glassware and funky home decor, stationery and gift wrap, and much more.
