Shop Local: 10 Charlotte Shops You Should Know About

I frequently highlight small businesses in my travel guides, so I figured it’s finally time to share some of my home city’s best local shops and boutiques!

Charlotte is home to nearly every major retailer (although, famously, not Zara)—but those shops receive enough attention as it is, so this post isn’t going to be about that.

Today I want to highlight some of the city’s best locally-owned businesses—the shops that focus on sourcing locally-made products to line their shelves or prioritize curating a unique selection of items beyond the typical wholesale boutique offerings.

Disclaimer: This post is not produced in partnership with any of the brands listed below, and I only write about places I've personally experienced and enjoyed.

So how did I select ten stores from Charlotte’s retail landscape to include in this post?

Well, that’s easy: these are the shops where I like to shop. The local businesses where I choose to spend my hard-earned money and my limited free time, the places I bring friends and family who are visiting from out of town to highlight what our city has to offer, and the places I turn to when I need to buy a locally-made gift at the holidays.

In no particular order:

WHERE TO SHOP LOCAL IN CHARLOTTE

Thirty-One Jane

If I could only dress myself from one shop in Charlotte, I’d probably choose Thirty-One Jane. This relative newcomer to the Chantilly neighborhood (on the border of Plaza Midwood) offers a great selection of stylish finds from what I consider mid-priced designers and labels like AGOLDE, Ganni, and Rachel Comey.

This to me is fashion’s sweet spot—unique, accessible, wearable, and best of all, good quality for the budget. The shopping experience is a delight, and the team of stylists is helpful without being pushy.

→Thirty-One Jane // 908 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

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Boris and Natasha

Boris and Natasha has been a Charlotte staple since the last century, so you know they’re doing something right! Peruse racks upon racks of eclectic goodness for all genders, with a selection of clothes, shoes, and accessories that make a statement.

Sure, you can find high-end pieces here, but this shop does a great job of catering to all budgets. And with its own distinct vibe, it’s a one-of-a-kind, only-in-Charlotte type of shopping experience.

→Boris and Natasha // 2910 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205

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CLT Find

Looking for the greatest variety and highest concentration of Charlotte-made items? CLT Find is the perfect one-stop souvenir shop. The shelves are stocked with locally-made art, apparel, and delicious treats, each thumbing their nose at the people who claim “Charlotte has no culture.”

Find CLT Find at their Dilworth location or their outpost at The Market at 7th Street.

→CLT Find // Multiple Locations

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Brown Sugar Collab

Representing the underrepresented, you can find products from more than twenty Black- and women-owned businesses at Brown Sugar Collab. From candles to skincare to stationery, there’s something for everyone (it’s a great spot to shop for gifts *hint hint*).

Just flying through? Brown Sugar Collab products are also carried at Charlotte Supply Co. in Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s Terminal D, so you can shop local on your layover.

→Brown Sugar Collab // 417 S Cecil St, Charlotte, NC 28204

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Twenty Two West

Full disclosure: I’ve worked at Twenty Two West off and on in some capacity or another over the past three years. But that just means I’ve had the chance to experience both sides of this business—as a customer and behind the scenes—and can personally vouch for the quality of the products and standards in place.

With a new line of jewelry and home decor released each season, there’s always something new and exciting in-store (and as an insider tip: you can often find some OOAK pieces on the shelves, meaning no one else will be wearing the same earrings as you!).

→Twenty Two West // 2338 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205

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Moxie Mercantile

Moxie Mercantile is a frequent stop when I’m showing friends and family around town. With a perfect blend of stylish boutique favorites and local items, it’s a must-visit when you’re bopping around Plaza Midwood (or Matthews or Fort Mill!).

Be sure to check their Instagram regularly to see what events are coming up, and while you’re in the neighborhood, check out the brand’s newest concept: Betty by Moxie.

→Moxie Mercantile // Multiple Locations

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Paper Skyscraper

Ask any internet message board where the best place to shop for gifts is in Charlotte, and chances are Paper Skyscraper will be the most frequent answer. Look for the now-iconic yellow awning building in Dilworth, and be prepared to lose track of time as you peruse racks and racks of local gifts, unique items for the home, and charming greeting cards (my favorite!).

Paper Skyscraper has also recently opened a location in Uptown, making picking up an impromptu gift an easy task on your lunch break for the M-F crowd.

→Paper Skyscraper // Multiple Locations

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Tabor

I admit I’m a little jealous that I can’t wear most of the items found at Tabor. This men’s lifestyle shop carries gorgeously tailored shirts, suiting, and knitwear from designers and brands like Thom Browne, Saint Laurent, Officine Generale, and A.P.C., but you’ll likely find me browsing their apothecary selection and assortment of unisex accessories.

As a bonus, SOCO Gallery and Not Just Coffee are located in the same building so you can get your art and caffeine fix at the same time.

→Tabor // 421 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207

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Selenite Beauty

note: Selenite Beauty is temporarily closed; you can learn the latest over on Instagram

Just a little tip: clear your vanity shelves before you shop at Selenite Beauty. This Camden Road spot carries a dizzying array of natural beauty products. Your favorite clean skincare and makeup brands are here, of course, but I suspect you’ll discover something new to play with (at least, I did!).

Keep an eye out for upcoming events and classes, and perhaps book a service at the spa upstairs. I haven’t had a chance to indulge in any of their services (yet!), but I hear it’s wonderful.

→Selenite Beauty // temporarily closed

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Lokal

edit: Lokal is now closed

Lokal (pronounced “lo-kay”) is a collective of local brands all available in one space at Camp North End. The inventory seems like it’s always changing, but you’re sure to spot some cheeky stickers and magnets, Charlotte-themed items, candles, jewelry, and more. Scope out the goods on Instagram, and make a fun day of shopping and exploring at Camp.

→Lokal // now closed

ON THE MAP: LOCAL CHARLOTTE SHOPS

FINAL THOUGHTS ON SUPPORTING CHARLOTTE’S LOCAL BUSINESSES

Ask any local business owner, and they’ll probably tell you times have never been as tough as right now. Local businesses are the backbone of our community, and shopping small whenever possible is crucial to ensuring they’ll still be here tomorrow.

Just visiting Charlotte for the weekend? It would be rad if you chose to solely visit Charlotte’s local shops, restaurants, and attractions. I promise to do the same when I’m in your hometown!

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Questions for you

What do you look for in a great local shop?

Have another shop to add to this list? Leave a comment to nominate it!

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Shop Local: 10 Charlotte Shops You Should Add to Your List