For presents big and small, these Charlotte retailers offer countless ways to shop for everyone on your list while supporting small businesses. The holidays are a busy time, and shopping at the big retailers is quick and easy. But if you can avoid the pull of quick-click convenience, we have some local shopping recommendations so you can shop and feel good about it, too. And, if convenience really is your elixir of the season, many of these small Charlotte businesses have ways to order virtually, too.
Local shopping has far-reaching effects: It stimulates the economy in our community, helps the environment, and even translates into stronger infrastructure. Plus, it’s just pretty dang rewarding to know exactly where your dollars are going this holiday season. Here is a shortlist of some of our most beloved Charlotte shops.
Woodhouse Spa
Give a little luxury. Treat someone you love to a custom spa experience that gives them permission to indulge. Woodhouse Spa is Charlotte’s newest sanctuary for Body + Mood Care, opening December 2023 in SouthPark. A Woodhouse Spa gift card is the perfect gift for that special someone who could use a little extra self-care this season.
Peppermint Forest
If you love everything Christmas, the Peppermint Forest Christmas Shop of Charlotte was made for you. Whether shopping for yourself or your loved ones, Peppermint Forest has no shortage of trees, ornaments, decorations, lights, candles, florals, or Christmas collectables for this upcoming holiday season. For the past 41 years, they have been the premier retail source for all things Christmas.
Tiny Gods
For the person in your life who likes to stand out with unique style, Tiny Gods Jewelry is the place to go. Founded in 2020, Tiny Gods curates beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry for their clients, placing importance on both quality and creativity. Shop online or in person, and you can even choose to shop by designer rather than by product. Find that extraordinary piece today.
Taylor Richards & Conger
For the special men in your life, stop by Taylor Richards & Conger to give the gift of sophistication this holiday season. Offering much more than suits and blazers, choose from their plethora of apothecary items including Acqua Di Parma shaving needs, and Fulton & Roark soaps. With close to 100 different designers, you won’t have to look far to find the perfect staple piece!
Paper Skyscraper
Find goodies galore in Charlotte’s Paper Skyscraper. This is the perfect place to come and check multiple people off your holiday shopping list. Find something for every part of the gift-giving process, from wrapping paper to quippy cards. Maybe you’ll leave with an eye-catching coffee table book, a local artist’s print, or both!
Moxie Mercantile
Located in the heart of Plaza Midwood, find warmth and welcome inside the Moxie Mercantile this season. With a sweet and helpful staff ready to help you find the perfect gift for the charming in your life, stepping inside feels like coming home. Offering selections from bath and beauty, stationery and cards, apparel, accessories, and home decor, Moxie Mercantile offers online order placement for pickup.
Common Market
There is nothing “common” about the collection that is Common Market. With three different Charlotte locations, each embodying the characters of the neighborhoods they reside in, this is the place to give the gift of local. Put together a basket of goods with a little something of everything, like a pack of Edmund’s Oast Brew, a bottle of Banshee wine, or a batch of Jags Head Coffee. Don’t forget to look around for local happenings and events while you’re inside!
Bedside Manor
Give the gift of a good night’s sleep with Bedside Manor’s ample selection of all things comfort. With brands like Ann Gish, Hugo Boss, and Pine Cone Hill, there isn’t much about the essence of hospitality and luxury left out of this wide selection of finely curated bedding sets, sleep apparel, home goods and more. Bedside Manor offers both in person and online shopping to make your process as convenient as can be. Be sure to check out their beautiful holiday collection featuring festive patterns to welcome the season.
Girltribe
When you walk into Girltribe, you’ll be met with positivity and good energy. This for girls, by girls store offers everything from stickers, water bottles, makeup and nails, to outfits for every occasion. Find the perfect gift for the spunky and colorful in your life. Anything with print on it is sure to be trendy and tasteful and garner compliments! If you find yourself in South End or SouthPark be sure to stop in or shop online.
Park Road Books
For the book lover in your life, stop by Park Road Books to grab a signed copy of your favorite local novelist or browse the best sellers and employee choices of the month. A staple in the independent bookstore community, this shop celebrates 46 years of calling Charlotte its home. This Christmas season get lost inside the aisles and find something for everyone in your life, young and old alike.
boem
Whether you’re shopping for a chic sister-in-law or an elegant friend, boem offers a clothing collection that blends taste and comfort to create that down-to-earth look. Find fall and winter favorites for the holidays as well as accessories, home decor, and more. You won’t have to look far for the gift of the season here.
Charlotte Collective
Exclusively support a small business this season when you shop from over 20 local brands offered at Charlotte Collective’s shared retail space in South End. From jewelry to dog collars, with an emphasis on all things Queen City and brands like 11 & Thoms, Fernweh Candle Co., and Queen & Cotton, you won’t have to look too hard to walk away with the perfect gift for the special people in your life!
The Merchant
Born in Atlanta, Charlotte welcomed The Merchant’s second location in Optimist Hall this summer. Stop by to fill all your classy and clean aesthetic needs. Specializing in vintage home goods and decor, The Merchant is the go-to place to find paper stationary, the perfect bar book, beautiful dinnerware, pillows, decor and more. They offer unique gifts that are sure to impress this season. While you’re there you can even grab lunch or dinner with one of the many food options offered at Optimist Hall.
Grow
Located in the ever-bustling Camp North End, Grow is for the green thumb in your life. From the simplest of care to exotic plants, they have the perfect plant for the friend who loves to add a little life to their space. The owners are knowledgeable and friendly and will go above and beyond to help create the perfect gift bundle with their selections of home goods and decor, plant care, and specialty coffee and chocolate. Support this small business and give the gift of green!
Vestique
Finding the perfect outfit for any fall or winter events can be a problem. Luckily, you can find the solution quickly at Vestique. At this colorful and resourceful women’s clothing shop, there are all kinds of things to wear including dresses, rompers, sweaters and skirts. This place offers a variety of options when it comes to finding the perfect clothing for a festive event or a regular day during the holidays.
KK Bloom Boutique
If you have an important dinner coming up or a really special event you need a gorgeous outfit for, KK Bloom Boutique might just be the only place you need to check out. This women’s clothing store offers uniquely styled dresses, formal two-piece outfits, casual clothing and even pajamas for anyone who is looking to find something new to wear for any occasion.
Ole Mason Jar
Founded in 2013, this shop was created by men for men, bringing a fresh take on menswear with a focus on simplicity and significance in men’s style. Ole Mason Jar is the place where any man should go during the holidays to find the perfect button down, sport coat and tie for a special event. Don’t leave the decision to look great at the dinner table until the last minute.
Sleepy Poet
If you happen to find yourself walking down South Blvd. stopping by Sleepy Poet for a quick holiday shopping spree may lead you to find things you’ve never thought about buying before. At this antique mall, you will find nearly anything you can think of, including furniture, vintage clothing, home decoration and even vinyl records. This is the perfect place to go to if you are looking to buy a gift for someone.
Pura Vida Worldly Art
This local small business is home to products from over 40 countries around the world. If you are looking for a unique gift for someone or just to go to a cute shop with “handmade, ethically sourced products,” this is the perfect place to check out.
Midwood Flower Shop
The holidays are the perfect opportunity to buy your significant other, a close family member or even a friend a beautiful gift —like flowers— to brighten their day. The detailed arrangements this shop offers include flowers of all kinds and colors, and gift options like blankets, baskets, food and comfort crates; the perfect way to show someone how much they mean to you.
Social Status
Born in Charlotte in 2005 and located on Central Ave., Social Status aims to aid anyone who is looking for the perfect outfit to a popular location. If you are looking to go on a shopping spree for clothes, shoes or just a simple jacket that will elevate your looks in a sophisticated manner, this is definitely a place you should check out. Aside from shopping, Social Status also offers a community space with activities that will gear people in social situations and will help build relationships, a perfect activity to check out during the holidays.
Fancy Pants
Are you looking to buy something for your kid, a niece or nephew or your grandchild? Located in Providence Road, Fancy Pants is an excellent choice to walk into and have a variety of outfits to choose for the kid in your life. This clothing store is an award-winning children’s boutique that offers styles of all kinds for both newborns, infants, toddlers, young girls and boys and youths. This is a perfect place to go to if you are looking to do some holiday shopping for a younger person in your life.
Toy Mania
Toys will never go out of style, especially as the perfect gift to give to a kid during the holidays. At Toy Mania, located on Sharon Amity Rd. you will find as many options to give presents to children up to 11 years old. From games to dolls, to entertainment and educational toys, you will find a large variety of choices for kids to receive a special gift throughout the most wonderful time of the year!
Happy Kat Candles & Gifts
If you are looking for a perfect place to treat yourself, a friend, or both on a relaxing day, Happy Kat Candles & Gifts is the place you need. Step inside to find the perfect gift to bring back home. This candle shop offers many candles that come in all shapes and sizes. You will find almost anything can be shaped into a candle, which makes it the perfect place for local shopping during the holidays.
Selenite Beauty
Selenite Beauty is a Charlotte-based beauty brand that only uses clean and natural products to make their skincare and cosmetics. The shop also has tons of cute gift options like jade rollers, baby toys, crystal eye masks, and more.
Blackhawk Hardware
Blackhawk Hardware is a locally-owned hardware and gardening store where you can find all the essentials you need to finish that project or your garden. This store is perfect for the people in your life who have a green thumb or love building things. Learn more about their services and inventory online, or visit them at the Park Road Shopping Center.
Donald Haack
Donald Haack is your go-to diamond and fine gems retailer in Charlotte. It’s perfect when local shopping for that special person in your life. Help them add a bit of sparkle this winter with Donald Haack’s “Find Your Diamond” feature to customize your gift.
One Twenty Two Boutique
One Twenty Two is a women-owned Charlotte-based boutique that offers everyday women’s fashion. They have a wide variety of shirts, pants, jackets, and hats that are perfect for the fashionista in your life.
Rebel Base Comics and Toys
Rebel Base Comics and Toys is your one-stop-shop for all things comics and collectibles in Charlotte. Perfect for the superhero fanatic in your life, you can find comics from Marvel, DC, Top Cow and more. Visit them online for updates on the inventory changes each week.
Your Mom’s Donuts
Your Mom’s Donuts is a pastry and coffee house with locations in Charlotte, Matthews, and Charleston. Perfect for the sweets and coffee lovers in your life, give some of their handmade, gourmet donuts or some locally-grown coffee to start the day off right. Visit online or at one of their three locations in the Carolinas for a sweet local shopping experience.
Repo Record
Repo Record is a locally-owned record store that sells used rap, metal, and R&B, vinyls, CDs, and cassettes. Perfect for the music lover on your list, give them the perfect album to listen to this holiday season. Learn more about their inventory in-store.
Diamonds Direct
Diamonds Direct has a mission of enhancing the diamond shopping experience. With over 50 designers carried, you are sure to find your perfect diamond or piece of holiday jewelry at Diamonds Direct.
Mood House
Mood House, in Dilworth, is reimagining the traditional massage spa. From easy online booking, to amazing massages, meditation classes and more, you are sure to enjoy Mood House. Gift a family member or a friend a day of relaxation. Local shopping bonus: They also sell locally made holiday candles that make for an excellent gift, too.
Charlotte Candle Company
Opened in 2017, Charlotte Candle Company is owned and operated by the couple Amy and Travis Stock. They are an eco-friendly company that make their candles from all-natural soy wax. What is different about these candles is that they barely produce any smoke.
Evelyn Henson
Evelyn Henson is a solo artist who produces all sorts of goods such as art, accessories, home goods, and even custom jobs. Henson started off on Etsy in 2013 and soon moved on to bigger things.
Infinity Boutique
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Infinity Boutique is sure to wow you with its chic, trendy style and fashion. As a brand, they take pride in keeping up with the latest trends and styles. They also offer sizes from petite to plus.
Windsor Jewelers
Since 1986, this family-owned business has been helping couples get engaged with only the finest quality of diamonds guaranteed to last a lifetime. Windsor Jewelers will help you build your ideal engagement ring for that perfect person in your life. If it is not engagement rings you are looking for this holiday season, however, they also offer a wide variety of other gorgeous diamond jewelry and timepieces.
Reid’s Fine Foods
All over the Carolinas you will find the very distinct Reid’s Fine Foods markets, specializing in superior wines, locally grown produce, baked goods, and beautifully arranged gift baskets. These gift baskets, among the many other products that Reids provides, are the perfect present for the individual in your life with a more refined palate. It’s also your one-stop shop for hosting any holiday soirees: wine, charcuterie, flowers, snacks, and more.
Southern Distilling Company
Found in Statesville, North Carolina, the Southern Distilling Company is home to award-winning spirits such as their ultra-premium bourbons, rye whiskeys, and fruit brandies. Proudly located in the former “liquor capital of the world,” the Southern Distilling Company prides themselves on working with local farmers to bring you an elevated selection of premium liquors. This is a gift for the 21+ person in your life who knows quality when they see it.
southerndistillingcompany.com.
The Zen Succulent
Give the gift of greenery when you shop at The Zen Succulent in Durham. Choose from a variety of locally sourced plants, terrariums, ceramic planters and more! The store is owned by a mother-daughter duo who first set up shop in 2016. At the time, they hoped to bring their love of urban planting and color to life. Each terrarium and plant arrangement is one of a kind. Arrangements incorporate tillandsia air plants and vibrant succulents sure to elevate any home.
Black Mountain Chocolate
Known as the first bean-to-bar chocolate factory in North Carolina, Black Mountain Chocolate offers a variety of treats crafted directly from their ethically sourced cocoa beans! Among their beautifully decorated craft chocolate bars, Black Mountain also creates baked goods, drinking chocolate, coffee, and gift boxes for any occasion. Indulge in some of the richest chocolate in the Carolinas and find your loved ones something sweet.
Abode
Housing all the latest in-home furnishing, décor, and interior accessories, Abode Home layers modern elements and antiques to create unique pieces for any style. Whether you are looking for something fresh and vibrant, or keeping it more classic, local shopping at Abode Home will yield a thoughtful gift to turn any house into a home.
I.C. London
Found in the heart of SouthPark Charlotte, I.C. London is a boutique that offers elegant and sophisticated lingerie, sleepwear, and loungewear. Shoppers can enjoy a variety of sizes and price points to choose from. Plus browse exclusive brands and a wide selection of styles. Whether you are treating yourself or buying something special for someone else, I.C. London is the place to go.
