Fashion-forward boutiques make Charlotte a hotbed for haute couture, and exclusive brands make it a destination for high-end finds. From quirky thrift shops touting vintage gems to outlets offering steep discounts and malls anchored by top retailers, Charlotte’s shopping circuit is a style lover’s secret weapon—and a standout in the Southeast.
SHOPPINGA Guide to Shopping in Charlotte
With so many retail therapy options—from outlet malls to boutiques—Charlotte is shopping central.
Shopping in Charlotte is both a sport and a pastime. The luxury department stores, alfresco spaces, shopping malls, specialty retailers, and bargain outlets located throughout the area give you a great shot at finding whatever’s on your wish list (and discovering exciting little gems that aren’t). Check out some of Charlotte’s go-to shopping spots, where you’ll find designer clothing, stylish accessories, home décor, and more.
Malls
SouthPark Mall
Charlotte’s oldest shopping mall is also one of the region’s largest. Anchored by Nordstrom, Belk, Dillard’s, Macy’s and Neiman Marcus, stores range from high-end luxury, like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., to American Girl and Crate & Barrel. It’s a must-stop for the fashion-forward.
Northlake Mall
Just 10 miles north of Uptown, Northlake is a popular destination for those who value style and a big selection. The 150 retailers include H&M, Michael Kors, White House | Black Market, Banana Republic, and Apple. A 14-screen AMC Northlake 14 movie theater and a variety of restaurants make it easy to spend several blissful hours here.
Carolina Place Mall
This 1.2 million-square-foot mall is located right outside of Charlotte in Pineville, North Carolina, and is anchored by Sears, Belk, JCPenney, Barnes & Noble, and Dillard's. Carolina Place Mall is also home to many unique stores, including American Diva, Francesca's, Garage, and Build-A-Bear Workshop. This diverse mix of classic stores that everyone loves and off-the-beaten-path stores waiting to be explored creates the ultimate shopping experience.
Outlet Malls
Concord Mills
The mix of traditional retailers and outlet stores makes Concord Mills equal parts tourist attraction and super mall. It’s nearly 1.4 million square feet of retail therapy conveniently located off I-85, just a mile from Charlotte Motor Speedway. In addition to getting their retail fix, visitors can also take in unique entertainment options, including SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium or The Speedpark at Concord Mills, which offers go-karts, mini-golf, monster truck rides, and more.
Charlotte Premium Outlets
With more than 100 outlet stores, Charlotte Premium Outlets has something for everyone. Retailers include Steve Madden, Coach Outlet, Nike Factory Outlet, Janie and Jack, Cole Haan, and more. There are also a variety of restaurants and snack shops that allow you to refuel and get back to shopping.
Shopping Complexes
Atherton Mill and Market
Nestled among the hustle and bustle of South End, this reinvented mill space has been transformed to include some of the city’s most-coveted shops and restaurants, including Luna’s Living Kitchen, Free People, Anthropologie, Savory Spice Shop, Brideside and Warby Parker. The adjoining market showcases the best of the region’s small, local farmers, chefs and artisans.
Phillips Place
This European-style outdoor mall offers high-end boutique apparel, like Copper Penny, Luna and Brooks Brothers, exquisite home furnishing havens, like Restoration Hardware, and upscale and casual dining options, like Dean & DeLuca, Upstream and WP Pizza Kitchen + Bar. The pedestrian-friendly setup makes it a prime place for people-watching.
Shoppes at University Place
A tranquil lake setting is a backdrop for the more than 38 clothing, electronic, and home retailers that set up shop here. Dine at one of a dozen casual restaurants, including Boardwalk Billy’s, House of Leng, and Tijuana Flats, take a paddleboat ride or soak up the music at the annual summer concert series.
Hickory Furniture Mart
The Mart houses nearly 100 galleries, stores, and outlets and features approximately 1,000 premier furniture lines in a mix of factory outlets, custom showrooms, and private galleries on four levels. Searching for home furnishings, accessories, lighting or artwork? In need of design services? You’ll find them here—and at heavily discounted North Carolina prices, no less!
Metropolitan
This mixed-use area near Uptown offers condos, dining, chic boutiques, and salons, along with major retailers, like Lipp Boutique, West Elm, Best Buy, Marshalls, and Trader Joe’s. During the spring and the fall, catch-free Thursday night concerts while you shop. And pull up a seat for fancy eats at Dressler’s Restaurant and Vivace Charlotte.
StoneCrest at Piper Glen
A variety of appealing retail (think Apricot Lane), dining (check out Basil Thai, Smashburger, and Flying Biscuit Café), and the Regal 22 Cinemas movie theater in one location draws crowds to this South Charlotte venue. The Summer Concert Series has become a hot ticket for Friday and Saturday nights, too.
Specialty Shops on the Park
Varied retailers and great restaurants, like Williams-Sonoma, Talbots, Ivy & Leo, Beside Manor, Bricktop’s, Paco’s Tacos & Tequila, and Toscano, anchor this open-air mall nestled right across the street from SouthPark Mall.
Blakeney
Specialty shops and retail chain stores fill this upscale shopping center with clothing shops for men and women, home goods, entertainment, sports, and fine dining. Look for Bevello, Vestique, Mud Pie Monograms, and Gifts, Handpicked and more for fashionable finds, and 131 Main, Chop’t, and Hazelnuts Creperie, among many others, for tasty bites.
Ballantyne Village
Charlotteans and visitors alike flock to this three-story South Charlotte shopping and entertainment venue for dining, salon, and spa treatments, and to see the latest Hollywood blockbuster in the art-house theater. It’s also the perfect place to find that special, distinctive gift. Check out Mellow Mushroom, Gusto! and the Blue Taj for lunch, and pick up goodies at The Cheeky Bean, Nouveaux, and GoldKloth Boutique.
Neighborhood Boutiques
Visiting the city’s boutiques by neighborhood is the best way to get in touch with the local vibe. The city’s diverse population is echoed in each of these enclaves. From NoDa to Dilworth, the shops in each are perfect for every kind of personality.
NoDa
Known as the Queen City’s arts district, this neighborhood features some of the city’s more eclectic shops, including Summerbird, Ruby’s Gift and Elle C. Luxury.
South Park
Looking for upscale clothiers and boutiques? You can find Capitol, Boem, Taylor Richards & Conger and Sloanall in this Charlotte corridor.
Midtown
If you’re out running afternoon errands nearby, check out Criv or Lipp Boutique in this shopping district right outside Uptown.
Dilworth
On a short stroll along this neighborhood’s main drag, East Boulevard, you’ll find Revolution Clothiers & Co., Mackenzie Claire and Vestique.
South End
Whilst having brunch at some of the city’s favorite eateries, stop by Blue Hem, Clair de Lune or Bead Me by Linda Minor, among this ‘hood’s other shops.
Plaza Midwood
Visit this Charlotte neighborhood for the nightlife but don’t miss the shopping at places like Social Status, Green with Envy, Black Sheep Skate Shop and Moxie Mercantile.
Uptown
Those who frequent Center City will enjoy dropping into Blis, The Beehive, Ivy & Leo, or Abbeydale on a lunch break or for an after-work shopping spree.
Myers Park
Enjoy an afternoon strolling along between this historic neighborhood’s finest storefronts, including Tabor, Monkee’s of Charlotte and The Sporting Gent.
Vintage & Consignment Shops
When it comes to throwback threads and vintage wonders, Charlotte’s got the scene thoroughly covered. From consignment shops to thrift stores, there’s something for everyone—from every bygone era.
J.T. Posh
Pop over to Park Road, where this self-proclaimed “savviest consignment shop” features brands that include J.Crew, Tory Burch, and Lilly Pulitzer.
Buffalo Exchange
This trendy, recycled fashion location in Plaza Midwood sells in-season threads that range from current treads to designer, leather, and one-of-a-kind pieces.
FROCK Shop
Housed inside a remodeled Victorian home off Central Avenue, this quippy storefront features art, accessories and clothing find that are equally memorable and chic.
Revolve
Another upscale shop—this time with the gents in mind—showcases shirts, sport coats, and slacks from favorites, including Brooks Brothers, Hugo Boss, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Sweet Repeats
Those in need of essential wardrobe pieces, like a DVF wrap dress or Louis Vuitton carryall, look no further than this East Boulevard boutique tucked away behind 300 East.
The Rat’s Nest
Not quite what the name may suggest, this NoDa storefront is the epitome of cool, funky finds, including leather jackets, vintage ringer tees, and an assortment of cowboy boots that call adventurous shoppers.
Sleepy Poet Antique Mall
If vintage furniture and homewares are more your speed, spend an afternoon perusing the aisles of this seller’s market at your leisure.