[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Asheville

Shopping in Asheville offers a unique experience in South Carolina! In the bustling downtown area, you’ll find independently owned shops selling handcrafted and curated goods, such as glassware, jewelry, furniture, and wall art. 

West Asheville and the River Arts District also have a bohemian vibe, with over 200 studios open. For foodies, there are plenty of farmers’ markets offering homemade items like honey, jams, chocolates, and cheeses.

The Best Places to Go Shopping in Asheville

1. Asheville Outlets Shopping Center

The Asheville Outlets mall opened a few years ago and has become very popular. It offers a wide selection of national retailers and is only getting bigger. Located at the intersection of I-26 at Brevard Road, the mall is 6 miles from Biltmore and 7 miles from downtown Asheville. It is also conveniently situated near the NC Arboretum and Blue Ridge Parkway, making it the perfect spot to stop after hiking or exploring waterfalls. Moreover, the mall is a great place for holiday shopping. 

The mall used to be enclosed, but it has since been transformed into a beautiful open-air shopping village. There are over 70 outlets, including Field & Stream, West Elm, and Restoration Hardware. There is also an indoor food court with various restaurants. Furthermore, the village has many special events and sales throughout the year. While it is dog-friendly, not all stores allow pets. A Pet Way Station with water and grass is located behind West Elm Outlet for owners who want to bring their dogs.

2. BILTMORE VILLAGE

This attractive neighborhood near the Biltmore Estate is home to many quaint Tudor storefronts, which house various specialty shops. Here, one can find art, jewelry, antiques, clothing, furniture stores, and sidewalk cafes where you can stop for a bite to eat. The retailers in this area include Interiors of Asheville, Curtis Wright Outfitters, Constance Boutique, the Gardener’s Cottage, and Olde World Christmas Shoppe.

3. Grove Arcade

Located in Downtown Asheville, the Grove Arcade is a 1920s Gothic Revival building that covers an entire city block. This shopping mall offers many local businesses, from fashion boutiques and jewelry stores to art galleries and craft shops. 

You can find handmade clothes, jewelry, paintings, musical instruments, and farm products at the Makers Market at the southern end of the arcade. Additionally, Restaurant Row is home to open-air eateries, wine bars, and grab-and-go items. The Grove Arcade is 0.2 miles south of the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon, and Martyr.

4. Swannanoa River Road

Swannanoa River Road is an ideal destination for antique shopping in the Asheville area. Located near the Historic Biltmore Village, the road has around ten stores and small malls filled with antiques and vintage items. 

Visitors can easily spend hours exploring the different stores and their offerings; for example, Antique Tobacco Barn is a popular destination, with 75 separate dealers in its 77,000-square-foot barn. Bryant Antiques is another great option, boasting 70 dealers in a maze of rooms featuring various antiques and vintage pieces.

5. River Arts District

Located just a short distance from downtown Asheville, the River Arts District is a mile-long stretch providing a great opportunity to support local artists. Spanning 23 former industrial and historical buildings, the area boasts an array of art galleries and studios featuring an impressive variety of artwork, including paintings, ceramics, and handmade jewelry. 

While there are no set open times for the galleries, visitors can find many open studios with resident artists throughout the year. Furthermore, some galleries offer classes and events for those interested in getting involved in the art scene.

6. West Asheville

West Asheville is an edgy neighborhood across the French Broad River and is home to the 2-mile-long main street of Haywood Road. The combination of renovated old buildings and local businesses creates a small-town ambiance, making it an ideal destination for those searching for second-hand and unconventional items.

Visitors can explore dozens of consignment shops, vintage boutiques, record stores, and a range of restaurants serving American fare, pubs with live music, and charming bakeries. Furthermore, the WNC Farmers Market can be found here, which is a covered bazaar that offers local produce, handicrafts, and plants on a daily basis.

7. Asheville City Market

The Asheville City Market is held on Saturday mornings in Downtown Asheville. It provides a platform for local growers to sell their fruits, vegetables, and farm-raised meat. In addition, you can purchase homemade pastries, honey, cheese, and jams from other vendors, making them ideal gifts for food lovers. 

The market also offers live music and kid-friendly workshops if the weather is nice. Furthermore, there is another Asheville City Market in Biltmore Park Town Square which takes place on Wednesdays from noon to 4 pm (April–October).

8. Lexington Avenue

Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Lexington Avenue is a vibrant urban thoroughfare with over 200 locally-owned shops, bars, and restaurants. The street is perfect for walking, with trees and wide brick sidewalks. Visitors can explore everything from retro fashion boutiques and vinyl record shops to bookstores and antique sellers. 

There is also plenty of entertainment on the avenue, such as the annual arts festival and the Downtown After five concert series. If you’re looking for a unique drink or a delicious meal, you’ll find plenty of speakeasies serving craft cocktails and independent restaurants between the shops.

9. Asheville Mall

Asheville Mall is a beloved shopping destination in the city of Asheville. It features over 100 stores, and its anchor stores are Sears, Belk, Dillard’s, and JCPenney. All of these stores offer affordable and fashionable clothing for the whole family, as well as accessories, cosmetics, and home décor.

The mall also has many recognizable brands, such as H&M, Banana Republic, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bauer, Yankee Candle Co, and Victoria’s Secret. There is also a Barnes & Noble bookstore and the Fox-N-Otter escape room if you want something different.

In terms of dining, Asheville Mall has something for everyone. Popular options include Starbucks, Chic-fil-A, and Auntie Anne’s. With so many different shopping and dining options, it’s no wonder that Asheville Mall is a favorite destination among locals and visitors alike.

Shopping in Asheville FAQ

What is the main shopping street in Asheville?

Lexington Avenue is the main shopping street in downtown Asheville, offering the biggest variety of shops for a full day of shopping.

Does Asheville have shopping?

Yes, Asheville has shopping! You can take a leisurely stroll through the city’s tree-lined shopping districts to discover unique independent bookstores, vintage apparel shops, craft galleries, and other specialty stores that you won’t find anywhere else.

Where to go in Asheville to shop?

The top ten places to go shopping in Asheville include the Grove Arcade, the Asheville Mall, Lexington Avenue, Biltmore Village, the Asheville City Market, West Asheville, and the River Arts District, as well as the Asheville Outlets.

Is downtown Asheville worth visiting?

Yes, Downtown Asheville is worth visiting. Due to the city’s large artistic population, there are many unique boutiques and stylish studios to explore. Furthermore, there are countless bars and music venues to enjoy, making Downtown Asheville one of the most exciting and lively places to visit in North Carolina.