[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a verifiable shopping mecca. As the capital of the state and a major commercial hub of the east, the city is full of bustling outlets for retail cravings. From chic fashion to antiques, memorabilia, and gifts, there is something for everyone. 

For shopaholics looking to make the most of their time in the city, the majority of retailers are located in the Uptown area. However, plenty of whimsical options are scattered throughout the suburbs as well. To help make the most of your visit, here are some of the best places to go shopping in Charlotte.

The Best Places for Shopping in Charlotte

1. BIRKDALE VILLAGE

Birkdale Village is a cozy Main Street-style development located in the heart of Huntersville, North Carolina, that features a variety of mixed-use dwellings. This urban village offers luxury apartments, office space, retail, restaurant, and entertainment options. Popular stores include Pier 1, Victoria’s Secret, Barnes & Noble, and Gymboree. 

The village also features a 16-screen movie theater. Birkdale Village encourages folks to leave their cars parked and stroll the tree-lined sidewalks to all the shops and attractions. It is an experience that is reminiscent of the vibrant town centers found in many European countries.

2. SOUTHPARK MALL

SouthPark is one of Charlotte’s most exclusive real estate centers and is well-known for its fashion and style. It has long been considered one of the top malls in the Southeast and has adapted to changing trends. 

Many specialty shops are located in the mall, such as Anthropologie, Apple, MontBlanc, and Origins. SouthPark also has several anchor stores, including Belk, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus. These stores offer shoppers various options, making SouthPark a unique and special shopping experience.

3. Charlotte Premium Outlets

Charlotte Premium Outlets is a great destination for bargain hunters. It is located in a peaceful residential area, quite a distance away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown. Here, you can find discounted merchandise from well-known brands such as Nike, Levi, and PUMA. The store offers last season’s stock at incredibly low prices.

The outlet has ample parking space, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot. The food court is a great option if you need to grab a bite to eat. There are plenty of casual dining options available. To avoid the large crowds, locals recommend visiting on a weekday.

4. Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market

The Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market is a great destination for locally sourced produce. On Saturdays, the market is bustling with small-scale farmers and artisanal manufacturers from around the region selling their fresh fruits, veggies, jams, cheese, bread, honey, and other goodies. 

During the warmer months, the selection of products is more abundant than in the winter. In addition, there is plenty of onsite parking available, so there is no need to arrive early to secure a spot.

5. Vestique

In 2010, Morgan Lashley and Caroline Dunham, college best friends, were both stuck in corporate jobs they hated. After hours of researching online boutiques, the pair decided to start their store, Vestique, to help other women find affordable and on-trend looks. While still holding down their office jobs, they dedicated countless late-night hours to get Vestique off the ground. 

Their highest-volume store is located in Dilworth and has earned the loyalty of fans who want to look cool without breaking the bank. Vestique carries whatever is trending on Instagram or among circles of friends, and prices are reasonable so customers can regularly refresh their closets or try something daring. The store is all about embracing personal style and having fun while doing it.

6. KK Bloom Boutique

KK Bloom offers a bright shopping experience with designer brands and more affordable lines. Its selection of brands includes BB Dakota, Show Me Your Mumu, Citizens of Humanity, Cupcakes & Cashmere, MinkPink, and Kendra Scott. No matter what you’re looking for, you can expect colorful, feminine, and fresh clothing items.

When shopping at KK Bloom, you can find looks for date nights, casual weekend adventures, and your next vacation in one spot. The store provides an all-around delightful experience, so take your time as you browse, and don’t be afraid to ask the team for input if you need help deciding what to buy.

7. Paper Skyscraper

Paper Skyscraper is a unique shop located just south of the center of Charlotte. It is full of oddball treasures, eccentric calendars and cards, and a substantial selection of literature beyond your bestsellers. It also has a kooky collection of kids’ toys unlike anything you have ever seen. 

It is worth spending at least 30 minutes here to browse the site as the owners rotate their stock throughout the year. You will likely find something new even if you are a repeat shopper.

8. The Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

Sleepy Poet Antique Mall is a massive 60,000-square-foot space filled with unique treasures. There is something for everyone, from 19th-century photographs to Trolls dolls from the ’80s. Shopping in this space is like taking a step back in time. You can spend hours wandering the aisles, imagining the pieces at home.

This is the place to go for those in the market for original artwork. Furniture, home decor, vintage toys, and other hard-to-find items are available. An upcycled bar made from the front end of an old truck also adds to the experience. With such a staggering variety of items, a visit to Sleepy Poet Antique Mall is sure to be a memorable one.

9. OMJ Clothing

Ole Mason Jar is a men’s boutique that stands out for its unique offerings. Specializing in suits, shirting, and accessories, the store offers customers the chance to customize their items with a special touch, like a favorite sports team’s logo on the lining. 

The atmosphere at Ole Mason Jar is quite inviting. In addition to a fully stocked bar with rare bottles of bourbon, the store also offers music from an old-school record player. This encourages customers to take their time to browse, even if they’re not planning to purchase. 

When customers are ready to invest in a piece that will last for years, Ole Mason Jar offers custom-tailored sports coats for the perfect fit. With so many options and a comfortable atmosphere, Ole Mason Jar is the place to go for a unique shopping experience.