Where to Shop Local In Downtown Raleigh (23 Small Indie Retailers)

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We’re big fans of supporting our local businesses here in Raleigh, and downtown is the place to go for independent stores that offer something unique, boutique, or quintessentially Raleigh. The local shops in Raleigh blend the old-school Southern charm with an innovative and forward-thinking ethos, which are two things that that Raleigh is known for intertwining seamlessly.

Some indie booksellers to jewelery makers to artisan bakers, Raleigh’s boutique owners curate collections that feel intensely personal, not just in what they offer, but in the vibe of their stores where you can enjoy conversation, community events, and products that come with personal stories.

A person standing in a clothes store
Nashoma on Hargett Street

While big national chains offer convenience, there’s something special about supporting small retailers who have put their passion and soul into their business. By supporting small retailers in Raleigh, you’re not only contributing to the local economy but you’re connecting to the community. You’re also more likely to find boutique, unique, or one-of-a-kind products that make for ideal gifts.

If you want to support our local retailers, but are not sure where they are or who to look out for, below are some of our favorite local shops that we like to support!

Table Of Contents
  1. Local Retailers in Raleigh
  2. 12. The Newsagents
  3. Podcast with Moon Audio (Revealing our favorite vinyls)
  4. Final thoughts

Local Retailers in Raleigh

Here are our recommendations for local shopping in Raleigh downtown whether you are looking for clothing, books, holiday gifts, plants, wine and beer, records, handbags, bikes, skateboards and much more. 

1. Logan’s One Stop Garden Shop

woman holding flowers logan's garden shop
Garden lovers go here.

Logan’s is a popular family-owned and operated neighborhood garden center, recently relocated to the Raleigh State Farmers Market.

Operated by the Logan family since 1965, their name says it all, a One Stop Garden Shop – from flowers to fountains, houseplants to outdoor furniture, plus unique gifts and accessories.

woman standing in archway of logans gardens in farmers market
woman and man walking through logans garden

If you love supporting local nurseries, go here for friendly and helpful staff who go the extra mile to help you with your purchases.

2. Escazu Chocolates

Escazu Chocolates, Raleigh
Escazu Chocolates, Raleigh

Chocolate lovers rejoice! This bean-to-bar chocolate maker-chocolatier sources high quality cacao beans from Latin America, working directly with the farms.

Their confections are made with their chocolate and sourcing local ingredients such as Maple View Farm Cream and Counter Culture Coffee.  They offer nearly a dozen unique chocolate bars, like their Goats Milk Bar, plus a large variety of confections. 

Bring the kids and create an assorted confection box (from 2-24 pieces). I liked their White Chocolate Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Ganache. Oh, and their Peppermint Marshmallows are a hit for dipping in a cup of hot chocolate.  There’s also a coffee bar and ice cream.

Escazu Chocolates, Raleigh

3. DECO

A city store front with a building in the background

We’ve always enjoyed browsing DECO for gift-giving inspiration, and for our own home. Rather than shopping with large corporations and chain stores, shopping at DECO means you can find gifts by local makers, meaning every item is unique to Raleigh.

Pop into this local handmade gift shop and gallery that stocks hundreds of locally made gifts, housewares, books and cards from more than 75 local artisans and makers.

There is a seriously unique and creative selection of gifts here you’ll be happy to give! It’s the perfect place to shop during the holiday season!

A display in a store
A store filled with lots of produce

4. Curate

a store with a display of bags

Curate showcase over 60 local artists in their cute and cozy downtown Raleigh storefront with a nice collection of handmade goods. Artists rotate monthly so there is always a reason to stop by for something new. Popular items include candles, jewelry and homemade sauces. They also always have free art classes and drinks every month for First Friday.

a jewelry display
A group of items on a table for sale

5. Nashona

a rack of dresses in a clothing store

Looking for unique and elegant clothing and accessories? Nashona is the place to go for local boutiques and unique fashion. Their products are handcrafted with vibrant African fabrics from Tanzania.

Founded in 2013 by Lilian Danieli, Nashona is based out of Goldsboro and seeks to promote the beautiful prints and textiles of Tanzania while also supporting its local artisans. And a portion of all sales goes to benefit the Shalom Orphanage in Karatu, Tanzania.

a table of jewelry
jewelry for sale

6. Munjo Munjo

cat painting on shelf
green storefront

Munjo Munjo is owned and operated by a Latinx artist. This design studio highlights women and BIPOC artists, through collaborative works, live art events, and other opportunities.

Inside are Munjo branded gear and products from local artists and creators. We often pop in here to see what new designs they have. We love their stickers, mugs and graphic tees.

7. Sir Castle Tees

Also on South St is Sir Castle Tees, a popular shoe store that sells new and used Jordan’s, Yeezy’s and more. We also customize shoes and beyond with character and designs that change color with heat or UV light!

8. Ealdwine

Guys, if you’re looking for an upscale men’s store in Raleigh downtown, consider Ealdwine.

Opened in 2019, they are known to feature Alden Shoes, an upscale footwear brand, plus offer a well curated assortment of some of the finest brands in the menswear industry.

Plus accessories including unique socks and leather goods.

9. Hunky Dory Record Store

Hunky Dory Records, Raleigh

Our old hobby of playing records has been ignited, and our favorite record store in Raleigh is Hunky Dory. I mean, what’s better than browsing through vinyl collections with a local craft beer in your hand? I can’t think of a better way to spend your hard-earned money!

Hunky Dory has locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham, and sell both second-hand and new vinyl records. Their Raleigh Iron Works location is their latest store after relocating from Seaboard station. This is a great location to spend the afternoon in as RIW has some cool vibes!

Choose from one of 12 craft beers, and browse through their epic collection of pop, rock, country, blues, folk, motown and so much more…!

Hunky Dory Records, Raleigh
Hunky Dory Records, Raleigh

Alternatively, see our post on the best record stores in Raleigh. 

10. Edge of Urge Boutique Store

a store with a variety of products

If you’re familiar with Two Roosters Ice cream and Standard Beer in the North Person Street neighborhood, then between them is the Edge of Urge boutique store.

They specialize in handmade and independent designer clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories. Who knows, you may even discover the next big designer while shopping at this retailer!

11. So & So Books

so so books mothers day raleigh gifts
So So books

If you like supporting small independent local bookstores like we do, also pop into So & So Books who carry a carefully curated selection of the store owners favorite titles in all the major genres that you probably won’t find easily elsewhere.

We bought Matthew McConaughey’s new book, Greenlights, here! What’s more, if they don’t stock a book you love, then you can put in a request, and they usually have it in stock within 1-2 business days!

12. Wine Authorities Wine Shop

woman looking at bottles in Wine Authorities, Raleigh
Wine Authorities

Wine Authorities Wine Shop is an independent wine store showcasing small, family owned wineries and up-and-coming winegrowers around the world – and no wines over $50. 

They have friendly and knowledgeable staff. There’s a tasting bar with 24 wines to taste on their Enomatic wine dispensing machines, plus a cheese deli section. And, free wine tastings every week: Saturdays 12-3pm.

Wine bottles on shelf
cheese on display

Check out these wine bars to love in Raleigh.

13. Unleashed (dog & cat store)

Unleashed (dog & cat store)

If you’re a dog or cat owner, be sure to check out Unleashed in City Market.  This locally owned and popular store stocks an excellent range of treats and chews, plus the best collars, leashes and pet toys in Raleigh.

As soon as we got our cats (first pets) two years ago, we became loyal customers of Unleashed.

Unleashed (dog & cat store)

14. Raleigh Denim Workshop + Curatory

This is a cool story. Raleigh Denim Workshop began with the idea of making the perfect pair of jeans. After years of obsessing over how to make the perfect pair, they are now one of the top jeansmiths in the region!

Each pair of jeans has been handsigned, because they are proud of their products.

Located in the front of their workshop, the Curatory stocks the complete Raleigh Denim collection, as well as other exclusive well-crafted collections. They’re not the cheapest pair of jeans, but high quality, and certainly unique! 

15. Tasty Beverage Company

Tasty Beverage Company, Raleigh

This is a great specialty retail beer store located in the refurbished train depot in the Warehouse District of Downtown. It’s Raleigh’s very first bottleshops, and is now a beloved member of the small business community!

It might be small in size but laid out well and offers a great selection of North Carolina beers and a wide range of other bottled beers from around the world. Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.

16. Pelagic Beer & Wine

people sitting outside Pelagic Beer & Wine, Raleigh

Pelagic Beer & Wine is another super cool craft retail beer store and tasting room popular with the locals in the Mordecai/Oakwood community!

Founded in 2015 by local North Carolinians, they offer an extensive selection of craft beer, wine and cider to take home or enjoy in their tasting room, and we love their community spirit as they only sell beer from independent craft breweries in our state and region!

shelves of drinks in a store

17. Endless Grind Skate Shop

rows of skateboards in store

This skater owned and operated skateboard shop was founded by professional skateboarder and North Carolina native Reggie Barnes in 1986.

Great selection of shoes such as Vans and Converse, plus skateboard decks, wheels, trucks and all your skating accessories. They have friendly and knowledgeable staff who know all the local skating spots in local counties too!

skate shoes on shelf Endless Grind Skate Shop, Raleigh

17. Videri Chocolate Factory

small chocolates in case

Another excellent choice for chocolate lovers. At Videri Chocolate Factory you can go behind the scenes and tour the fully-operational retail space, or just sample yummy chocolates right at the counter. 

Check out their gift boxes. We bought their Holly Holiday Gift Box (6oz Hot Chocolate Mix, a Classic Dark Chocolate Bar + Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar).

They also offer soft serve ice cream, and one of the best coffee shops in downtown Raleigh, Black & White, is in the same building!

Videri Chocolate gift box
Videri Chocolate Factory gift box

18. Father & Son Antiques

a girl looking at vinyls in a record store

If browsing antique and thrift stores is your thing, put the 10,000 square foot Father & Sons on your list of places for shopping in Raleigh especially if you love thrift shopping.

They offer everything from modern furnishings, vintage clothing and accessories, to records and books. They have one of the best vintage clothing selections in Raleigh.

19. Oak City Cycling

exterior of Oak City Cycling, Raleigh

Looking to buy a quality bike? Oak City Cycling is a local, independent cycling shop focused on service, outreach and community.

They have a main focus on steel frame bikes, because steel bikes are strong, lightweight, and durable, plus carbon, aluminum and titanium bikes. These guys sell new and used bikes as well as accessories and components.

They also do custom build, service and repairs. This is a great local business to support during Bike Month in Raleigh – they have social rides and more!

20. One For All Thrift

Opening their store on Wilmington Street at the end of April 2024, One for All Thrift is one of the newest independent thrift stores to open in downtown and it’s already seeing a flurry of customers!

This is a small, black-owned business selling second hand, thrifted fashion. For all vintage fashion lovers, this is the shop you could spend hours diving through the rails of.

21. Blackbird Books & Coffee

Blackbird Books & Coffee in City Market near Moore Square s an LGBTQIA-friendly haven for book lovers, coffee aficionados, and anyone wanting to feel seen and accepted. This indie bookstore has been openly supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community and has a curated collection of queer literature to choose from, as well as hosting a Queer Book Club once a month. Enjoy locally roasted coffee in a space that’s both cozy and celebrates creativity, inclusivity, and connection. Is there anything better than books and coffee? Keep reading …

22. Bright Side Books & Wine

if you wanted something a little stronger than your wine, then head to the new Brightside Books & Wine in the West End (near Boult3ed Brad, and beside the Bike Library) .

As the name suggests this gathering spot is in a bright, comfortable space filled with curated romance reads (especially indie authors and local favorites), cozy seating, thoughtful wine pairings, and room to gather, browse, and belong. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time – and maybe find a new favorite author or a new friend.

Plans are in the worls for book clubs, author events, trivia nights, page-turner paint nights, and dreamy themed celebrations like ‘Enemies to Lovers Night’ or ‘Cozy Season Kickoff. I can’t wait to visit. At the time of writing this, it’s literally three days old!

12. The Newsagents

vinyls in newsagents
newsagents raleigh

New to Downtown Raleigh this year is the unique Newsagents, a nostalgic throwback to the world off physical media – the good old days. Their mission is good: “aid in the rediscovery, restoration, and preservation of the culture that is being actively flattened or destroyed by digital algorithms.” I agree with them that algorithms are killing art, soul, and originality.

It’s a fun store where you can browse used books, comics, movies, and magazines as well as records! The collection is small, but I liked what they had out in their bins. There’s also a small listening station with a turntable and headphone! It’s a vibe!

Podcast with Moon Audio (Revealing our favorite vinyls)

🌍 Caroline & Craig Makepeace of This Is Raleigh traveled 50+ countries before calling Raleigh home. 🎵 Now they’re sharing the vinyl records that scored the journey – and the memories behind every groove. 🎶 Discover how their journey shaped their appreciation for sound quality, and the nostalgia of retro music, including some 80s music hits from their travels. 👇

Final thoughts

A woman window shopping
Edge of Urge on E Franklin St

As business owners ourselves and passionate Raleigh residents, we love supporting the local small businesses that are such an important part of the community.

Small businesses offer a unique charm and culture to the city and they play a big part in what makes Raleigh, well, Raleigh!

Downtown is accessible too, meaning you can get around by either walking, using the bicycle renting service Cardinal Bikeshare, or riding an electric scooter. You can read more about Raleigh’s public transportation here.

I hope this list helps you have a fun day of shopping around the independent stores in Raleigh! If you’re planning to visit Raleigh and need accommodation, check out these downtown Raleigh hotels. 

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2 thoughts on “Where to Shop Local In Downtown Raleigh (23 Small Indie Retailers)”

  1. Kelly

    This is a great list – we haven’t ventured into Raleigh for shopping yet. For an absolutely newbie, which ‘shopping street’ would you recommend we hit up first if we were looking for unique/local? We are good for big brand shops. We are missing an area to just walk around and chill in some shops with ‘something different’.

    Reply

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