Where To Shop Local In Downtown Raleigh (27 Small Indie Retailers) | This Is Raleigh (2024)

We’re big fans of supporting our local businesses here in Raleigh, and have been shopping local in downtown Raleigh since we moved here in 2004.

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

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

Logan’s is a popular family-owned and operated neighborhood garden center, located in the renovated Seaboard Railroad Station.

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.

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

• Address: 707 Semart Dr, Raleigh
• Website: Logantrd.com

2. Designed for Joy

What a wonderful concept and store Designed for Joy is. This nonprofit provides second chance employment to vulnerable women coming from trafficking, homelessness, time in prison, overcoming addiction or other vulnerable situations.

Each of the different makers and artisans are paid a living wage and taught skills to create the Designed for Joy brand of jewelry, handbags, and home decor.

In April 2024, they opened a second store in North Hills. You can now visit their 5,000 sq. foot production studio, which is still located in downtown, or visit their shops in North Hills Innovation District.

• Address: 517 W Cabarrus St SUITE A, Raleigh
• Website: DesignedForJoy.com

3. Escazu Chocolates

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.

• Address: 936 N Blount St, Raleigh
• Website: EscazuChocolates.com

4. DECO

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!

• Address: 207 S Salisbury St, Raleigh
• Website: DecoRaleigh.com

5. Curate

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.

• Address: 15 W Hargett St, Raleigh
• Website: TrianglePopUp.com/curate

6. Nashona

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.

• Address: 21 W Hargett St, Raleigh
• Website: Nashona.com

7. Munjo Munjo

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.

• Address: 20 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
• Website: https://www.munjomunjo.com/

8. Unorthodox Vintage

Unorthodox Vintage is a great success story from the Pop Ups on Martin St. It’s a vintage and secondhand clothing store on Wilmington St. It pops with color and style and is a fun place to shop, for clothes and vintage items.

• Address: 206 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, Nc 27601·
• Website: https://www.instagram.com/unorthodoxvintage/

Discover more Black-owned independent businesses in Raleigh to support.

9. Young Hearts Distilling

If you know any Agave, Vodka or Gin fans out there, take note.

Young Hearts Distilling is not only downtown Raleigh’s First Distillery & Restaurant, created by the folks behind Trophy Brewing, but you can pop in like we did and buy a bottle of their house-made spirits – Caroline is a fan of Agave!

You can also learn about the distilling process and taste craft co*cktails made in-house!

• Address: 225 S Wilmington St, Raleigh
• Website:https://www.trophybrewing.com/young-hearts-distilling

10. Pop-Up Shops on Martin St

Another excellent concept for those who want to shop local Raleigh!

This pop-up retail store program’s goal is to provide affordable retail space in a desirable location within Downtown Raleigh to minority-and-women-owned businesses.

Here, up-and-coming retailers can also participate in business counseling opportunities to grow their business through StartUp at Wake Tech.

• Address: 17 E Martin St, Raleigh
• Website: DowntownRaleigh.org

11. Artikle 74 Clothing Company

Artikle 74 Clothing Companyon South St is a one-stop shop for custom design clothing, screen printing and logo design.

Their ideas and concepts are inspired by pop culture, music, sports, our history, and theirown ideals.

• Address: 602 W South St, Raleigh, NC 27603 ·
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/artikle74customclothing

12. 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!

• Address: 610 W South St, Raleigh, NC 27603
• Website: https://www.sircastleteees.com/

13. 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.

• Address: 412 S McDowell St, Raleigh
• Website: EaldwineRaleigh.com

14. Hunky Dory Record Store

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 have locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham, and sell both second-hand and new vinyl records.

Raleigh is the smallest of their stores, but that doesn’t mean it has less to offer Raleigh consumers.

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

• Address: 111 Seaboard Ave STE 116, Raleigh
• Website: HunkyDoryDurham.com

15. Edge of Urge Boutique Store

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!

• Address: 215 E Franklin St #110, Raleigh
• Website: EdgeofUrge.com

16. Unlikely Professionals (Men’s General Store)

Unlikely Professionals is a Men’s General Store offering a full selection of clothing, accessories, shoes, and apothecary, plus the full beer and wine bar!

Walk across the street from Edge of Urge, go down the ramp and inside the old bike repair shop to this part dive bar, part retail store that’s a cool concept.

• Address: 212 E Franklin St, Raleigh
• Website: EdgeofUrge.com

17. 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!

• Address: 704 N Person St, Raleigh
• Website: SoAndSoBooks.com

18. Wine Authorities Wine Shop

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.

• Address: 211 E Franklin St, Raleigh
• Website: Raleigh.WineAuthorities.com

19. 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.

• Address: 329 Blake St #1801, Raleigh
• Website: UnleashedMutt.com

20. 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!

• Address: 319 W Martin St, Raleigh
• Website: RaleighWorkshop.com

21. Tasty Beverage Company

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.

• Address: 327 W Davie St #106, Raleigh
• Website: TastyBeverageco.com/raleigh

22. Pelagic Beer & Wine

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!

• Address: 300 Pace St, Raleigh
• Website: PelagicBeerAndWine.com

23. Endless Grind Skate Shop

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!

• Address: 424 W Peace St, Raleigh
• Website: EndlessGrind.com

24. Videri Chocolate Factory

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!

• Address: 327 W Davie St, Raleigh
• Website: Viderichocolatefactory.com

25. Father & Son Antiques

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.

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.

• Address: 302 S West St, Raleigh
• Website: FatherAndSonRaleigh.com

26. Oak City Cycling

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.

• Address: 707 N Person St, Raleigh
• Website: OakCityCycling.com

27. 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 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.

• Address: 120 South Wilmington Street, Suite 125, NC27601
• Website: https://www.instagram.com/oneforall_thrift/

Final Thoughts

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.