Shops

Shopping in Wilmington, NC has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. New shopping destinations such as Mayfaire Towne Center, Lumina Station and The Forum Shops have added local and national brands and are thriving. The well established Hanover Center, Independence Mall and Cotton Exchange continue to attract those looking for a nice mix of stores as well. Long Leaf Mall recently had a major face-lift, adding new shops and restaurants and a remodeled Harris Teeter. 

Caravan Beads calls itself A bead lovers paradise, and indeed it is. With more than 1000 square feet of fine quality beads, findings and stringing materials, the Cotton Exchange business has everything the jewelry maker is looking for. They offer a variety of classes, host parties and groups and have work...read more

Enjoy a fine cigar in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere at The Cigar Exchange in historic downtown Wilmington. The locally owned and operated landmark shop features a well stocked walk-in humidor with many different brands. The Cigar Exchange also offers smoking accessories such as lighters, ashtrays, cutters and personal humidors. Stop...read more

The site of the largest cotton-exporting company in the world in the nineteenth century, this collection of eight buildings overlooking the Cape Fear River was converted into a shopping and dining center in the early 1970s. Its renovation marked the beginning of the restoration of downtown Wilmington. Shoppers can enjoy a...read more

Crescent Moon’s motto — ”the only thing here mass produced is originality!” — reveals the essence of this retail gift gallery. Including fine hand-crafted art glass and metal sculpture and showcasing more than 75 artists from North America, several of whom are local to Wilmington or North Carolina, Crescent Moon offers...read more

For jewelry and accessories that are totally fun and affordable, there's no better place in Wilmington than F.I.F.I Jewelry. F.I.F.I. has beautiful costume jewelry, sterling silver bracelets, silicone watches, interchangeable watch bands and faces, rings, earrings, necklaces and pendants that can be monogrammed. They carry Kameleon and many other fun designers....read more

Overlooking the river at the corner of Ann and Water streets, Chandler's Wharf offers appealing shopping and dining opportunities. It began as a ship's chandler office and warehouse in the nineteenth century and was developed by Thomas Henry Wright Jr. in the late 1970s. There was a maritime museum here in...read more

Located near the waterfront at the end of Market Street, this charming boutique offers the latest trends in women's clothing fashions as well as a selection of personalized gifts, jewelry and shoes. Visit Island Passage's other Wilmington location, Island Passage at Lumina Station, 1900 Eastwood Road near Wrightsville Beach, (910) 256-0407....read more

Treat your dog to a treat from My Porch Dawg, Wilmington's gourmet dog treat bakery, available through the Internet, a handful of local shops and the downtown Wilmington and Poplar Grove farmers markets. My Porch Dawg bakes its products with human-grade ingredients and no preservatives, artificial dyes or chemicals. Some of...read more

Treasure hunting starts here! Family owned and newly renovated in 2010, Old Books on Front Street includes more than two miles of books in historic downtown Wilmington. Check out the selection of rare and first editions, new books on local history, children's books, books for reading on the beach (approximately 2,000...read more

The Old Wilmington City Market is a riverfront gem. This historic brick and stucco building, built in 1879, stretches a city block in width between Front and Water streets. From its humble origins as a vegetable market, this old world–style arcade with glass skylights throughout is now a shopping haven featuring...read more

On N. Front Street, just a few blocks from Island Passage Elixir, is the latest Island Passage shop. Return Passage has deeply discounted merchandise from all of the other Island Passage locations, as well as gently worn items. They carry the hottest name brands and styles of once-worn clothing, and their inventory...read more

Rôpa, Etc. is the area's exclusive retailer for such lines as Flax, Comfy, Oh My Gauze!, Chalet and Match Point. This terrific shop also carries Rico and Pure hand-knit sweaters, and Habitat, offering easy-care fabrics with style and comfort guaranteed. Rôpa, Etc. is also known for its unique collection of hand-wrought...read more

This downtown gallery and showroom  offers some of the most original and gorgeous art and furniture in the region. In addition to highlighting the work of local artists and craftsmen, the gallery also features pieces from all over the world. Furniture crafted of African teakwood can be found next to exotic...read more