Retail roundup: The latest on store openings in and around Charlotte

Locally owned retailers and national chains alike continued to open or announce opening plans for Charlotte this fall.

Buying local: Though it’s undoubtedly been a tough two years for most retailers, there’s been an anecdotal shift in strong support for local operators during the pandemic.

• Three in five (58% of) shoppers said at least one small business they frequent has closed, according to a new Wells Fargo survey.
• Nearly three quarters (74%) of holiday shoppers said they’re willing to spend more to support a small business.

We’ve again rounded up a handful of the latest retail news in the area. Some of these tidbits could be particularly helpful for any of y’all who’ve waited until the last minute to shop for Christmas gifts.

• Editor’s note: I said back in April I’d planned to do one of these every month. I think I’ll say we’ll go with running one “semi-regularly” from now on.

Harper & Skyler’s Toys & Sweets, a specialty toy/candy store is now open at Park Road Shopping Center. It’s in a 1,991 square-foot spot near Michaels. (CBJ)

Windsor Fashions, a fast fashion retailer opened at Carolina Place this fall. It’s on the lower level across from Express, the retailer said in a recent statement.

Evolution Aura, a Black-owned luxury candle company, opened at SouthPark in October. The shop sells hand-crafted and soy-based candles, according to a media release. It’s in the Belk/Dillard’s wing next to Francesca’s.

PGA TOUR Superstore is opening its first location in North Carolina this spring in Ballantyne. The 35,640 square-foot store will sell golf, tennis and pickleball accessories, apparel and equipment. Its exact address is 5341 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. (Axios Charlotte)

Sleepy Poet, the beloved longtime local antique store, is now open in its new location, which is about two miles down the road from its original store. (Axios Charlotte)

Paradiso Plant Shop opened in October in Optimist Hall. It’s in a 2,260 square foot space next to Mezeh.

Lowes Foods is opening a new 52,000 square-foot grocery store at Christenbury Village in Concord in early 2023. This follows news from over the summer from the grocer that it’ll also open a store in Huntersville with an entertainment area for parties and other events (Observer)

Moxie Mercantile’s new shop, Betty by Moxie, is now open in Plaza Midwood at 1219 Thomas Ave. (next to House of Africa). Betty specializes in apparel, accessories and kids’ products.

Parachute Home (an upscale home goods store) and Interior Define (a customizable furniture retailer) have signed on as the newest tenants at the Design Center in South End. Both will front Camden Road and are expected to open early next year. (CBJ)

And the following retailers are opening next year at Birkdale Village:

• Apricot Lane: The fashion franchise will open its third North Carolina location in February. The boutique sells women’s apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories and gifts.
• Girl Supply: This is a concept opening in February from the founders of Girl Tribe Co. My colleague Bri Crane describes this new spot as “an Instagrammable, immersive shopping experience. Expect hands-on stations like a balloon bar and DIY candle-making.” A statement from Birkdale said that this concept will also exclusively feature women-owned businesses.
• Lovesac: A technology-driven company that designs, manufactures, and sells furniture like modular couches, foam beanbag chairs and home décor accessories. This’ll be its third location in North Carolina, and it’s opening in the spring.