Making your store shopping list? Here’s what’s new for the holidays in Charlotte
As the holiday shopping season officially kicks off in traditional Black Friday fashion this week, Charlotte-area shopping centers have new places and ways to shop.
Charlotte shoppers are expected to spend $1,517, which is as much or more than last year, The Charlotte Observer reported from a survey by industry research firm Deloitte.
And, like recent years since the pandemic, retailers have been making changes that focus on convenience for consumers and rolling out new concepts with stores within stores.
Shopping on Black Friday? Why buying an air fryer is a better deal than a 60-inch TV
More convenience
Along with new stores, Charlotte-area malls also have added new convenience features such as a rideshare spot at Concord Mills mall and Charlotte Premium Outlets in Steele creek. Both are owned by Simon, which also launched Simon Search at SouthPark mall, an online tool used to check store inventory before leaving home.
Stores within stores
Several retailers also forged shop-in-shop partnerships in the Charlotte region, including national retailers Sephora at Kohl’s and Toys R Us at Macy’s at SouthPark and Northlake malls.
Texas-based home goods store Conn’s debuted at Charlotte Belk locations. The iconic hometown department store chain’s SouthPark mall flagship store was the launch site for Christian Siriano and Gloria Vanderbilt’s size-inclusive denim collection. About 100 people came out on a rainy evening to meet Siriano, fashion designer and “Project Runway” TV show season four winner and mentor. CEO Jack Gross also was at the event.
New retail concepts
Earlier this month, Binghamton, N.Y.-based retail chain Dick’s Sporting Goods debuted its discount concept Going, Going, Gone! in North Carolina opening in Concord, The Charlotte Observer reported. The Afton Ridge shopping center store features thousands of apparel and shoe brands, including Nike, Adidas and Under Armour, at up to 70% off, according to Dick’s.
In July, Best Buy opened its first small-format, digital-first store at Monroe Crossing Mall, 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd., The Charlotte Observer reported. The store encourages customers to shop and check out digitally while in the store and includes pick-up lockers. The Minnesota-based electronic retailer also piloted its first outlet, its first auto installation garage and its first “experiential” hub in the Charlotte region, plus added warehouse space for online orders and expanded tech repair and support.
New retailers
In September, Outdoor Voices opened its first North Carolina store in Charlotte’s South End. The Lululemon athletic apparel competitor opened at 100 W. Worthington Ave. Prices for the sportswear brand range from $58 to $118 for women’s leggings and men’s shorts and sweatpants, according to the company’s website.
Last month, Warby Parker opened its third Charlotte-area store at Birkdale Village, 16834 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville. It’s the fifth North Carolina store for the 12-year-old company based in New York City. Other shops that have opened at the 250,000-square-foot revamped retail center include Cosmo Gypsy, bohemian women’s apparel, and Beck on Broad, women’s clothing and accessories, plus housewares.
Also last month, Girl Tribe Co. women’s apparel and accessories opened a 1,700-square-foot store at Morrison Shopping Center in SouthPark. The flagship store is in South End.
Here’s what’s new at the largest shopping centers in the Charlotte region:
Carolina Place
▪ BoxLunch, featuring women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, home goods, gifts and collectibles, is open on level 1 near center court. For every $10 spent, a meal is provided to a person in need through its partnership with Feeding America, according to the mall’s website.
▪ Cotton on Kids children’s clothing store is open.
▪ Go Calendars & Games is open on level 1, near Belk.
The mall at 11025 Carolina Place Parkway in Pineville has 141 stores.
Charlotte Premium Outlets
Charlotte Premium Outlets has several new stores:
▪ Adidas expanded into the former Jade Forest Day Spa space, nearly doubling in size.
▪ Banter by Piercing Pagoda is open across from Market Hall, between Swarovski and The Movado Company Store.
▪ Boss, a brand of Hugo Boss AG, menswear clothing store is next to Saks Off 5th Avenue.
▪ Journeys, teen apparel, footwear and accessories store, is expected to open Nov. 28 near Steve Madden and Ecco.
▪ Vans “Off the Wall” Outlet with footwear for infants to adults is across from the Nike Factory Store.
▪ Direct Tools Factory Outlet features brands such as RYOBI, RIDGID and Hoover and products that are new, blemished and factory reconditioned. It is across from Polo Ralph Lauren.
Charlotte Premium Outlets at 5404 New Fashion Way, off Interstate 485 in Steele Creek, has 105 stores, according to the outlet mall’s website.
Concord Mills
Concord Mills has had several store openings and reopenings:
▪ Alex Baby & Toy with toy brands like G.I. Joe, Masters of the Universe, Lego, Marvel and Star Wars, opened next to Burlington.
▪ BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, known for deep-dish Chicago pizza, craft beers and Pizookie dessert, opened entrance 2 near Bonefish Grill.
▪ Hickory Farms, known for specialty meats, cheeses and desserts, is in a kiosk near guest services.
▪ The Inspiration Co., sells jewelry, gifts and apparel, featuring inspirational sayings since 2017. Next to J. Crew Factory.
▪ Komma Tea, serving tea and other drinks, plus desserts, next to Five Below and Glamour Nails. A second mall location is in the works, too, according to Simon.
▪ Mac’s Speedshop, Charlotte-based barbecue restaurant.
▪ New Square, an Atlanta-based men’s and women’s urban casual wear shop, across from Old Navy.
▪ Opulence Furniture, with upscale handcrafted furniture made in Italy. Near Dope Duffle.
▪ A Sneaker City, which offers buy, sell and trades on sneaker and streetwear brands. Across from Five Below.
▪ Starbucks, The Seattle-based coffeehouse giant offers coffee and teas, plus pastries and other food. Next to Rack Room Shoes.
▪ Vivian Jewelers, specializing in silver, gold and stainless steel jewelry. Near Best Buy and Bass Pro.
Concord Mills at 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., northeast of Charlotte, has 184 stores, according to the mall’s website.
Northlake Mall
Despite Northlake Mall’s financial troubles, new stores and restaurants have opened:
▪ Designer Closet is opening next month, according to the mall’s website.
▪ Go Calendars & Games is open on level 2.
▪ Juicy Body Goddess, a curvy and pluz-size boutique. Located on level 2.
▪ The Juicy Crab, based in Georgia, opened.
▪ Kitokos, a Black-owned, African apparel and accessories store. Located on level 1.
▪ Mean Mug Coffee Co. opened its second kiosk.
▪ Rainbow, a clothing and accessories store for women and children. Located on level 2 near Belk.
▪ Scrub Shack, uniform store, is open, on level 1.
▪ Style Hause, a vintage clothing, art, customs and collectibles shop is located on level 2 near Macy’s.
Northlake Mall at 6801 Northlake Mall Drive went into receivership a year ago after failing to pay its debts. The two-story, 1.1-million-square-foot mall is managed by Spinoso Real Estate Group.
SouthPark mall
SouthPark mall is undergoing a “transformational” multimillion-dollar plaza project that will include adding Charlotte brewer Suffolk Punch Brewing to a new inclusive children’s play area. Here’s what else is new:
▪ Blue Nile jewelry repair, cleaning and other services.
▪ Build-a-Bear Workshop, is open between guest services and west plaza.
▪ CycleBar, indoor cycling classes, at The Village at SouthPark at the mall. Opening Nov. 29, according to the mall’s website.
▪ Hive & Colony, a menswear store that uses 3D body scanning to create custom suits, shirts and shirts. Near Center Court next to Swarovski.
▪ Inglot, a cosmetics store. Near the fountain court.
▪ IQOS Tobacco Heating System, near Dillard’s, reopens Black Friday, according to the mall’s website.
▪ Levi’s, the denim brand. Next to Kendra Scott near Fountain Court.
▪ Tag Heuer, a luxury Swiss watchmaker. In the Fountain Court near Francesca’s.
▪ UNOde50, a handcrafted jewelry brand featuring pieces authentic to Spanish roots. Near Fountain Court next to Tumi.
SouthPark at 4400 Sharon Road has 175 stores and restaurants.
Want to be added to the list? Email cmuccigrosso@charlotteobserver.com.
