How to Shop Online & Support Local Business
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to businesses in Charlotte and the nation. During this time, we encourage you to interact, shop and support our neighbors from the safety and comfort of your own homes or by following safety protocols in place for shopping in stores.
by Callie Langhorne Jan 18, 2021
COVID-19 has brought a lot of stress on our community, especially on the small business owners who offer experiences and products we love. Now more than ever, we encourage you to support local and shop small in Charlotte. From popular boutiques to plant shops, this list of beloved local businesses represents a range of price points and products.
Remember that time you had that date and you HAD to find the perfect outfit in under 24 hours and the girls at Monkee’s of Charlotte came to the rescue? Or when your mother-in-law came into town and you needed a frame to showcase the pictures she printed for you years ago and Charlotte’s Inc. saved you in the nick of time? For all the times our local businesses have dressed you, introduced you to a new line, helped elevate your home decor or simply made you smile, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now our turn to step up and support them.
Charlotte Running Company
Neighborhoods: Dilworth, South Charlotte, Northlake, Lake Norman, Rock Hill
With almost 20 years under its belt, Charlotte Running Company continues to serve the running community with an extensive list of brands of shoes and accessories. While the full fit experience is still available in-store, you can also set up one-on-one appointments or shop their shoes online and receive free shipping on orders over $100 or swing by one of their five locations for curbside pickup. Delivery is also available from one of their five locations serving Rock Hill to Troutman. Charlotte Running Company has implemented several safety measures to keep its staff and customers safe, including limiting the number of customers in the store at one time, encouraging social distancing, arranging fitting stations so they are spaced out, wearing masks and gloves during the fitting process, and disinfecting any product that customers interact with.
Charlotte’s Inc.
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Known for its cutting-edge fashion, gifts and home accessories, Charlotte’s Inc. has in-store or online shopping available. Have the items shipped to your home or pick up curbside Monday through Saturday. The local boutique with roots in Raleigh is committed to the health and safety of all customers and cleans all surfaces and dressing rooms after each use, limits the number of customers in the store and encourages social distancing. From costume jewelry to show-stopping centerpieces to designer dresses and shoes, they have something for everyone.
Circa Interiors
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Circa Interiors is known for its fine 18th-, 19th- and 20th- century English and Continental antiques, custom contemporary furnishings and exclusive lines. When Circa temporarily closed its doors to the public last year, they began posting new arrivals and featured products on their social media pages and offering private in-store appointments, virtual shopping appointments via FaceTime, and curbside pickups or porch drop-offs within a 5-mile radius, which are all still available. You can book by emailing shop@circacharlotte.com, sending a DM on Instagram or by calling the store.
Girl Tribe Co.
Neighborhood: South End
Girl Tribe Co. was founded by Carrie Barker and Sarah Baucom with a mission to empower women in a tangible and powerful way, so it is only fitting that they led the charge on closing their doors to protect the community at the beginning of the pandemic. The duo also created several fundraisers, including Girl Tribe small business mini-grants and a special matching donation sale for their popular “CLT” hats to support the CMS Foundation’s Connect for Tech campaign, which helps students get access to technology. While the storefront is now open, they still utilize the Facebook Group “Shop Girl Tribe Co.” that was created toward the beginning of the pandemic, where they are giving consumers front row access to see and purchase new items QVC-style. Online shopping is also available and shipping is free for orders over $55 or a flat rate of $6. Also known for their popular Girl Tribe Pop Up events, which have been canceled due to the pandemic, the team opened the Girl Tribe Pop Up Loft above their South End boutique to continue to showcase a rotating selection of diverse women-owned businesses that would have vendors at their events.
Grow Plant Shop
Neighborhood: Camp North End, Plaza Midwood
Whether you’re just developing a green thumb or you’re at the horticulturist level, Grow has a wide selection of plants to choose from as well as plant accessories, pottery, and other gifts and decor. Adding a touch of green to your space (or sending as a gift to a friend) is simple: stop by during store hours (only two customers are allowed in the store at a time and face masks are required), set up a private shopping appointment, or shop via Instagram by perusing the “Available” story highlights and sending a DM with your details. Both curbside pickup and delivery are available.
Monkee’s of Charlotte
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Since 2011, Monkee’s of Charlotte, an upscale women's boutique, has been creating an exclusive shopping experience for fashion-forward women in the region. Featuring collections from both new and established designers, like Marc Fisher, you’ll find the perfect outfit, shoes and accessories to fill your closet. Shop in the store (open daily), online anytime (shipping is $10) or browse featured items on Instagram (@monkeesofcharlotte). Don’t miss Monkee’s Live on Instagram to see new arrivals from top designers.
Ole Mason Jar
Neighborhood: South End
While their new store opening celebration in South End’s Design Center of the Carolinas was been postponed in early 2020, the beloved Charlotte-born men’s boutique, rebranded as OMJ Clothing, was finally able to open the new store in May. In addition to in-store shopping, they continue to offer online shopping with free shipping for orders over $100, curbside pickup and local delivery as well as private or virtual appointments.
The Sporting Gent
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Equipped with all a man needs, The Sporting Gent carries tops, bottoms, accessories, footwear, field gear and fly goods. In addition to shopping in the store, shopping online is also encouraged, Curbside pickup is available and shipping is free for orders over $99.
Tabor
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Known as “an experience for the modern man,” Tabor features designers such as RRL, Thom Browne, A.P.C. and Engineered Garments. Open regular hours for in-store shopping (the team is following CDC guidelines closely, limiting the number of customers in the store at on time and regularly cleaning the space), they are also offering online shopping with assistance available from a personal shopper via instant messaging as well as, curbside pickup, and personal drop-offs for clients in Charlotte via “Tabor Takeout.”
Tiny Gods
Neighborhood: Myers Park
After 10 years of planning, Mary Margaret Beaver’s dream of opening a fine jewelry shop came to fruition in November 2020. She is committed to curating a selection of the most meaningful and coveted jewelry from top designers, each piece serving as a work of art on every customer that wears it. Browse the one-of-a-kind treasures available in-store, online or on the Tiny Gods Instagram page. Tiny Gods also carries a collection of high-end home decor. There is no additional charge for domestic shipping.
Woo Skincare + Cosmetics
Neighborhood: Myers Park
For some of us, staying at home means more time to pamper for the big reveal when it’s safe to emerge from our households on a more regular basis … enter Woo Skincare & Cosmetics. Open Tuesday through Saturday, customers can shop in the store or order by phone and pick up curbside or have it shipped. The store will also Facetime with customers who have questions or need skincare advice. While online shopping isn’t set up for the Charlotte location yet, products are featured regularly on Instagram (@woocharlottenc).
Looking for other ways to support our local businesses? Follow your favorites on social media, engage with them on their platforms, buy a gift card or even write a glowing review online.
Article originally written by Callie Langhorne. Updates by Kristen Moore.
