Love Durham as a Style Icon

Durham's retail scene exists because this city celebrates individuality – and these shops are proof of it. They're spaces where self-expression isn't just welcomed, it's the whole point. These aren't cookie-cutter shops – they're filled with thoughtfully-sourced items and hand-curated pieces that help you express exactly who you are. Whether your style leans vintage and eclectic or designer forward, Durham's boutiques deliver. But there are always new gems to discover, local businesses tucked away that even longtime residents might have passed by. That's where the Love Durham as a Style Icon challenge comes in. You'll find something that matches your style, and maybe something that redefines it entirely. And when your friends ask "Where did you get that?" you'll have the best answer.

Use your wallet to support local businesses and designers by participating in the Love Durham challenge, part of the Love Durham campaign designed to get you out exploring the aspects of Durham that inspire your passion and make you feel connected to this city – the way you love Durham most. Between January 5 and March 14, visit at least ten of the places highlighted in bold on this itinerary and stock your closet with fun and funky pieces. As you work your way through a list of Durham’s participating locally owned boutiques and shops, don’t forget to scan the QR code at each spot using the Discover Durham app to earn prizes! We’ve also added insider tips with more ways to discover things to love in Durham. Your dollars will support and show love to the local retail community while delighting you with items that will improve your closet, your home and your gift-giving. We would call that a chic way to spread the love.

Find more detailed instructions on how to participate in the Love Durham Challenge on our blog.

Find Challenge Instructions

Learn About the Love Durham Campaign

With a stretch of retail businesses on Main Street all located within a half mile of each other, downtown Durham is the perfect place for a shopping spree. Most of these places open after 11 a.m., so there’s plenty of time to flaunt your look over a leisurely coffee and breakfast at one of downtown’s many great coffee shops and bakeries before you get started. There’s one QR code for all participating businesses along Main Street, so once you’ve checked in at one of the Main Street shops, you’ve received credit for this stop. But with all the great finds along this stretch, you won’t want to skip any of the shops.

• Begin your day at Mad Kicks, which is basically heaven for a sneakerhead. Find Jordans, Yeezys and vintage shoes. The owners, brothers Larry Antunez Lopez and Michel Antunez Lopez, bring a locally owned, family feel to their store.
• Stop in at Dolly's Vintage, a local favorite that has been in downtown Durham for years. With funky socks, groovy scarves and whimsical and irreverent gifts, you’ll suddenly realize how much you need a pink wig with costume jewelry to match! It’s hard to leave Dolly’s without a smile on your face.
• Don’t leave the building without stopping in at Rose & Lee Co. next door, a women’s clothing and accessories store that focuses on ethically made and environmentally sustainable goods. Shop here and feel secure that all the vendors are committed to making the world a better place.
• Continue down Main Street and be transported as you step into Exotique, a boutique filled with colorful African-style clothing and handmade items from artists from around the world. You'll find artwork, instruments, clothing, fabrics, accessories, jewelry and décor.
• Next, stumble upon stylish custom menswear, or schedule a free consultation at Ascend Collection. Featuring tailored suits, blazers and shoes, Ascend Collection’s designs are influenced by classic silhouettes from the 1930s with timeless appeal, modern functionality and top craftsmanship. Owner Cameron Luke seeks to provide versatile pieces with personality and style.

From Main Street, head to Durham Vintage Collective on Parrish Street, which has its own Love Durham QR code check in. Owners Alison Matney, Chelsea Polson and HK McKinney have a curated collection of clothes, furniture, art and more. Pieces are one-of-a-kind and are refreshed constantly so if you see something you like, snag it so you don’t miss out!

In brick warehouses that once stored tobacco, you’ll now find Brightleaf Square, an inviting and pedestrian-friendly spot for shopping and dining where it’s easy to spend an afternoon and evening. Several places in the Brightleaf district are also located across Main Street and North Gregson Street, so make sure to check them out. There is one QR code for all participating businesses listed below. Check in using the app at the A-frame signs in the courtyard and in the interior corridors of the warehouse.

Shops in Brightleaf Square –

• Find your next piece of local art or have something professionally framed at Bull City Art & Frame Company.
• Shop curated gifts, jewelry, cards, home goods and more at Indio, where you’ll find NC-made products alongside products hand-selected by owner Wendy Sease.
• Choose an iconic piece of fine jewelry or have a custom piece made at Hamilton Hill Jewelry.
• Stop in for hand-designed stationary at Mill & Meadow.
• Sniff – and pour your own – scented candles at Paddywax Candle Bar.
• Buy gifts, home goods and men’s and women’s accessories at The Borough.
• Stretch and strengthen at a pilates class at FlowCorps.
• Enjoy a glass of wine and select a bottle or two to take home at Sol House Wines.

Shops around the Brightleaf district –

• Shop at Mode Consignment, which has beautiful, upscale resale clothing pieces.
• Perk up at Yonderlust Adventure Outfitters and Yonderlust Café. Grab coffee, a pastry and a new pair of hiking boots. Find your next tent, sleeping bags and outdoor clothing.
• Get a massage or facial and pick up some products at The Retreat.

When it’s time to rest your feet and refuel, don’t miss Greek-inspired shareables at the MICHELIN Guide-recommended Nikos, local favorite noodle bowls, bao buns and legendary ice cream sandwiches at Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings and Sweets, casual pub food at The Federal and more.

Reduce, Reuse, Resplendent

Chapel Hill Street in the West End is home to a Durham destination for vintage shopping. For a challenge check-in paired with a treasure trove of classic finds, check out Gibson Girl Vintage for clothing, accessories and furniture from past decades. If you’re in the mood for a coffee, pastry or bagel sandwich, Isaac’s Bagels won’t disappoint.

Have you heard that Rumors is a great place to buy, sell and trade pre-loved clothing and more? The Rockwood neighborhood spot is surrounded by some of Durham’s best dining and places to grab a beer and watch a game.

Duds for the Dapper Man

Just down the Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard from Rumors lies a stretch of thoughtfully curated vintage, home goods and menswear shops located in eclectic buildings and houses among some of the icons of Durham dining. If you have ever wished for a gift shop with a focus on men’s interests, Chet Miller is your place. The shop carries classy modern goods with a vintage vibe, like personal care items for gentlemen, a vast selection of bar accessories and books, chocolate, funny adult cards and unique items for the office. Then head down the street to Jada's Men's Accessories, owned by a charming husband and wife team. Jada’s is a haberdashery specializing in men’s accessories like custom neckties, bowties, socks and pocket squares. From humble beginnings selling on a card table, to opening in a bright blue building across from foodie favorite Foster's Market, you’ll feel the love at Jada’s.

Boutiques for the Conscious Consumer

Go global at Bull City Fair Trade on Ninth Street. Founded in 1991, the store’s mission ensures artisans and farmers around the world are fairly compensated for jewelry, gifts, home goods and more. Then, go support Tigress nestled in a house in a largely residential section of the Lakewood neighborhood on Chapel Hill Road. The shop focuses on sustainable women’s clothing and accessories and sources its goods exclusively from fair trade certified brands and independent artisans.

Wares for the Well-Dressed Woman

Dress your best at Smitten, a women’s boutique on Hillsborough Road that has offered style with sass and a heart that gives back to the local community for more than 15 years. Then discover custom, hand-crafted fine jewelry at Jewelsmith. Jewelsmith has had a local following since 1976 and combines innovative world-class jewelry design with hometown approachability in the Ninth Street district. There are several more places to shop on Ninth Street, so make sure to walk around.

Home is Where the Heart Is

For home goods, explore Casa Bella Market, a woman-owned shop in Patterson Place on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard with locally made, natural and organic home goods and gifts sourced from over 50 local vendors. There’s a focus on upcycled, vintage and sustainable items. On East Durham’s South Driver Street at Angier Avenue, an emerging new generation of Durham businesses includes vintage furniture and decor at Design Bank. From throw pillows and candle holders to chairs and tables, Design Bank's store is sure to have the perfect piece for your home. And while you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to explore. Try sandwiches with a cult following at Ideal’s Sandwich and Grocery and beers from Durham’s first Black-owned brewery at Proximity Brewing, along with treats from Dame's Chicken and Waffles, East Durham Sweet Shoppe and more.

If your heart is in Durham, update your fit with items from Bull City Apparel on Fayetteville Street. Proudly rep Durham, local neighborhoods, and historical symbols like Black Wall Street on t-shirts, hoodies and more. They also do custom apparel. Next door, don’t miss The Chicken Hut, which has been a Durham staple for fried chicken since 1957 (also a stop on the foodie challenge).

But Wait, There’s More

For event-based opportunities for more Love Durham challenge credits and create personalized ways to express your style head to Bright Black’s Drop-In Make Your Own Fragrance event on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to make your own perfume that will become your personal scent. Welcome Tattoo also offers Saturday walk-in appointments if you’re looking to get inked with a simple or ready-to-go design.

There are four Love Durham challenges that line up with aspects of Durham we love most: Love Durham as a Foodie, Love Durham as a Creative, Love Durham as a Style Icon and Love Durham as a Family. Participate in as many challenges as you like and earn a prize for each challenge you complete. Learn more about the Love Durham Campaign at LoveDurham.com.

It’s easy to level-up your wardrobe and home with goods from Durham’s shop owners who curate tasteful and chic items just for you. After completing the challenge, you’ll wonder how you lived without them and think twice before heading to a big box store. You will love supporting the places that made you fall in love with Durham in the first place and delight in discovering new ones.