Shop Local: A Durham Shopping Guide

Whether you're headed to a dinner party thrown by your most stylish friend, have hard-to-shop-for family members on your holiday gift list, or have a keen eye for handcrafted, locally-made products for yourself, Durham's shops have you covered. Discover Durham connected with Amber Watson, owner of Bites of Bull City, to bring you a list of incredible local shops and markets offering everything from essential items and practical goods to gifts (even for dogs) that will make you feel right at home.

Durham Gift shops, Cards and Flowers

If you're visiting during the holidays and would like to shop for locally-made gifts straight from the makers themselves, use our list of holiday makers markets to find the perfect opportunity to shop.

Bowerbird Flowers and Apothecary

3105 Shannon Rd., Suite 205

Bowerbird's UHill studio and shop is filled with flowers and arrangements, plus locally-made and thoughtfully curated gifts, cards and an apothecary featuring skincare, teas, candles and more.

Parker & Otis

324 Blackwell St., Bay 4

With its fun and funky vibe and plethora of gifts, goods and curated food items, American Tobacco Campus shop Parker & Otis is one-of-a-kind. The popular, long-standing café/shop hybrid has everything on your list and then some: local gifts, chocolate, wine, party and paper supplies, toys, puzzles, games, cookbooks, home décor, bags, totes, cards and more. Make sure to grab a coffee or chai and try the classic P&O sandwich with pimento cheese to fuel you up as you explore more of Durham.

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University loved Parker & Otis so much, they gave it the reigns of their gift shop. Now, you can shop the unique selection of Parker & Otis both at The Nasher Museum and ATC.

The Fuzzy Needle

1005 W. Chapel Hill St.

This Wilmington based record and book store opened a Durham location, and the Bull City never looked back. Offering a diverse selection of previously owned records and a robust collection of book titles, the Fuzzy Needle is a must stop spot for all book and music lovers. Make sure to grab yourself a branded mug or koozie to remember your visit.

Indio

905 W. Main St., Suite 20G

Located in the Brightleaf Square neighborhood of downtown Durham, Indio offers gorgeous, thoughtfully curated artistic home goods, including artisan-made Mexican housewares. Inside, you'll find luxurious tablecloths and runners, trays, mugs, reusable bags, pouches, high-quality candles, diffusers, incense, soaps, lotions, jewelry, prints, puzzles, notebooks and more.

The Borough Flowers + Gifts

5607 NC 55, Ste 103

Enter The Borough for carefully curated gifts, decor and flowers. From scarves and totes to ceramics and glassware, this store has a thoughtful selection of items full of personality. You can order the shops seasonal blooms for delivery to yourself or someone you want to surprise.

Chet Miller

2631 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

Both the savvy business traveler and the adult who has everything will find something to surprise and delight at Chet Miller. The shop carries classy modern goods with a vintage vibe, personal care items for the discerning gentleman and everything you can imagine to stock a bar besides the alcohol. It's a great place to visit to snag elegant local souvenirs like etched Durham tumblers, Bright Black candles, high-end chocolate, crude bitters, funny adult cards and unique items for the office.

Parker Paper Company

359 Blackwell St., Ste 133

Parker paper company proffers a fine selection of stationary, art supplies, gifts and more. Parker Paper Company brings with it the same high quality service and reputation as its sister companies, Parker & Otis, Chet Miller and Tiny. Shop for a new notepad or personalized stationary for a loved one, then grab a to-go sandwich made by Parker & Otis on your way out.

Mill & Meadow

905 W. Main St. Suite 23-B

As the flagship store for Elyse Breanne Design, Mill & Meadow has become a staple in Brightleaf Square. Offering anything from stickers and stationery to tea towels and pillows, this shop is a great place to find something unique for yourself or a loved one.

The Zen Succulent

123 Market St., Suite B

The Zen Succulent is a tiny downtown paradise for plant parents and terrarium obsessives. Find highly sought-after selections like staghorn ferns, locally-made ceramics, cards and more, and stay entertained with classes and workshops.

Durham Specialty Food Stores and General Stores

Bulldega Urban Market

129 W. Parrish St.

Bulldega is a small, family-owned grocery and convenience store in the heart of downtown Durham. With fresh produce, humanely raised meats from local farms, boxed and canned goods, toiletries, lotions and soaps, beer and wine, packaged foods to go, a fresh salad bar, local chocolate, household goods and small trinkets, they pack a lot of valuable items into a relatively small footprint. You can easily find everything you need to make complete meals at your rental property or hotel suite, they've got your back if you forgot to pack necessities and you can find Durham-made souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

Sundries at Locopops

2618 Hillsborough Rd.

In 2021, Locopops, known for its locally hand-crafted popsicles, ice cream, lattes and floats, expanded with Sundries, a neighborhood grocery and specialty food shop. Sundries offers locally prepared foods, specialty items and pantry essentials like beer, wine, coffee, cheese and bread, spices, pasture-raised meats, snacks, coffee, tea, home goods and personal care products, puzzles and cards. Grab a pop and shop around with the kids or grandkids.

Mike D's BBQ & Retail

455 S. Driver St.

Attention all barbecue lovers: you can take Mike D's signature, award-winning barbecue flavors home with you if you stop by the smokehouse and retail store. Find sauces, dry rubs, BBQ equipment and more after grabbing a plate of some of the best pork in town.

Melina’s Fresh Pasta Shop

2717 Chapel Hill Rd.

If you are craving a hearty home-cooked meal, consider picking up some traditional, fresh-made, authentic Italian pasta from Melina's Fresh Pasta Shop. Melina's carries a large assortment of pasta, including filled spinach and cheese ravioli, lemon ricotta, mushroom, and light and flavorful gnocchi and sauces. The pasta is made fresh and then frozen, so all you have to do is boil some water when you're ready to eat. For a super easy Italian meal, order their hefty take-and-bake tins of lasagna or manicotti.

Redstart Foods Takeaway

2825 N. Roxboro St.

Serving up food to eat at home or in-store from Redstart Foods, Redstart Foods Takeaway is a unique spot with plentiful goods to shop from. Beyond their retail fridge and restaurant, you can purchase pantry goods and kitchen gifts from their retail section. Their curated beer and wine selection also comes highly recommended.

Foster's Market

2694 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

Foster's Market has a charming cottage café vibe. Head over for breakfast or lunch and enjoy a salad, soup, sandwich, or one of their many baked goods (perhaps a slice of their indulgent peanut butter pie) on the patio or lawn. On your way out, stop to peruse their selection of local gifts, including jams, coffee, toffee, cheese straws, grits and candy, along with cookbooks and kitchenware.

Bull and Bean

3710 Shannon Rd.

Bull and Bean is a small café and coffee shop that also touts a small retail section featuring Durham mugs, delicious Durham and Chapel Hill toffee, Bull City books, planners and more. It's the perfect place to visit to grab breakfast, a sandwich, or a pastry, and pick up a quick souvenir.

Durham Co-op Market

1111 W. Chapel Hill St.

The Durham Co-op Market is more than just a warm and welcoming grocery store with fresh produce, staples like milk and eggs, frozen food, boxed and canned goods, sweet treats, wine and beer, granola and nuts in bulk, locally sourced meats, bread and cheese (mostly from local farms, bakeries and makers). They also have a section dedicated to higher-end specialty items and Durham-made products. The Co-op also features a deli counter with prepared foods to go and a café menu with coffee and more. There is a spacious seating area outside with picnic tables if you want to sip your coffee or enjoy a meal outdoors as you plot your next move.

The Mad Popper

105 W. NC-54

Have you ever tried popcorn flavored with green apple, french toast, hot wings and ranch, or dill pickle? If there is ever a popcorn flavor you have been curious to try, chances are the Mad Popper in South Durham has it. This local gourmet shop pops fresh popcorn daily and covers it in over 40 sweet and savory flavors. Grab a small bag or tin for the perfect travel snack while on the road, or take some home to family and friends.

Durham Kids' Clothing and Toy Shops

Tiny

770 9th St.

If you have children or grandkids or need to shop for a baby shower, you definitely want to make a stop at Tiny. The shop has everything from diaper bags, blankets and nursery décor to creative and cute arts and crafts, clothing for babies and toddlers, children's books, puzzles, games, stuffed animals, candy and cards. We promise you will leave happy with adorable, whimsical baby and children's toys, gifts and apparel.

International Gifts and Housewares in Durham

Bull City Fair Trade

811 Ninth St., #100

At this bright and welcoming small shop, you will find hand-crafted accessories from all over the world. Shop colorful bags, purses, scarves, beautiful jewelry, stunning home décor like lanterns and candles, kitchen items like tea towels and coasters, toys, cards and even edible treats like fair trade chocolate. Bull City Fair Trade's focus is on providing fair wages to low-income craft persons, and they work with artisans who live in over 70 different developing countries.

Exotique

319 W. Main St.

Along with selling African-style clothing, this unique downtown boutique features a collection of handmade items from artists around the world (and Durham, too) You'll find incredible works of art, instruments, décor, vibrant purses, clothing, fabrics, accessories, jewelry and décor. Stop by and grab an outfit or get something to liven up your home or office.

Durham Clothing Boutiques and Accessories Shops

Mad Kicks

114 E. Main St.

A trip to Mad Kicks is basically required for any sneakerhead traveling to Durham. Whether you're obsessed with sneakers or not, this shop is a great spot to get some once-of-a-kind shoes. Larry Antunez Lopez and Michel Antunez Lopez, brothers and store owners, have put so much effort into making their store a welcoming space to all who enter their doors.

Rose & Lee Collective

213 W. Main St.

Located in downtown Durham, Rose & Lee sells one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories and gifts. It hand picks vendors that are committed to making the world a better place. Shop from their awesome selection of dresses, tops, bags, jewelry and more.

Tigress

2302 Chapel Hill Rd.

Sourcing its goods exclusively from fair trade certified brands and independent artisans, Tigress is a go to spot for unique clothing and accessories for all kinds of folks. You can also find responsibly sourced consigned wares here.

Vaguely Reminiscent

728 Ninth St.

Vaguely Reminiscent has been a fixture on Ninth St. for quite a while. Their space has evolved from selling natural fiber clothing and basket-weaving supplies to a shop packed with eclectic and comfortable women's clothing, shoes, jewelry, hair scrunchies and purses. Need a unique gift? They also sell colorful and quirky socks, wind chimes, buttons and magnets.

Vert & Vogue

353 W. Main St.

Located right on Main Street, Vert & Vogue offers visitors a top-tier shopping experience. Shop their highly curated selection of clothing, accessories, shoes and home goods in their vibrant, welcoming store, or schedule a video appointment online to find exactly what you need.

Yonderlust

109 N. Gregson St.

Grab a coffee and a new pair of hiking boots at Yonderlust. Whether you're an experienced outdoor adventurer or new to the trail, Yonderlust is ready to help you find exactly what you need to get the most out of your time outside. Peruse the floor for tents, sleeping bags, active-ware, water shoes and more.

Explore more clothing shopping in Durham with these guides to fashionable boutiques and and shops.

Durham Candle, Soap and Scent Shops

Bright Black

2020 Chapel Hill Rd. #24

Bright Black is a family-owned company that uses scent as a medium and candles as a platform for sharing positive narratives about Blackness. Bright Black started with the Diaspora collection with scents honoring cities of Black greatness, including a signature scent for Durham. You can now shop many more candle fragrances, body oils and merchandise, or set up an appointment at the creators studio to customize your own scent.

Little Homestead Farm

2024 Angier Ave.

Little Homestead Farm began as a mother, Gina-Marie, deciding to make her own bath and body products in an effort to minimize her family's exposure to harsh chemicals. Fast forwarding to today, Gina-Marie sells homemade, non-toxic soaps, scents, body products and more from her East Durham shop. In addition to products, Little Homestead Farm also hosts classes where you can learn to make your own bath and body products.

Paddywax Candle Bar

905 W. Main St., Suite 20i

Paddywax Candle Bar is one of the many awesome spots found at the American Tobacco Campus. Selling experiences, candle pouring kits and more, Paddywax is a great spot to spend an afternoon. Book a custom candle pouring workshop for yourself or purchase a gift card for another scent-savoring friend.

The Raw Edition

304 S. Driver St., Suite 103

This Black-owned candle company offers affordable, hand-poured, soy wax candles in a multitude of scents. All of the candles are lead, paraben, paraffin and phthalate free, making them both great smelling and non-toxic. In addition to selling some of the best smelling candles around, The Raw Edition also hosts candle pouring classes.

Durham Pet Shops for Treats and Toys

Barnes Supply Co.

774 9th St.

The walls of Barnes Supply Co. tell a story of a shop that has changed with the times. Originally a post-WWII feed store for home farmers, Barnes Supply has evolved into a pet and garden supplies store. You can find toys, treats and supplies for cats, dogs and more. If you're looking for a gift for a special pup or cat in your life, Barnes Supply is the place to go.

Unleashed

4215 University Dr., 1000 W. Main St. & 6910 Fayetteville Rd.​

This pet store is committed to providing the best, most affordable products it can find to pet owners so every cat and dog can live life to the fullest. Unleashed got its start as a mere stand at the NC State Fairgrounds Marketplace. Now, they have three locations across Durham, so you can shop awesome pet products no matter which side of town you're on.

Durham-Centric Apparel

Durham Bulls Ballpark Corner Store

409 Blackwell St.

Are you looking for a piece of Bull Durham movie nostalgia? Located at the Durham Bull's Athletic Park, the Durham Bull's Ballpark Corner Store is the official store of the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team. Not only will you find baseball caps, apparel and jerseys sporting the team's iconic bull brand for adults, youth, babies and pets, but you can also purchase key chains, mugs, bags and display baseballs. Go Bulls!

Duke University Store

125 Science Dr.

Get the official Duke Blue Devils swag at the campus store. Score college hoodies and tees along with jerseys, hats and memorabilia to rep your favorite team.

Bull City Apparel and Customs

3023 Fayetteville St.

Represent the Bull City in style with Durham-inspired streetwear from Bull City Apparel and Customs on Fayetteville Street. This is not your typical t-shirt shop. Find varsity jackets, vintage tees and limited-edition designs.

Hometown Apparel

738 9th St.

Commemorate your trip with some Durham merch from Hometown Apparel. Founded by a Bull City native, this store's goods are inspired by people, places and stories that make Durham the wonderfully unique place it is. Want something even more unique to you? Hometown Apparel also offers custom gifts, monograming and screen printing.

Independently-Owned Durham Bookshops

Golden Fig Books

2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

It's okay if you forget to pack a book for a rainy day or need more reading material on your trip. Golden Fig Books is a locally owned bookshop with a fantastic variety of titles, both used and new. The charming, thousand-square-foot store features an inviting layout resplendent in natural light, so grab a coffee and pick up your next good read.

Letters Bookshop

116 W. Main St.

Letters Bookshop has expanded to a light-filled, two-story downtown shop, and it's everything you need and more. More space, more used books, more new books and an expanded area for kids. Beer, wine, drip coffee and events mean there's plenty of reasons to stay and browse for a while.

The Regulator Bookshop

720 Ninth St.

The Regulator Bookshop sells a little bit of everything. In addition to the wide selection of books – fiction, mystery, poetry, cookbooks, kids books and more – they also sell mugs, shirts, totes, and yes, hot sauce. Make sure to check out the selection of books from local writers.

Wentworth & Legget Books

905 W. Main St.

Located in Brightleaf Square, Wentworth & Legget Books is a warm and friendly shop with many items priced to attract students or casual readers as well as the shrewd collector.

Premium Retailers in Durham

Shop The Streets at Southpoint for a host of premium retailers from Pottery Barn to Nordstrom. Paying homage to Durham's rich history, The Streets at Southpoint's brick facades are covered with old-time advertisements. While the retail stores are nationally recognized, you can still get some local flavors at its independently owned eateries. Visitors above the age of 21+ can enjoy alcoholic beverages outdoors since this area is now a common area entertainment zone.

Shop to Support Artists and Makers Based in Western NC

As you mindfully plan your spending in the Bull City, it's possible for your dollars to do double duty by supporting local shops and makers and artists impacted by Hurricane Helene in the western part of the state. Stop by the following shops to find quality goods made by our neighbors.

Indio – look for items from Everyday Oil, Spicewalla, East Fork Pottery and more

Bowerbird Flowers and Apothecary – here, you'll find Everyday Oil and others

Durham Co-Op – artisan ciders from Lansing's Molly Chomper, spices from Spicewalla and more

To support more Asheville makers and small businesses from afar, check out the list of links at shopwnc.com.