Shopping & Retail

The best souvenirs aren't souvenirs at all. Where thoughtfully curated meets locally made.

We already know you’re going to want to bring a piece of Durham home with you. That’s why we love that our retailers are exceptional curators of Durham-made goods and one-of-a-kind finds. Here, you won't find cheesy souvenirs that will sit on a shelf, forgotten, but FOMO-inspiring treasures you'll brag about when you go home. We are home to several shopping districts spread throughout the community, each with its own distinct feel and shopping opportunities you won't find elsewhere.

The BFM happens rain or shine in Durham every 1st and 3rd Sunday at Durham Tech Community College.

Durham Farmers Markets

Shop where our chefs do and take the fresh ingredients, the secret to Durham’s flavor, home with you.

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Boutique Shopping Downtown

For a day of shopping that’s more social outing than errand, head downtown where six distinct, walkable districts are proudly filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, bars and businesses. The Brightleaf District is a shopping and dining destination where two restored tobacco warehouses are filled with independently owned shops and restaurants. The nearby Golden Belt District is a haven artists and galleries, housed in a former hosiery factory, and City Center is home to clothing boutiques and art markets. Other distinct shopping areas include the Ninth Street District, a college enclave featuring unique shops and restaurants along a quaint street, as well as the Rockwood District, lined with antique, thrift and gift stores alongside acclaimed restaurants.

Top Brands and Major Retail

Additionally, Durham boasts major retail centers, including The Streets at Southpoint, a super-regional mall named by USA Today as one of the nation's “10 great places to spend it all in one place,” and the 15-501 corridor, where the convenience of big box stores mixes with eclectic local shops and eateries.

Vintage Shopping

If you are a trendsetter with a unique sense of style, Durham has several locally owned boutiques and vintage stores offering fashions to keep you ahead of the curve. From consignment and thrift stores to curated vintage clothing, housewares and vinyl, it is easy to spend a day scouting for distinctive finds.

Whether you enjoy hours hunting through shelves of cherished antiques, browsing through a turn-of-the-century country store or carefully examining the shelves in a used bookshop, Durham abounds with unique shopping opportunities.