When I first published this Junkin’ Journey to Charlotte, NC, I was just a visitor from out of town. But fast forward to current day and I’m now I resident! It’s just the right-sized city for me- big enough to have it all and “feel” like a city, but not ridiculously overwhelming or impossible to navigate. So, I’ve updated my post with a few new places- antiques stores, thrift stores, and anything secondhand.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
From a fabulous antique mall to funky vintage, mid-century modern, and extensive thrift stores, Charlotte has a lot to offer to secondhand shoppers.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And let me just say, I really am lucky to live here. We have some GREAT shops that I can share with you, and we’re not far from other junkin’ destinations, either.
Antiques and Thrift Stores in Charlotte, NC
I’ve been a fan of Sleepy Poet for years now, and in a roundabout way, they helped me launch my blog (the window frame in my inaugural blog post was purchased there)! What I love about Sleepy Poet is that it’s a wonderful labyrinth of antiques and vintage, but doesn’t have the stuffy feel of your average antiques mall.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I always see a wide range of shoppers there – young, old, guys, gals – which tells me they appeal across the spectrum. And for good reason!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
They’re also moving to a larger, better location soon. So, I’ll definitely update this post again once all the dealers are re-settled in the new spot!
Assistance League of Charlotte Thrift Store
Of all the thrifts in Charlotte, this one came most recommended (from a variety of sources), so I had high hopes. And it did not disappoint! For a thrift store on a Thursday morning (when I visited), it was pretty crowded.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
But it’s a huge store, so that’s just an observation, not a complaint. It also confirmed to me that this is definitely a popular place.
And with so much vintage collectibles and awesome housewares, I completely understood its popularity among Charlotte locals.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Like so many of the towns and cities I’ve visited in the past, Charlotte, NC also has a Creative Reuse store. I’ve had the pleasure to watch this nonprofit grow from its early days and their storefront is NOT to be missed if you’re an artist, crafter, or maker.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Filled with all sorts of secondhand arts and crafts supplies, this is an AMAZING opportunity for makers to stock up for cheap. And if you’re in need of a shot of creative adrenaline, it’s also a fun place to get inspired by whatever supplies they have in stock that day.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
East 8th Vintage is the kind of shop that wears a lot of funky hats. Part thrift, part vintage, and part consignment, it’s definitely a hidden gem when it comes to vintage shopping in the Charlotte metro area.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
From fashion to vinyl to curating a kitsch home, East 8th Vintage is one of my favorite haunts when I need a funky fix. And trust me when I tell you that even though it’s not a massive shop, you won’t be able to absorb it all in a single visit. There’s just THAT much to look at and admire…
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I don’t always include furniture consignment stores in my Junkin’ Journey blog posts, but South End Exchange is JUST THAT GOOD.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It offers a constantly-rotating and highly curated mix of vintage and contemporary furniture and furnishings. And it’s ideal for those of us with eclectic tastes, such as yours truly.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
With mid-century modern decor continuing to be highly sought after, it’s no surprise that a city like Charlotte would have a dedicated MCM store. Allow me to introduce you to Charlotte Vintage, not to be confused with Vintage Charlotte (which is an unrelated seasonal market and pop-up shop).
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Now in a larger, more open space, Charlotte Vintage boasts an incredible collection of mid-century modern pieces in exquisite condition. Furniture, wall art, lighting, and decor- for the retro collector, they truly do have it all.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This shop may have been a last-minute addition to my original itinerary, but it ended up being one of my very favorite stops. Any time I can find a thrift store that boasts a majority percentage of vintage on its shelves, they have a fan for life in me.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Part of me would have loved to keep this shop a secret because it’s that good…but most of me knew it was best to share them with you!
Technically found in Concord, NC (northeast of Charlotte), I included The Depot because it’s quite famous. I actually found out about it many years ago while “The Hunger Games” movies were being filmed. Why? Because the set designers bought a ton of antiques at The Depot (for the scenes in District 12) – how cool is that?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And it’s seriously a “vintage destination” for anyone doing antiquing in the southeast. From architectural salvage, to primitives, to midcentury modern, it’s an amazing array of treasures.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Just make sure you set aside a good chunk of time and wear comfortable shoes when you go- it’s THAT huge!
Have You Gone Junkin’ in Charlotte?
Also of note, I love the Habitat ReStore on Wendover Rd. and let me tell you- same with the ReStore just north of Charlotte in Cornelius, NC. Both are MASSIVE AND AMAZING! So, if you are in the market for used furniture, housewares, or other typical Habitat wares, make sure these ReStores are on your list.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Charlotte also boasts a LOT of Goodwill stores, including “The GW” (higher end boutique) and “The Grid”, which specializes in computers and gaming systems.
We also have a few Value Village thrift stores in town. And I NEVER leave those shops empty handed- they always have housewares (and sometimes linens) that are perfect for projects.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
As you know, stores open and close all the time- and at the time this was written, these were my favorite secondhand shopping spots in The Queen City. Please let me know if I missed any of your favorite thrift stores, vintage, architectural salvage, or antique stores in Charlotte, NC, though!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And I’ve been junkin’ in other places, too- check out all the places I’ve traveled to here and start planning your own junkin’ journey!
Plus, check out all of the amazing thrift store furniture, art, and decor that we’ve found for our new house! A lot of it came from Charlotte stores I mention in this post.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Explore on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Hi Sadie – This is a great post for me. I moved to the Columbia SC area 3 years ago from PA. I had a lot of great thrift stores there. Since coming to SC, I have not found as many – I have gone to a few, but none were great. Taking a trip to Charlotte is now on my list of places to go now. Thanks for the list. 🙂
Diane, I have a whole series of these Junkin’ Journey posts with several in SC (including Columbia) and NC- definitely check them out!
Now I want to go to Charlotte to shop! Thanks for the recommendations.
Yay!!! Happy shopping!!
Sarah, so glad you had fun treasure hunting in our neck of the woods! You found some places we didn’t even know about so we can’t wait to check them out. Hope you can come back to Charlotte and Concord soon!
Thank you SO much for all the recommendations and information you sent to me- it made a world of difference, and I can’t wait for you to check out Remix Market.
My husband works in Charlotte every now and then and I usually go with him. The next time I go, I’m going to check out some of these stores.
Yes!!!
If you are short on time but want a great selection of vintage, rustic, shabby chic, antiques and more, check out Treasure Junkies Marketplace at 301 N. Polk Street in Pineville. It’s been open about 4 months. Super cute and has about 15 vendors.
Ooh, thanks for the recommendation!
Charlotte has been on my ‘must visit’ list for awhile after reading about some of the flea markets… I’ve only ever seen the airport, so it will be nice to get out!
Have you been to the Raleigh Flea Market? That’s been on my bucket list for a while!!
do you have any 32 x 80 doors with glass on top?
Hi, Cindy- I’m not a store-owner, unfortunately.
Do you know if any of these sites would be interested in buying some antique shutters from a old mansion in Durham? I’ve had them for 40 years.
I’m interested email me [email protected]