2020 BOB Awards: Shop

The Best of Style, Shopping, and Services in Charlotte

April 19, 2020

Magazine Staff,

The Cactus Club is known for a variety of succulents—and the gorgeous pots that contain them. Courtesy

PLANT SHOP
The Cactus Club
The Cactus Club began as a mobile plant shop housed in a short, green bus, “Mason,” that traveled to pop-up markets across the region. It built a reputation for both a wide array of cactus species and for the stunning pots that contain each one. This month, the owners plan to open a brick-and-mortar location at Centro RailYard in South End. itsthecactusclub.com

Society Social opened in Atherton Mill in late 2019. Courtesy

SPOT FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION
Society Social
Atherton Mill’s cutest retail tenant will make you want to add pops of color to every room in your house. Browse sorbet-colored accent chairs, grasscloth dressers, herringbone throws, leopard print pillows, floral wallpaper, rattan mirrors, and more. It’s like Palm Beach came to Charlotte and made a designer baby. 2000 South Blvd., Ste. 195, shopsocietysocial.com

EYE FOR TILE
Leland Decker at Best Tile Charlotte
When you’ve browsed row after row of tile and can’t decide on a kitchen backsplash or fireplace surround, go talk to Leland. Tell him the age and style of your home, your price range, and how much wear and tear you expect. He’ll tell you exactly what you want and nail it every time. 2311 S. Tryon St., besttile.com

SNEAKER MECCA
Social Status
With every major shoe release, hundreds line up outside of this Central Avenue locale that’s become Charlotte’s go-to for sneakerheads. The culture emerged in the 1980s with the emergence of the Air Jordan. The brand still dominates, and if you want to find the newest and rarest editions of the line locally, all feet are heading toward the same direction. 1519 Central Ave., socialstatuspgh.com

PLACE TO GET IT PERSONALIZED
Poppies at Birkdale Village
Poppies started more than 15 years ago as Kate Kazmer’s home-based business. She now has a Lake Norman storefront and thousands of monograms traversing Charlotte, from jewelry and homewares to bookbags and purses. 16815 Cranlyn Rd., Huntersville, poppiesgifts.com

TREND
Sustainable Fashion
The world’s most famous red carpet went green this year as sustainable fashion stole the spotlight at the Oscars. Celebrities wore gowns made of eco-friendly materials, and some even (gasp!) donned dresses from years past. In Charlotte, the sustainable trend has local fashionistas going green, too. Recover Brands, an apparel company headquartered in Charlotte, has a full line of clothing and accessories made from recycled plastic bottles and upcycled cotton. CLT Fashion Fund is a fledgling brand that repurposes denim. AK Wears Things is a local fashion blogger and stylist who shares thrift store finds and all things secondhand fashion. For gently used (and sometimes brand-new) designer clothing,
shoes, and accessories, head to consignment stores like J.T. Posh in Dilworth and Nouveaux in Plaza Midwood.

OUTDOOR SHOPPING CENTER
Waverly
At this walkable South Charlotte shopping destination, you can catch a cycling class, get a facial, or pick up your dry cleaning. Find a new romper at fab’rik or a pair of jeans at Scout & Molly’s. Swing by Whole Foods to pick up something for dinner—or grab a table at Foxcroft Wine Co. and stay for a drink. Providence and Ardrey Kell roads, waverlyclt.com

SATURDAY MORNING MARKET
Morning Markets at Camp North End
The popular event is now every Saturday (9 a.m.-noon) through November at this adaptive reuse site just north of Fourth Ward near AvidXchange Music Factory. Get your caffeine fix at Hex Coffee and pick up a breakfast favorite from a food vendor, then take a yoga class and join the “Family Hour” activity. It’s the best time to check out this artsy community hub that’s nearly impossible to get to during rush hour. 1824 Statesville Ave., camp.nc

HOME ACCESSORIES
Cotswold Marketplace
Launched by a mother-daughter duo 10 years ago, Cotswold Marketplace is a collection of everything you need (and plenty of stuff you just want) to decorate your home. More than 60 merchants sell original art, lamps, bedding, furniture, and accessories in this winding, 8,000-square-foot space. On-hand designers will even help you custom order whatever you need to spruce up your place. 200 N. Sharon Amity Rd. cotswoldmarketplace.com

AFFORDABLE ORIGINAL ARTWORK
Art House Charlotte
When you have an empty wall to fill but you’re not into mass-produced artwork—and you can’t afford Christie’s or Sotheby’s prices—check out Judith Zehmke’s home space (Art House Charlotte) in SouthPark. Make an appointment to drop by and browse rooms filled with abstracts, landscapes, florals, portraits, and more from mostly local artists. See what speaks to you, and if you don’t trust your instincts, Judith can help you visualize your room and find a piece that works. arthousecharlotte.com

EDIBLE GIFT IN A BOX
Twenty Degrees Chocolates
If life is like a box of chocolates, then this is the box you want. Head to the boutique in South End’s Design Center for handcrafted chocolates, caramels, and bonbons that are bite-sized bliss. Snag their bestseller—a sleeve of fleur de sel caramels—and bring it for the hostess at your next party. Or create a customized box of your favorite flavors to take home for yourself. 1930 Camden Rd., Ste. 135, 20degreeschocolates.com

PET SUPPLIES
Four Dogs Pet Supplies
If you and your pooch are disenchanted with big box pet supply stores, head to this colorful, energetic spot with a whole lot of NoDa quirk. Find holistic, organic food for your dogs, cats, and even chickens. Hang out and chat with the staff about your fur babies, or head into the Animal Gallery and peruse original animal-inspired works by local artists. Just don’t expect a wealth of parking spaces. 2630 N. Davidson St., fourdogspetsupplies.com

PLACE TO HIDE AT OPTIMIST HALL
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill
Optimist Hall, with its trendy vendors and revitalized mill architecture, is very “seen or be seen.” But what if you want to go alone, work on your next novel, and sit in peace? As of this writing, this was the answer: Head around the corner, near Archer Paper Goods, to the not-yet-opened Mezeh. You’ll find wooden furniture, plants, and ambience—and no one will bother you. 1115 N Brevard St., optimisthall.com

Patrick Kamberos, co-owner of Cold Blooded and Bizarre, shines a UV flashlight on a scorpion, illuminating its exoskeleton. Photo by Logan Cyrus.

WHERE TO GET AN EXOTIC PET
Cold Blooded & Bizarre
Golden retrievers, King Charles spaniels, bearded dragons: They all deserve love, but only one of these pet breeds is difficult to find in Charlotte. This Plaza Midwood shop gives a warm embrace to the cold-blooded reptiles and amphibians that can be owned in Mecklenburg County. The mission, owners say, is to educate and cultivate love for the animals often avoided. 3000 Central Ave., Ste. 8, coldbloodedandbizarre.com

BEST NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Selenite Beauty
If you’re all about a toxin-free lifestyle—or you just want to dial back the amount of chemicals you put in your body—this natural beauty store in South End has everything you never knew you needed. The shelves are lined with non-toxic makeup, skincare, and hair products, but you’ll also find all-natural deodorant, CBD body balm, and other specialty items. Selenite Beauty will at least convince you to toss that expired lipstick or mascara you got at the drug store and treat yourself to a new product—or five. 1800 Camden Rd., Ste. 104, selenitebeauty.com