Shop At The Cotton Exchange

When you’ve made your way up to The Cotton Exchange, between Front and Nutt streets, stop in the lower level vestibule and take time to read about its history and how these eight buildings, once part of the world’s largest cotton-exporting company, were converted to a shopping and dining complex in the early 1970s. The 30 unique specialty shops present in 1983 included apparel for the family, fine lingerie, nautical items, shells, a country store, health foods, bookstore, toys, wall hangings, linens, ice cream, candies, fabrics, a few restaurants and a clock shop. This tri-level mall is a really fun place to shop.

Today there are 25 shops and four restaurants at the Cotton Exchange, though the names of many have changed since 1983. One that has not, however, is Paddy’s Hollow restaurant, a family owned and operated business since 1982.

Another family owned and operated business at the Cotton Exchange is Cape Fear Footwear, which carries shoes for the whole family and from casual to dressy. Beaded sandals, flats, clogs by Taos, and handbags by Laurel Birch are some of the items offered.

If you enjoy working with beads, head to Caravan Beads, which has 1100 square feet of fine quality beads, findings and stringing materials. Those who are interested in learning to work with beads are invited to attend a variety of classes that take place in the shop, which has been located in Wilmington since 1995.

Two shops at the Cotton Exchange specialize in fine crafts. Crescent Moon has a selection of hand--crafted glass and metal art pieces and carries more than 65 artist's works in blown, fused, stained and porcelain glass styles. Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts exclusively specializes in hand-made crafts by local artists. Pottery, fiber art, basketry, woodworking, jewelry and mixed media sculpture are found in the shop.

You’ll find an amazing assortment of health products at Pure Life Health Food & Vitamins. Fully stocked with vitamins, minerals, soy candles, herbs, teas, natural foods, healthy snacks, books and teapots, the shop will be delighted to make up a gift basket for you.

Vast Selection

An institution in Wilmington that has grown dramatically recently is The Ivy Cottage, an upscale consignment shop that had a modest beginning in one building in the 3000 block of Market Street. Ivy Cottage bought two additional contiguous buildings, and their 25,000 square feet of space is chock full of furniture, jewelry, lamps, rugs, crystal, china, accessories, linens, collectibles, garden ornaments and just about everything else you might want or need. Some Wilmingtonian’s visit often, recognizing that the merchandise changes very frequently.

An Excellent Guide

Antiquing is big in these parts, and Wilmington offers a respectable number of shops specializing in fine antiques and collectibles. We have dealers scattered throughout downtown. Several more antiques stores are located outside the city and some are in neighboring counties. To assist you in locating places to buy antiques, pick up a free copy of A Guide to Greater Wilmington Antique Shops, widely available wherever tourist pamphlets are displayed.