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Shopping Downtown

Over the years because of its importance as a seaport, Wilmington’s commercial center was the downtown area. Today one still finds an active retail district along Front Street, bound on the north by The Cotton Exchange and on the south by Chandler’s Wharf.

You can meander downtown along the streets in Wilmington’s Historic District to browse the art galleries and small shops. Most of the stores are independently owned and feature out-of-the-ordinary merchandise. Antiques and vintage clothing, crafts including wood carvings, pottery, wall hangings, original art, candles, aromatherapy, beachwear, books and jewelry are on display. You’ll be fascinated by the variety, and you won’t get bored, that’s for sure.

Front Street, Water Street, Market Street and several side streets are still the best shopping places downtown. From Ann Street and Chandler’s Wharf on the south end of the Riverwalk to the Cotton Exchange at the northern end, you’ll have more than enough places to explore in an afternoon.

The shops at Chandler’s Wharf, a renovated 19th Century river wharf building, have changed over time, but the charming ambiance remains – the cobblestone street, picket fences and historical old buildings along the river. Moving north from Chandler’s Wharf, be sure to go into The Old Wilmington City Market since the building itself is worth the visit. Built in 1879, the block-long brick and stucco arcade houses kiosks, specialty shops and boutiques offering wonderful treasures, exotic woods, plants, jewelry, clothing and works by local artists.