From popcorn to pastries, a new retail hub is bringing fresh shops to Concord
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- The District Exchange will open in summer 2025 with micro-retail shops and dining.
- New tenants include Crane Coffee, Decadence Popcorn and Life is Sweet candy shop.
- Downtown renovations and a social district aim to increase foot traffic and commerce.
A new shopping and dining destination is opening in downtown Concord, packed with micro-retail shops owned by up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
Called The District Exchange, the multi-level retail development will eventually include a first-floor anchor restaurant, as well, owner Kristen Adamczuk told CharlotteFive. The first shops to open — Barley Jean’s Bakery and Life is Sweet — opened Friday, Sept. 26.
The new development sits amid a downtown strip that has undergone quite a bit of change in the past few years.
Businesses had struggled through an extended streetscape renovation project, but now wider sidewalks and new landscaping invite foot traffic. And a new social district in the area brings the ability for customers to carry drinks as they stroll from place to place.
Amid the downtown Concord shops and restaurants, The District Exchange sits on Union Street across the street from Hawthorne’s and B&K Tea Cafe, right next door to Hotel Concord. Cabarrus Theatre and Concord National Bank once operated on the site.
Tracy Gunn, founder and owner of Life is Sweet, is among the business owners expanding her presence with a shop there.
“We’re beyond excited to be part of downtown Concord’s energetic and welcoming vibe,” Gunn told CharlotteFive.
“Our goal has always been to spark joy, create community and offer an experience that both kids and grown-ups will remember—and there’s no better place to do that than here.”
Gunn’s vision for the shop includes a nostalgia-driven candy wall, a chocolate showcase and a rotating selection of seasonal goodies.
There is still room for more shops to join the lineup, as well.
“With the few spaces that are available we are hoping to continue curating unique retailers —like a plant shop, stationery boutique, children’s clothing store, and toy shop — all would be a perfect fit to enrich our already diverse and inspiring tenant mix,” Adamczuk said.
“We would also love to welcome creative office professionals who can contribute to both our tenants and the broader community. Ideal additions would be an architect, realtor, small law firm, accountant, designer, or other professionals in creative or service-oriented fields.”
Food and drink options will include:
Barley Jean’s, a bakery and dog treat shop offering snack mixes, granola, breads and cookies.
Crane Coffee, which will anchor The District Exchange’s second floor. Crane plans to serve artisan pastries and local bagels alongside vintage clothing and records.
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Decadence Popcorn, a Kannapolis treat shop that is expanding with a second location at The District Exchange. Expect gourmet popcorn and chocolates, along with celebration arrangements, popcorn bars and party bags for event planning.
- Life is Sweet, Gunn’s candy shop that started in New Hampshire, then branched out to include Charlotte-area locations in McAdenville and Lake Wylie.
Other retail tenants will include:
A Ceylon Story, a shop carrying goods, gifts and apparel that are inspired by Sri Lanka’s textile heritage.
- Red Bird Thread Co., a sewing shop with curated fabrics, threads, patterns and craft kits, along with handmade and upcycled items. Sewing classes will be among the offerings, too.
- Vintage Vibes, which will sell vintage vinyl and other music-related items. It’s another shop that calls Kannapolis home and is expanding with a second spot here.
The District Exchange
Location: 22 Union St N. Concord, NC 28025
Instagram: @thedistrict.exchange
This story was originally published June 26, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
