How Charlotte malls are evolving with new stores and trends

Charlotte malls are adding new stores, supporting local businesses and refreshing their appeal. SouthPark welcomes trendy national brands like Swatch and Gorjana, while Concord Mills expands with concepts such as Mean Mug coffee and Kids Jungle Playground. Birkdale Village embraces both big names like Anthropologie and small homegrown spots including Airlie Baby and Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn.

At Northlake Mall, a rise in Black-owned businesses such as 3Six92 and No Grease! barbershop helps foster community even as challenges with foot traffic remain. Across the region, malls blend experiential spaces and new retailers to better connect with shoppers and local entrepreneurs.

Five national and regional chains are among 17 openings expected this year at Birkdale Village in Huntersville.

NO. 1: BIRKDALE VILLAGE ADDS 5 STORES, INCLUDING ONE MAKING ITS DEBUT IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA

The stores are among 17 openings expected this year as part of a major project by North American Properties and Nuveen Real Estate. | Published April 20, 2023 | Read Full Story by Catherine Muccigrosso

Primark, based in Dublin, Ireland, will open at store at Concord Mills in Concord, N.C., near Charlotte.

NO. 2: A PAIR OF OVERSEAS DISCOUNT RETAILERS LAND ON CONCORD MILLS FOR THEIR NC EXPANSION

This marks the first time that Primark, an Irish company popular in Europe, has entered the NC market. It’s part of a broader US expansion drive. | Published May 15, 2023 | Read Full Story by Catherine Muccigrosso

Mac computers on sale at the Apple Store in Santa Monica Appe16

NO. 3: APPLE STORE IS OPENING AT NEW CHARLOTTE-AREA LOCATION AFTER CLOSING AT NORTHLAKE MALL

Apple permits were filed and approved for the store, NC town planning staff member says. | Published June 23, 2023 | Read Full Story by Catherine Muccigrosso

Anne Taylor Factory Store and Justice stores at Concord Mills mall are among stores listed to closing following Ascena Retail Group’s bankruptcy filing.

NO. 4: HERE’S WHAT’S NEW AND OPENING SOON AT CONCORD MILLS, SOUTHPARK AND NORTHLAKE MALLS

Simon, owner of Concord Mills and SouthPark malls, details latest openings including retailers making their N.C. debut. | Published July 26, 2023 | Read Full Story by Catherine Muccigrosso

Northlake Mall shoppers said deals and tradition brought them out when stores opened on Black Friday.

NO. 5: PLENTY OF NEW STORES FOR SHOPPING AS STUDY FINDS CHARLOTTE CONSUMERS PLAN TO SPEND MORE

Charlotte shoppers plan to spend an average of $2,082 for holiday gifts this year. | Published November 23, 2023 | Read Full Story by Catherine Muccigrosso

Danyell Butler, co-owner of Modified Kicks, points March 13, 2024, to a display of sneakers at the new Northlake Mall store that opened in February in Charlotte. By Khadejeh Nikouyeh

NO. 6: ‘BUILDING COMMUNITY.’ STRUGGLING NORTHLAKE MALL SEES RISE IN LOCAL BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES

“It’s an opportunity to be exposed to people you may not have otherwise.” | Published March 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Catherine Muccigrosso

Photo by John D. Simmons/Charlotte Observer Charlotte Premium Outlets announced two new stores opening this fall.

NO. 7: TWO SPORTS APPAREL BRANDS PLAN TO OPEN FIRST NC STORES AT CHARLOTTE PREMIUM OUTLETS

The southwest Charlotte shopping center recently added another clothing retailer and a popular locally-owned restaurant. | Published April 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Catherine Muccigrosso

Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn, based in Asheville, will open a store in Birkdale Village’s Tiny Retail District in Huntersville.

NO. 8: SNACK SHOP OPENING IN BIRKDALE VILLAGE SUPPORTING NC HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY

It’s all part of the $20M Tiny Retail District that lets local business owners test their concepts. | Published September 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by cmuccigrosso@charlotteobserver.comCatherine Muccigrosso

Mean Mug, a Salisbury, NC, based coffee roaster, is open at Concord Mills in Concord, NC. The coffee shop is among several new stores opening at the mall.

NO. 9: CONCORD MILLS TO GET SEVERAL NEW STORES, AN NC COFFEE SHOP AND A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

The largest outlet mall in North Carolina announced the opening of six stores on the heels of several retail openings over the summer. | Published October 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by cmuccigrosso@charlotteobserver.comCatherine Muccigrosso

The iconic watchmaker Swatch recently opened in a 830-square-foot space at SouthPark mall in Charlotte. By Laura Wolff

NO. 10: SOUTHPARK MALL SEES 2 STORES MAKE THEIR NC DEBUT THERE. MORE ARE ON THE WAY

New stores opening or planned at SouthPark mall will be firsts in Charlotte and North Carolina. | Published May 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Catherine Muccigrosso

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.