DestinationFAY

Shopping From boutiques to retail stores, Fayetteville has something for everyone. S omething for everyone. It's a simple concept, but one that describes the retail scene in Fayetteville. Whether you are into just browsing, chatting with store associates and fellow customers, or getting what you came for and swiping the card quickly so you can move on to the next errand, local boutiques, gi shops, home stores and food stores can accommodate. None is a better example than 2313 Glitter Ave. Inclusive Boutique off Raeford Road. e boutique sells clothing, shoes and accessories for women of all sizes. Its owners say the business has grown from a small Etsy shop to a multimillion-dollar business over the past seven years. A boutique at 1009 Marlborough Road is the company's first brick-and-mortar storefront. Shoppers also can use a mobile app and have merchandise shipped or arrange for pickup at a warehouse on Blount Street downtown. "As a curvy woman myself born and raised here in Fayetteville, it has always been a struggle to find fashionable clothing in inclusive sizes in Cumberland County," co-owner Alexandria Shoup said in an email announcing the boutique's opening. "We are hoping to fill that void in our community by opening this store that offers all styles in small to 3X and creating a safe space where women of all sizes can feel confident and comfortable to shop in person." Go to 2313glitterave.com for more information. A shopping trip in Fayetteville is a mix of the trendy and the traditional influenced by people who come here from all over the world and people who have lived here all their lives. Here are some of the choices. LOCAL SPECIALT Y SHOPS Bell's Seed Store: Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the store celebrated 100 years in business in 2019. Bell's offers a variety of seasonal plants, from pansies and petunias to peppers and tomatoes, as well as lawn care essentials. Since 2010, Bell's has had a garden gift shop that stocks items such as outdoor pillows, furniture and the Big Green Egg grill. Whenever it snows, Bell's is a go-to for sleds, shovels and ice melt. 230 E. Russell St. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 8 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 910-483-8400 Betty Kelly's Gift Shop: This family- owned business has been a staple for four generations of brides looking for the perfect china pattern. The shop also offers home decor, invitations and gifts, including scented candles, jewelry and women's clothing. The shop carries the McKenzie-Childs, Vietri and Julie Vos lines. 1228 Fort Bragg Road. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 910-484-4044 A Bit of Carolina: This specialty gift shop carries North Carolina-made and -themed goods and specializes in custom gift baskets. 306 Hay St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday; 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Friday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday. 910-551-6537 Blue Bike Antiques and Gifts: Blue Bike is home to local vendors offering antique and vintage items, furniture and collectibles. 2608 Raeford Road. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 910-920-2146 Cursive: This store features a mixture of cottage shabby home furnishings, vintage finds, jewelry, greeting cards, home fragrances, handbags and totes, decorations, and gifts. 223 Franklin St. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday. 910-482-0005 Curate Essentials: The herbal apothecary in the heart of Haymount takes a holistic approach to health and wellness with all-natural products to balance mind, body and spirit. Enjoy French press coffee and fresh pastries in the café or on the veranda surrounded by azaleas and camellias. 1302 Fort Bragg Road. 910-920-4531 or curateessentials.com Fleishman's Tiny Town: This family- owned business has offered children's clothing, shoes and toys for over 60 years. Tiny Town also has a baby registry and children's furniture. 2800 Raeford Road, Suite 24B, Highland Centre. 10 a.m.- FILE PHOTO Leclair's General Store 6 DestinationFAY 2023-2024

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