We were recommended the Cotton Exchange as a place to see in Wilmington. We passed by an art…read moregallery, a clothing store, and a coffeehouse inside there. We didn't spend much time there, yet we enjoyed browsing the stores there. It was a brief walk from our hotel and a place to explore. January 24, 2026

A quaint area to shop near the river. The cotton exchange history and old buildings are a favorite…read moreof mine to visit. The shops and restaurants frequently change and it's always nice to see the new shops. Shop owners are very friendly and hospitable. There are restaurants, cafes, clothing, jewelry, paper, furniture shops and more. We always find something new and intriguing. I have brought stroller through and it's not very easy to navigate on wheels. Expected tourist area prices.

This is a really nice shop inside the Cotton Exchange. They sell wine, wine glasses, and small home…read moredecor items. The shop isn't very big but they make up for it with the quality of items. Another really nice thing about this shop is they feature North Carolina wines and items from North Carolina craftsmen. Highly recommend.

Wilmington has many great little places and one would have to spend quite a bit of time checking…read moreevery store out - but please check this place out for SURE! The staff are great, the selection unique and you just might be surprised at what you might find and the price you will pay! We picked up a couple wedding gifts as well as a take home one for ourselves - I believe my mom even found something here too! Make sure you stop in - tell them your friends from Silver Creek NY sent you :)

Went here for a one tree hill event! Lots of different merch! I would recommend going here if…read moreyou're in town, and are a fan of one tree hill.

OTH fan and you happen to be in town? Krazy Mike'z better be on your list if you're looking for a…read morememento, or needing something to pair with your self-tour of filming locations. There's a nice variety of OTH merch (towards the back): shot glasses, mugs, hoodies, t-shirts, jerseys, stickers, vinyl stickers, etc. The merch is decently priced, however some of the clothing was showing some wear and tear (from customers trying them on). I'd suggest any potential buyers double check for any fraying or discoloration. Hopefully the store will consider more hat options, offering beanies, and offering more color variety (especially darker colors) for their shirts and hoodies. There were a few design styles I liked but they were only offered in grey or white. I also noticed some merch in-store isn't currently offered on their site and vice versa. If you're a Dawson's Creek fan: there is some merch (also towards the back, shares a table with some OTH merch and where the shot glasses are) but not as much as OTH. Tips: -Street parking is available -Store is about a 2-5min walk to Nathan & Haley's bench -Masks were enforced when I went (November 2021)

The perfect place located directly in downtown Wilmington for a hipster souvenir, house-warming…read moregift and I might even say dirty santa?! Planet is a store full of odds and ends that scream hip, dirty fashion and Durham...I mean Wilmington (just reminds me of a Durham, NC/Boulder, CO crowd). If you are in the mood for original t-shirts, summer dresses, raunchy bumper stickers, gem jewelry, fake aviator shades or a bench NOT made for sitting. I've been attracted into Planet on almost every visit to Wilmington and haven't been disappointed. It's cute, a quick stop, and if you're looking to but something, there's so much variety, it's hard not to see something that catches your eye. They even had a very small selection of items on sale (under $10). Planet is a great stop if you're downtown and wondering around.

In 15 minutes I found and tried on 2 dresses and 3 shirts. I purchased 4/5 items and added a…read morevintage necklace. The two tops I purchased would pair with a suit for work or jeans after hours. The dresses were fun and flirty with great prints and flattering cuts. They had a variety of super casual to date night and a few items appropriate to supplement your career wardrobe. I didn't have much time to browse but the sales woman was very friendly and helpful. I would love to come back and browse the nifty gifties!

We had an ice cream cone and also bought some fudge…read more Both were good.......not great! The fudge has a consistency and flavor had not had before, but it is still good and took some home with me

This is the kind of gem I love to find when traveling! Seemingly all the artwork and merchandise is…read morecreated by local artists and there is so much to browse! You can spend hours in here looking at every little (and big) piece of art! And best part, you can purchase and take it home with you! I purchase an amazing steampunk fairy necklace for my youngest daughter which she loves. The entirety of The Cotton Exchange is amazing, but make a stop here FOR SURE!

Helpfully with framing recommendations. I got a call when my work was complete. They safely kept my…read moreart while I was out of town the next two weeks.

I took a mantle clock there for repair with little hope it could be fixed. The friendly staff were…read moreable to repair it in no time.

Such a fun, cozy plant shop. Gnome Garde has healthy houseplants, unique pots, and the cutest gnome…read moretouches throughout the store. A lot of care goes into what's carried here, and it shows. If you love plants and supporting small local shops, this one's worth stopping into.

From the owner: A gnome-loving gift and plant shop by the Gnomies of Gnome Nom Nom--filled with whimsical décor,…read moregreenery, and magical mushroom treasures.

Got a cute Prince magnet here. They have lots of cool gifts and service is friendly. Prices are a…read morebit high but isn't everything these days?

I bought a hoodie, and 2 t-shirts while here on vacation! The clothes I got here were some of my…read morefavorites! I came to Wilmington for a One Tree Hill convention and there was definitely lots of merch options here at Top Toad. Everyone in here was also so kind!

Saturday visit: It's definitely for gift shopping. We went in thinking it may have shopping goods…read morelike jams, food items etc but no it was not so. Overall it was a lot of artisan items, great vaiety of handmade items from pottery to woodworking to soaps and clothing. Didn't really have any "service" as we walked though the main chamber and peeked into the shop rooms on the sides. The prices were pretty expensive so we didn't get anything but they are hand made so it makes sense. Great place to get souvenirs or gifts. My favorite part was the soaps and the small pottery near the door.

I love the stores in here from. Country store to Gypsies store and the stuff in between.. really…read morecool wood made products and soaps and such.. right along waterfront . Lots of history in this place too. There's a wall with signatures by famous people who have come thru.. just an interesting place.