They’re open for business.
The past couple of months have seen grand openings, ribbon cuttings and new businesses opening their doors in downtown Wilmington.
A few boutiques, a candle shop, flower shop, art gallery, music store and an interior design studio are among the new wave of offerings.
Here are new establishments that have recently opened in downtown Wilmington.
Coastal Candle Co.
The Coastal Candle Co. has opened at 261 North Front St.
Owner Brooke Hicks said on the company website that the business grew from a desire to keep toxins out of her home after her young son was diagnosed with autoimmune conditions.
The company sells hand-poured candles, wax melts, room and linen sprays, diffusers and car fresheners. Customers can also make custom candles during classes.
Hello, Love
Hello, Love is spreading the love to a second Wilmington location.
The boutique and gift shop opened at 271 North Front St. The business also operates at 347 Hutchinson Lane, Unit 110.
“The same shop you know & love … just in a newer, bigger location!” the business’ website states.
Hello, Love describes itself as a place where one to browse books, candles and gifts while supporting local and fair-trade makers.
Just Go BOHO Boutique
Looking for trendy, comfortable fashion, perhaps with bohemian-inspired style?
Just Go BOHO Boutique says it has just that at 110B South Front St.
The business said a portion of its proceeds supports a local nonprofit operated directly by Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.
Fully Awake Art
Fully Awake Art, a contemporary gallery at 205 Princess St., features rotating quarterly exhibitions and immersive artistic experiences, according to Wilmington Downtown Inc.
The gallery also offers self-guided life-drawing sessions with live models, a private viewing vault for collectors and artists, and figure model training and coaching.
String Theory Guitars
String Theory Guitars is located upstairs in the Design Worx building at 707 South 16th St. in the Cargo District. The shop carries beginner guitars, boutique instruments, amplifiers, effects, accessories and custom-built guitars. Folk instruments, custom guitar design services, a community board for local musicians and a free guitar-string recycling bin are also available.
Porchlight Interiors
Porchlight Interiors, located at 311 North Second St., Apt. 1 offers luxury staging, residential design, remodel support and vacation rental design.
Its collection includes modern furnishings, vintage finds, wall art, home décor, upholstered furniture, rug samples and designer wallpaper collections.
Banned Together Clothing Co.
Banned Together Clothing Co. at 25 Market St. is a boutique offering clothing, shoes and accessories for women of all ages, styles and body types, according to its website.
“Banned Together is built on the belief that fashion should feel joyful, rebellious, empowering, and accessible — and that every woman deserves a place where she feels confident, comfortable and celebrated,” the business website states.
The shop occupies the former site of Candles Etc., which still operates online and from its Elkin location.
The Painted Gnome
A new addition to the Cotton Exchange at 338 Nutt St., The Painted Gnome is a hands-on studio where guests can paint ceramics, create wood door hangers, shop for art supplies and browse handmade gifts.
The Busy Bloom Co.
Every now and then, people may want to stop and smell the roses. When they do, The Busy Bloom Co. wants them to do so at its shop at 22 South Front St.
Calling itself the “most unique” floral shop in Wilmington, The Busy Bloom features locally crafted chocolates, retail gifts, fresh flowers, a build your own bouquet experience as well as a build your own candle bar.
The business features memorabilia from locally filmed movies and television series and serves specialty beers inspired by those projects. The owners plan to display a rotating selection of screen-worn costumes, props and set pieces from North Carolina productions.
Bob Liepa is the city of Wilmington and public safety reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at RLiepa@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Downtown Wilmington welcomes a wave of new shops
