News Summary
Cary’s retail scene is booming with the addition of Littles of Raleigh, a new children’s boutique. Expected to open in 2026, this store aims to offer quality children’s apparel and accessories. Alongside it, Crabtree Valley Mall undergoes renovations, while downtown Raleigh welcomes its first ABC store in decades, enhancing local shopping options and accessibility.
Cary Expands Its Children’s Retail Offerings with New Store Openings
Cary, NC — The local retail scene is set for significant growth with the addition of a new children’s boutique and the expansion of retail options in the nearby city of Raleigh. Littles of Cary, a popular children’s apparel and gift store, is preparing to open a new location called Littles of Raleigh. The new store is scheduled to open in early 2026 at 2020 Cameron St., situated within the Village District shopping center, formerly known as Cameron Village.
Details on the New Littles of Raleigh Store
The upcoming Littles of Raleigh will offer a range of products geared toward children and parents alike. Its inventory will include children’s clothing, “mom and me” matching outfits, and various gift items suitable for young children and their families. The store aims to serve as a convenient and stylish spot for parents shopping in the area, emphasizing quality and variety in children’s apparel and accessories. The launch is expected to attract families passionate about boutique shopping and unique children’s items.
Additional Retail Developments at the Village District
Alongside Littles of Raleigh, two other notable retailers will soon be joining the Village District. Maeve, a fashion retailer known for contemporary apparel, and Warby Parker, a popular eyewear brand, are set to open stores within the same shopping center. These additions aim to boost the shopping experience in the area, offering diverse options for apparel and accessories.
Impact of Mall Renovations at Crabtree Valley Mall
In other local retail news, roughly twelve retail units at Crabtree Valley Mall are mandated to vacate their spaces by the end of September. The move is part of a major renovation project led by Macerich Co., a California-based real estate investment trust, which acquired the mall and announced a $60 million plan to revitalize and reimagine the property’s interior spaces. The goal of the renovations is to create a more vibrant shopping environment that appeals to modern consumers. Among the affected businesses is Hair Sensations RMU, operated by Dana Avitan, which will need to vacate its space as part of this overhaul.
Mall Renovation Objectives and Future Plans
The Macerich Co. representatives explained that the renovation efforts are aimed at enhancing the overall shopping experience through improved common areas, updated storefronts, and modernized amenities. The project reflects a broader trend among mall operators to attract shoppers through remodeling and upgrading existing retail spaces to meet contemporary expectations.
Downtown Raleigh to Welcome Its First ABC Store in Several Decades
Raleigh, NC — Downtown Raleigh is set to welcome its first Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) store in many years, marking a significant change for the city’s retail landscape. The new store will be located at 209 South Salisbury Street, near the downtown area.
Details of the New ABC Store
The Wake County Alcoholic Beverage Control confirmed that the new ABC store will open within the upcoming weeks. This establishment will be the first liquor store operating in the downtown area since 1985, when the previous store was shuttered. The new store will exclusively sell liquor, as North Carolina law permits grocery stores to sell only beer and wine, while full-strength spirits must be purchased at ABC stores.
Significance of the New Store
The location of the new ABC store marks a notable development in the city’s retail mix, providing easier access to liquor products for residents and visitors in downtown Raleigh. This addition is expected to support local businesses and cater to the demand for liquor in the downtown district, which has experienced growth and revitalization in recent years.
Context on Alcohol Sales Regulations
North Carolina law governs the sale of alcoholic beverages, with ABC stores being the sole authorized outlets for liquor sales outside of licensed bars and restaurants. While beer and wine are widely available at grocery stores across the state, residents in Raleigh and surrounding areas previously had to purchase spirits elsewhere, often outside the downtown core. The opening of this new ABC store indicates an expansion of retail options within the city limits.
Summary
Overall, the ongoing retail expansions in Cary and Raleigh reflect broader trends in local economic development. The new Littles of Raleigh store will provide a specialized shopping experience for families, while renovations at Crabtree Valley Mall aim to modernize and rejuvenate the shopping environment. Concurrently, downtown Raleigh’s new ABC store signifies increased accessibility to spirits, aligning with state regulations and local demand for retail outlets. These developments collectively demonstrate a positive outlook for the region’s retail landscape through new store openings and infrastructure upgrades.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cary Boutique Littles Expands to Raleigh with New Location
North Carolina to Build Its First Standalone Children’s Hospital in Apex
Additional Resources
- News Observer: Retail Expansion in Cary
- Wikipedia: Shopping Mall
- ABC11: NC Consignment Store
- Google Search: Retail Trends 2024
- RALTODAY: Spring Cleaning Donations
- Google Scholar: Retail Expansion
- WRAL: Local Handmade Gift Guide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Children’s Retail
- News Observer: Local Retail Trends
- Google News: Children’s Boutiques
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
