News Summary
Littles of Cary is set to open a new boutique in Raleigh, marking its first expansion into the area. Located in the Village District at 2020 Cameron St., the store aims to provide children’s apparel and gifts to local families. This comes alongside other new retailers, Maeve and Warby Parker, enhancing the shopping experience. As Crabtree Valley Mall undergoes renovations affecting local businesses, Downtown Raleigh is also preparing to welcome its first ABC store in decades, representing significant retail changes in the region.
Cary and Raleigh, North Carolina
Cary Boutique Littles Expands to Raleigh with New Location
Cary-based children’s boutique Littles of Cary is preparing to open a new store in Raleigh, marking its first expansion beyond its original location. The new store, named Littles of Raleigh, will be situated in the Village District, a shopping area formerly known as Cameron Village. The store aims to serve local families with a wide selection of children’s apparel, “mom and me” outfits, and gift items. The address for the new location is 2020 Cameron St., near Jeni’s Ice Creams. The opening is scheduled for early 2026.
Additional Retail Developments in the Village District
Alongside Littles of Raleigh, two other retailers will join Village District in the near future. These include Maeve, a fashion retailer, and Warby Parker, known for eyewear and accessories. The addition of these stores reflects ongoing efforts to diversify the shopping experience in the area. The new tenants are expected to attract more visitors and enhance the community’s retail landscape.
Changes at Crabtree Valley Mall Impact Local Retail Operators
Meanwhile, at Crabtree Valley Mall, approximately twelve retail merchandising units (RMUs) are scheduled to vacate their space by the end of September. This move is part of a broader plan to reimagine the mall’s layout, aiming to improve traffic flow and modernize common areas. The mall’s management has announced a significant redevelopment project valued at around $60 million, emphasizing a focus on enhancing the overall shopping environment.
The renovations are expected to lead to the removal of several existing retail units, including small business owners such as Dana Avitan, who operates Hair Sensations RMU. Retailers affected by these changes are encouraged to seek new locations outside the mall to continue their operations. However, many small and medium-sized business owners are experiencing difficulty finding suitable alternative spaces in the current market, which poses challenges for their continued viability.
Despite these difficulties, mall officials, including senior specialty leasing manager Drew Dunzweiler, have urged the public to support retail and food vendors outside of Crabtree Valley Mall during this transitional period. The redevelopment aims to revitalize the mall and increase its appeal as a shopping destination in the region.
Downtown Raleigh to Welcome Its First ABC Store in Decades
In a separate development, downtown Raleigh is set to open its first Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) store in more than thirty years. The new ABC store will be located at 209 S. Salisbury St. and is expected to open within the next few weeks. This will be the first liquor store downtown since 1985, when the previous store at 335 S. Wilmington St. closed. The introduction of the new store marks a significant change in local alcohol retail regulations.
Context and Regulatory Environment
In North Carolina, liquor sales are exclusively handled through licensed ABC stores, while beer and wine are available for purchase at grocery stores and retail outlets. The reopening of an ABC store in downtown Raleigh reflects ongoing developments in alcohol retail policy, intended to improve access and regulation of alcoholic beverages in the city core.
Summary of Key Points
- Littles of Cary is expanding to Raleigh with a new store opening early 2026 at 2020 Cameron St.
- Village District will soon host new retailers, including Littles of Raleigh, Maeve, and Warby Parker.
- Approximately a dozen retail units at Crabtree Valley Mall will close by September as part of a $60 million renovation initiative aimed at modernizing the mall.
- Small business owners affected by mall changes are encouraged to find new locations outside the mall, though many face challenges in doing so.
- Downtown Raleigh will welcome its first ABC store since 1985, located at 209 S. Salisbury St., with an opening expected soon.
- The new ABC store signifies a notable development in alcohol retail access within the city’s urban core.
Conclusion
These developments showcase ongoing efforts to revitalize retail spaces and improve shopping options in Cary and Raleigh. While some established entities undergo changes, new opportunities are emerging, shaping the future retail landscape of the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News & Observer: Cary Boutique Littles Expands to Raleigh
- Google Search: Cary North Carolina
- WRAL: Best Playgrounds for Toddlers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cary North Carolina
- WRAL: Indoor Playgrounds in the Triangle
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.
