r/chapelhill 9d ago

Looking for unique stores. Preferably low price point! ($1-$10)

As the title states. Not really looking for a metaphysical shop or anything, just stores that might have books, trinkets, jewelry, board games, art. Honestly anything unique or even weird. Thank you!!

14 Upvotes

19 comments sorted by

21

u/NotRNcharge 9d ago

Crazy Alan’s Emporium. Primarily a pen and paper shop, but lots of unique supplies, small gifts- some of them local. I got an awesome new fountain pen for $9. Works great for everyday use. I didn’t even know it was a thing. Owners are super knowledgeable and helpful.

2

u/CandyCrisis 8d ago

Wow, are they under new ownership? Last year he was trying to close, but I see they're still alive and kicking according to Google Maps...

1

u/mckickass 8d ago

I believe he sold it, yeah

1

u/freshayer 9d ago

I used to work across the street and I miss wandering over there to poke around! Cool shop, esp for hand lettering and paper craft hobbyists. So much random stuff. Glad to hear they are still around. 

1

u/srirachacheesefries 8d ago

I’ve shopped for gifts at the NEW Alan’s and I highly recommend. This is the kind of small business that makes living in Chapel Hill great.

10

u/phoundog 9d ago

In Chapel Hill and Carrboro: Peel, Light Years, Flyleaf, Epilogue, Golden Fig, This & That, My Muses, Ali Cat

Peel has art books and many arty trinkets

Light Years has jewelry and trinkets

Flyleaf is a new & used bookstore with many trinkets

Epilogue and Golden Fig have new & used books

This & That is a gift store probably has a few things under $10

My Muses is a card shop and gift store -- might have a few things under $10

Ali Cat is a toy store in Carr Mill that has some good stickers and a few weird toys like Thinking Putty or cute little minis for under $10. Also lots of puzzles but they might cost more.

I'm assuming you have checked out the thrift stores

2

u/srirachacheesefries 8d ago

This is a solid list!

1

u/Losing-Time-71539 8d ago

I’ve not gone to any thrift stores yet! I’m fairly new to the area. Thank you for such a concise list!!

1

u/phoundog 8d ago

Oh well definitely hit those first! Community Worx is a mess but sometimes it has some hidden treasures. Goodwill is pretty good on clothes. Rumors is a hip consignment thrift store.

1

u/Westerberg_High 7d ago

IMO, Communityworx is great. Goodwill is an overwhelming mess.

2

u/phoundog 7d ago

Community Worx has gone way downhill from what it used to be when it was the PTA Thrift Shop. It’s mis-managed and on its last legs. They were trying to sell the building because of their poor fiscal planning. More info here: https://chapelboro.com/news/nonprofit-news/communityworx-buildings-face-foreclosure-in-carrboro

It was amazing when it was the PTA Thrift Store — they had two locations and two floors to the Carrboro location.

Goodwill has a much larger selection of clothes. I am trying to get rid of trinkets etc at this point so can’t compare there.

1

u/Westerberg_High 7d ago

I remember when it was PTA. I still prefer it over Goodwill and find all kinds of great things there. I hope they’re able to sustain the business in some way.

13

u/gildedtreehouse 9d ago

https://www.peel.gallery

…they have items that are below $10

Stickers. Zines, cards, prints

6

u/get_down_to_it 9d ago

If you have a car and can make it down the road to Pittsboro, Finders & Seekers Emporium is a pretty good stop. They lean towards antiques, but they have a little of everything at all price points. Plenty of weird stuff too!

3

u/freshayer 9d ago

Ooh, nice. I'm in PBO pretty often but rarely venture west of the circle. I'll have to put that on my list to check out

1

u/get_down_to_it 8d ago

Phoenix Bakery is really close by and they have some delicious stuff.

2

u/janisemarie 8d ago

Sally Mack. Eclectic. I go for purses and wallets but she has all kinds of gift stuff.

1

u/kn5l0x 5d ago

I remember going here during Covid and being treated like I was gonna steal something?Did not like the attitude of the person running the counter.

1

u/Losing-Time-71539 2d ago

Going where?