2 new stores, including a brand’s first in US, to open in Raleigh this fall

Raleigh has been the chosen location for brands to make their North Carolina debut in the past.

The grocery stores Wegmans and Sprouts Farmers Market both opened their first stores in the Tar Heel State in Raleigh. Ebisu Life Store, a Japanese “life” store offering decor, snacks, toys and other goods, opened this year on Hillsborough Street near N.C. State’s campus.

But a store coming to Raleigh this fall is not just the brand’s first in North Carolina. It’s the first anywhere.

Here’s what to know about the new shop.

Anthropologie’s Maeve to open in Raleigh

The popular retailer Anthropologie is spinning off one of its most popular in-house labels into a standalone brand.

Maeve will still be available online and in select Anthropologie boutiques, but it will have its own storefronts. The first of these brick-and-mortar locations will be in Raleigh’s Village District, formerly known as Cameron Village.

The brand is taking the former Coastal Urge space, at 440 Daniels St., next to Barnes & Noble. It will open in early October, Anthropologie told The News & Observer in an email.

“With the opening just before the holiday season, we know shoppers will love exploring Maeve’s unique collection and can look forward to exciting events and activities around the grand opening,” Kari Duncan, Village District’s marketing and events manager, said in a news release.

Maeve sells products including clothing, accessories and home decor.

Triangle residents may already be familiar with Maeve’s parent brand, Anthropologie, which has two Triangle locations — one at North Hills in Raleigh and one at The Streets at Southpoint in Durham.

New book and wine shop opening in Raleigh

A new book and wine store is the latest tenant to join the Platform development in Raleigh’s West End.

The locally owned store, Bright Side Books & Wine, will specialize in romance titles and will feature a wine bar and “cozy seating.”

Kane Realty, which owns the mixed-use Platform development, said Bright Side owner Susannah Baird plans to host events such as book clubs, trivia nights and local author gatherings at the space.

“I’m thrilled to offer a space for Raleigh romance readers — both existing and new — to find community in our favorite love stories,” Baird said in a news release.

Platform, located near West Cabarrus Street and Dupont Circle, is home to the fitness studio Homebody Yoga, and the bike repair and coffee shop The Bike Library. Nail salon Mood Raleigh has not yet opened at Platform.

This story was originally published August 4, 2025 at 4:18 PM.

Renee Umsted

The News & Observer

919-419-6579

Renee Umsted is The News & Observer’s Affordability Reporter. She writes about what it costs to live in the Triangle, with a consumer-focused approach. She has a degree in journalism from TCU.