Shopping in Fayetteville
There's the mall ... and much more
By Rebecca Logan
A map of shopping centers and major retailers in Fayetteville.
OFF THE RACK
Check out Rebecca Logan's business blog "Off the Rack" updated with retail news and tips for shoppers.
To understand Fayetteville's current retail landscape, one must go back to Feb. 26, 1975.
I recently dug out, from The Fayetteville Observer's library, a musty article that was published that day. Here's what it said:
"Children trailing balloons, clowns and the smell of sizzling food gave the opening of Cross Creek Mall at 9:30 this morning a carnival atmosphere. Automobiles filled the 5,500-space parking lot and hundreds of smiling people strolled past fountains and flowering plants inside the roofed, landscaped shopping area to see the 73 stores that opened today in North Carolina's largest shopping center."
According to the article, the then-mayor looked up at the rays streaming in through the mall's skylight and said "the sun certainly shines on Cross Creek Mall."
In truth, Cross Creek Mall became a bit like a sun itself, attracting other shopping centers into orbit around it.
Together, they created enough gravity to pull in a host of national chains.
And that, boys and girls, is your science and history lesson for the day.
Now, if you're new to Fayetteville and like to shop, you've probably been to Cross Creek Mall or to some of its neighbors. There is certainly plenty out that way for shoppers to see and enjoy.
But do me a favor and be sure to also explore other pockets of our shopping solar system. You can discover some independent retailers that are worth checking out.
For example, if you are on Raeford Road, you can buy organic groceries at The Apple Crate or fly-fishing gear at Tarheel Fish and Game.
When on Ramsey Street, on the north side of town, pop into shops such as The Watermelon Patch (inside MopHeads salon) if you like girly-girl purses or Grapes and Hops if wine is more your speed.
And don't miss downtown Fayetteville, which has certainly gained some retail momentum in recent years. While there, consider browsing for gifts at the 100-year-old Holmes Electric or visit more recent arrivals like the boutique So Chic Bebe.
That's just a tiny sampling of Fayetteville spots for avid shoppers to try.
I'm sorry I can't hit them all. But if you spread it out over several weekends, maybe you can.