Shop Small & Locally Owned on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall

Going to a decade party? Or just never escaped the alluring draw of 80s neon and polyester? Take some time to swing by and check out Low. It’s the place for all things vintage from clothes and shoes to records, furniture, and housewares. There are items from every decade here, with lots of funky prints and styles, as well as classics like vintage Levi’s. While most items come from the second half of the 20th century, there are, from time to time, some great treasures from the late 19th century.

Looking for something more contemporary than a blazer that’s more shoulder pad than jacket? Then head over to Darling x Dashing, which caters to modern, trendy, feminine and masculine looks. A long-time staple of Charlottesville’s thrift scene, Darling was started by a local UVA alumna. This business is a frequent organizer of community events, initiatives, and a vocal supporter of greener approaches to shopping. In addition to offering en vogue brands, Darling also collaborates with local artisans and brands to promote other local small businesses.

Conveniently located next to Darling x Dashing, Arsenic is more vintage focused, similar to Low but with some higher-end brands as well. A wide variety of items from the 1990s and earlier await, from small interior and home furnishings to scarves and handbags. There are tons of offerings on 1970s and 1980s clothing, so if you have a deep longing for a Gunne Sax dress, be sure to swing by. They also have an Etsy store if you want to check out their offerings from afar.

To round out the clothing thrift scene check out Agents in Style. A newer addition to the Downtown Mall's second-hand world, Agents in Style is a high-end consignment shop for women with a curated selection of luxury and high street brands like Prada, LoveShackFancy, and Louis Vuitton. This business also offers personal styling, closet audits, and works with clients to create looks for special occasions and events.

Open for over 30 years, Consignment House has unique items in spades ranging from rugs to furniture to art from all over the world. Is your home lacking that one-of-a-kind something? Perhaps a hand-made bench from Afghanistan? An antique music box? A wooden folk art carving of a cat? This is the place to find your next conversation piece that makes your home have that certain je ne sais quoi. They also have an online store that features an even wider variety of uncommon and beautiful pieces.

Melody Supreme offers a mix of a few new releases, but its focus is on vintage records. With a rigid system for taking in these classic records, you can be guaranteed great sound and quality with your second-hand purchase. There are records here from every genre as well as a record player for checking out new sounds in the shop. When coming by, be sure to chat with Gwen, Melody’s owner and savant of all things vinyl and audio.

A winding multi-level labyrinth straight out of every book lover's dream, The Washington Post has described the Daedalus Bookshop as "a three-story temple of secondhand lit, a bibliophile's church tucked away on a curling side street. The steps creak, the nooks are shadowed. Books are piled from the dusty floor to shelves that scrape the ceiling." With publishing dates ranging from the 1700s to today, there is a section on nearly every subject imaginable. Stop by and spend an hour or two getting lost in the shelves.

Are you looking for a book on reptiles that's been out of date since 1963? Check out Blue Whale Books! This bookstore focuses on historic materials and rare materials and the owners have a rule that they don’t sell magazines published after 1900. Known as a great spot to check out for all things historical, this shop has old documents, books, encyclopedias, pictures, and maps on a wide variety of subjects. There are also a couple of sofas in the shop where you can sit and read on. If you're lucky, shop dog Gizmo will be out to greet you when you pop by!

Truly a second hand shop, 2nd Act Books opened to preserve a bookshop called Read It Again Sam. Now, it is located on the Downtown Mall, right across from the Paramount Theater. While there are many genres to choose from, 2nd Act Books specializes in children's books, which makes this the perfect shop for finding nostalgic titles to gift to the next generation. Spend an afternoon perusing the myriad of books with your furry friend (friendly pets on leashes are welcome!), cozying up in the reading corner, or working on a puzzle at the community puzzle table.

This is just a small sample of the shopping that the Charlottesville area has to offer. Explore more shopping options within the surrounding Albemarle County on our shopping page. Or, if you'd like to speak to someone about the plethora of options, our Mobile Visitor Centers are here to help! The Mobile Visitor Centers run from March - December, and during the winter months you can still speak to someone over the phone or email; just visit our Contact Us page. After you've shopped 'til you've dropped, refuel at one of our many amazing restaurants, relax with a glass of wine at a winery, or settle in for a comfortable night at one of our places to stay. We can't wait to welcome you soon!