Charlotte Money and Shopping

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One of Charlotte's biggest weaknesses is the relative lack of retail shopping in the center city. Though this will change somewhat in the near future, you will generally have to venture into the suburbs to do your shopping. As with most American cities, most retail is in malls and shopping centers, though some areas (especially the inner suburbs) have stores along the streets.

• Metropolitan Midtown, www.metmidtown.com just outside the central business district, is the redevelopment of the former Charlottetown Mall. Concord Mills www.concordmills.com is not technically in Charlotte, but is the largest shopping destination in the region. Carolina Place Mall www.carolinaplace.com is a large mall near the southern city line, convenient to the southern suburbs and stateline. Eastland Mall www.eastlandmall.com is an older Charlotte mall that is slated for a revitalization while Northlake Mall www.shopnorthlake.com is a new mall in north Charlotte, convenient to the University area and Lake Norman area. SouthPark Mall www.southpark.com is arguably Charlotte's largest and most upscale mall, 6 mi south of center city. Belgate www.crescent-resources.com/retail/belgate/default.asp features the first IKEA store in the Carolinas.

• If you are looking to shop outside the commercial retail sector, try exploring some of the districts just outside the I-277 loop. In particular, the Dilworth and Plaza-Midwood areas are good places to visit unique, funky stores. East Blvd. (upscale) and Thomas St. (downscale) are both good places to find unusual items.

• There are several market-style locations scattered across the city. There is a "green market" www.centercitygreenmarket.com during the warmer months on E 7th St near Tryon, the EclecFest market prelude.realeyesbookstore.com/eclecfest.html (every second Saturday) behind the Neighborhood Theater on N. Davidson St., and many flea markets in and around the city.