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Is Raleigh ready for the designer market?
RH, Audemars Piguet, CHANEL Beauty. From the looks of these recently bowed and forthcoming brands, it’s clear the cap city is starting to dip its toes in the luxury market—meaning Raleigh is not simply growing in size, but in sophistication and grandeur.
As a city that often decries new development in lieu of landmarks (see: the all-out outrage about the infamous round Holiday Inn on Hillsborough Street), a question surrounding the up-and-coming luxury market arises: Is Raleigh really ready for it?
The barrage of incoming designer brands buying into the belief they’ll earn the attention—and paychecks—of Raleighites points to yes. “It says a great deal about their confidence in our market,” says Steve Brown, senior vice president and director of retail leasing at Kane Realty, regarding how notoriously selective brands such as RH are about storefront placement.
And Brown himself echoes the brand’s confidence, noting that even though the North Hills’ CHANEL Beauty will exclusively feature fragrance and beauty, the possibility it will consider expanding to a full apparel and accessories boutique is totally on the table.
Although she agrees Raleigh is ready to step into the affluent atmosphere, Artsuite founder Marjorie Hodges advises small businesses should not be left behind. “There is a demand for investment in quality items,” she emphasizes—“whether it’s art, fashion or interior design. It’s all about quality of investment.”
While a proponent of such grabs as North Hills’ 2023 Bal Harbour Shops Pop-Up, Hodges says Raleigh should aim to retain its swath of unique local brands and shops. “We shouldn’t try to be Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive,” she cautions. “There is something different about Raleigh—and it would be a shame if national brands took over.”
Bottom line, big-name storefronts aren’t the only places you can scratch the itch for luxury. Raleigh has long retailed designer brands—local businesses such as MODE Consignment, Uniquities and dress sell both new and secondhand designer products.
So as long as Raleigh works to ensure local businesses can still thrive among the bigger brands, the city appears poised to take the next opulent step toward manifesting a lap of luxury.
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