A Shopping Day in Wilmington: Three Stores Worth the Drive

If you caught my latest reel, you know I spent the day shopping my way through Wilmington – and it did not disappoint. One of my favorite things about living at the coast is that a quick trip up the road feels like a little getaway, and Wilmington’s local shopping scene is genuinely one of the best around. Here’s where I stopped, what I found, and why each of these stores deserves a spot on your list.

Protocol

If you love a beautifully set table (or just love wandering through a store full of gorgeous things), Protocol is a must. They’ve been a Wilmington staple since 2002, known for fine gifts, tableware, and home decor – and their selection for tablescaping is unmatched. I found everything I needed for my Memorial Day table here, and I mean everything. If you missed it, go check out my recent Memorial Day Tablescape; every single item is from Protocol! Whether you’re hosting this summer or hunting for the perfect hostess gift, this is your spot.

📍 3502 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington

Pipton

I’ll be honest – I’m a frequent flyer at Pipton. This luxury beauty concept store carries everything from heritage skincare and haircare brands to up-and-coming makeup lines, and I can never leave empty-handed. This trip, I restocked my repeat lip gloss, but I also loved trying their foundation. The team there is what really sets it apart; they’re incredibly helpful when you’re testing products and matching your skin tone, so you never walk out guessing whether something will actually work for you. It feels like having a personal shopper for your beauty routine.

📍 1900 Eastwood Rd, Suite 30, Wilmington

Rec Club

The newest addition to Lumina Station, as well as my first time inside! Rec Club just had their grand opening on June 5th, and the best way I can describe it is pickleball, tennis, and golf meets high fashion. Elevated athletic apparel that’s sporty, chic, and effortlessly cool. Honestly, this isn’t my typical store, but I absolutely loved it. The pieces are the kind you can wear to the courts, brunch, or honestly just running errands and looking put together. Definitely go see this one for yourself.

📍 1900 Eastwood Rd, Suite 9, Wilmington

Honorable Mention: The Julia

The Julia was closed the day I went, but you better believe I would have stopped in if their doors were open. This timeless boutique has been dressing women since 1916 (over a century!), with a beautifully curated mix of brands for the woman with her own approach to modern luxury. And fun fact: the pants I’m wearing in the reel are from The Julia! They’re linked in my LTK if you want to grab them for yourself.

📍 7220 Wrightsville Ave E, Wilmington

Until Next Time…

There are so many more stores in Wilmington that I can’t resist, so don’t worry; there are more of these to come! If you have a favorite store or are a local business owner, drop the name in the comments so I can include it in my next shopping day!