From tourists to long-term locals, the Asheville Emporium attracts every type of visitor in search of locally-oriented gifts and souvenirs. This isn’t just any gift shop, however; it retains the quirky and artsy vibes for which Asheville is known. It’s also home to a shop within a shop: the ReNew Resale Boutique, which supports a variety of important causes while helping visitors amp up their style on a budget.
New or used, many of the items on display at the Asheville Emporium are decidedly whimsical. For this reason, the shop is a top destination among visitors with kids. Don’t worry if your children typically get bored during shopping excursions; they’ll find plenty in this unique store to keep them entertained. Likewise, the Asheville Emporium appeals greatly to kids at heart, who love browsing and buying its silliest items.
Committed to cultivating community and connection, the Asheville Emporium serves as a place of gathering for locals and out-of-towners alike. This welcoming environment makes a variety of guests feel comfortable as they greet one another and chat with both staff members and shoppers. Be open to making a new friend or two; even a brief conversation sparked by the Asheville Emporium’s friendly atmosphere could completely transform your day.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this store is its dedication to those in need. The shop partners with area non-profits to ensure that products that support the most important causes are consistently on display. If that’s not enough to get you shopping, consider this: 20 percent of resale profits generated by the ReNew Resale Boutique are donated to local charities. If, in addition to shopping, you’d like to contribute items to be sold in the thrift store, you’re welcome to drop off gently-used clothing and accessories during the shop’s normal hours of operation.
Whether you’re primarily interested in thrifting or gifting, you’ll find plenty of enticing merchandise at the Asheville Emporium. Set aside some time to explore the weird and wonderful items found within this lovably quirky shop; you’re bound to leave with at least one item that perfectly fits your unique personality.
Insider Tips:
– Create a keepsake from your Asheville Emporium visit during a special photo booth session. Open to guests of all ages, this fun activity appeals especially to friends and family members who visit the store together — and aren’t afraid to get silly. Goofy props are provided; grab a few and be prepared to make funny faces. Photos taken at the booth can be uploaded to social media at no cost or printed in classic photo strips for a small charge. If you opt for printed photos, consider investing in one of the store’s cute frames.
– The Asheville Emporium regularly participates in community-wide events such as Shop for Equality. Stop by the Facebook page to get a better idea of what’s happening at the store and around town — and to learn how you can get involved.
– In general, the Asheville Emporium is open later than most other shops in the area. That being said, hours vary on a seasonal basis. In the summer months, the store is typically open until 10 pm. When in doubt, call to get a sense of the latest store hours. You can also find updates on the store’s official Facebook page.