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There is very little high end shopping and dining. It seems to contradict the reputed strong local economy and population growth. Saks is here but it's scaled down and strangely misplaced in a bad area. Other than that there is nothing on that level except maybe in home furnishings; Arhaus and Ethan Allen.
I did see a discussion on this but it's about 7 years old and nothing much has changed.
I think people learned from 2008 recession to be more practical about their money, hence fewer luxury shopping and dining, and more Dollar Stores!
For luxury shopping, first thing that comes to mind is many of the boutique North Hills stores.
For luxury dining, from the ones I've dined out -- Il Palio, Angus Barn, Herons, Death & Taxes
Location: Chapel Hill, NC, formerly NoVA and Phila
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In addition to there not being as large of a contingent of the very wealthy in the Triangle as there is in NYC, DC, SF, LA, etc., Vicki brings to mind another reason - lack of tourism. The big cities mentioned above not only have an ultra-wealthy class of investment bankers, politicians, celebrities, foreign diplomats, CEOs, biglaw partners, trust-fund people, etc., but these cities all get tourists from around the world. One of the biggest activities of tourists is shopping. Many customers of the high-end stores in NYC, DC, SF are likely foreign (and domestic) tourists, which this area simply doesn't have. Add in the fact that the population of this region is also smaller than the big cities mentioned above, there simply wouldn't be a large enough market to support those high-end stores.
Since I moved here from NY, I understand that it’s a stark contrast but how does one not expect that given the size of the area and that Southern Living is renowned for it’s simple, more down-to-earth values.
I actually LOVE being out of that “keeping up mindset”. In the pragmatic sense, however, I understand. sometimes an occasion calls for something not as readily available but seek and you shall find. I had a black tie wedding to attend in NY my first year here and went to Saks and found a dress. More times than not though, I am the middle aged woman running around in my denim cut offs, tee shirt and VANS and I love that!
And this NY’er has even found very good pizza!
I honestly just wish I was wealthy enough where my biggest complaint was that my city didn't have enough super high end stores when 80% of the population is in debt. Like damn man, that must be nice.
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