City: Charlotte, NC

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (704) 364-4411

Address: 4400 Sharon Rd.

Description: SouthPark Mall, at the corner of Sharon and Fairview Roads about 15 minutes south of Uptown, has long been Charlotte’s best-known and most upscale shopping experience. But when the city’s first Nordstrom opened in 2004 in a new wing and Neiman Marcus followed in another new wing in 2006, it took SouthPark to another level, attracting other new upscale retailers and inspiring existing ones to get a facelift.Nordstrom, known for its great customer service, top designer lines, and incredible shoe department, inspired 30 new retailers to move in, more than 40 percent of which are exclusive to the area. You’ll now find Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Kate Spade, L’Occitane, Sur la Table, Tommy Bahama, Frontgate, Tumi, Apple Store, Pottery Barn Kids, Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Puma, Urban Outfitters, Teavana, Lindt Chocolate, Origins, and Coach. Several shops, including St. John, Carlyle & Co., Jessica McClintock, Chico’s, and Rangoni of Florence, moved from other parts of the mall to the Nordie’s wing.Anchor stores at SouthPark also underwent massive renovations in anticipation of Nordstrom’s arrival. Belk completed a $34-million expansion, including the addition of a parking deck. Macy’s expanded its store by 60,000 square feet and added a furniture department in a $22-million renovation. Dillard’s also underwent an expansion.In addition, a new Sharon Road entrance to the mall was unveiled, with a 12,000-square-foot Cheesecake Factory and an equally big Italian family-style restaurant called Maggiano’s Little Italy. Even SouthPark’s food court got an overhaul.In the Neiman Marcus wing, Ralph Lauren, BCBG Max Azria, Juicy Couture, Hermès, and Billy Reid set up shop. The city’s first Crate & Barrel opened in the Village at SouthPark in late 2006.Throughout SouthPark there’s a mix of luxury and low-key. You’ll find fine jewelry at Tiffany & Co. and Fink’s; and everyday items at J. Jill, Coldwater Creek, White House/ Black Market, Guess, J. Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch, bebe, Brookstone, Pottery Barn, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, the Limited, Express, Caswell Massey, Bath & Body Works, and Nine West.Mall customers also enjoy concierge services, including executive services, gift wrap, local information, delivery, and special requests, along with valet service during the holidays. On Sun evenings in June, thousands of Charlotteans pack Symphony Park beside the mall for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops series.