Local love: RALtoday’s growing guide to reader-recommended small businesses

Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.

A chalkboard sign from Edge of Urge that says "Only you can keep the local economy thriving."

Support the local economy with small businesses.

Photo by RALtoday

Table of Contents

Raleighites are so good at supporting local that the Milken Institute named us the No. 5 Best-Performing City for business in 2026. In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience.

We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so you’ll want to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week and Today’s Best coverage. Submit your business or a business you love with our online form.

Editor Allie’s picks

Edge of Urge | Gift store
If this quirky store ever gets mentioned in the newsletter, it’s because of me. With an endless supply of fun items, it’s my go-to spot for a gift for a loved one or myself. Plus, Person Street Plaza has other great tenants like Wine Authorities, Yellow Dog, and So & So Books across the street.

TrunkShow | Vintage
This vintage store is a treasure trove. I especially love looking through all the home decor and finding unique pieces for my home. Plus, regular vintage markets bring in even more cool vendors.

Sound Off Records & Hi-Fi | Music
This woman-owned used music store is a lot of fun, and I love bringing in my less-loved vinyl and trading it in for new-to-me records. They even offer turntable repairs if your player has seen better days.

More from RALtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
Discover the top Raleigh business podcasts, voices, and local resources our readers are tuning into — from must-listen interviews to expert insights.
Visit The Magic of the Fourth Ward: A Journey Through Time and Culture at the Martin Marietta Center to learn more about this vibrant neighborhood destroyed by urban renewal.
Microsoft, the world’s No. 4 most valuable company, will bring a data center to a large parcel in Person County.
Explore all 308 acres of Dorothea Dix Park and its top landmarks, history, and more.
The long-awaited Texas burger chain will make its debut next month in Wake Forest, and Raleigh’s location will open two weeks later.
The Canes sent five players to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and five of them are coming home as medalists, including one gold medalist.
From curling to ice hockey, you can train just like the world’s top athletes without leaving the 919.