From West End gems to Trade Street treasures, here’s why supporting local keeps Winston’s spirit—and magic—alive.

Every time you choose to support a Winston-Salem small business, you’re not just making a purchase—you’re casting a little everyday spell. ✨ You’re fueling dreams, weaving community connections, and keeping WSNC the vibrant, creative hub we all love. Here’s why shopping small is one of the most magical things you can do.

What It Means to Support Small Businesses

Choosing a neighborhood boutique like The Boho Depot over a big-box cart is like choosing color over gray. Your purchase fuels a dream, keeps dollars circulating locally, and ensures Winston-Salem stays true to its title as the City of Arts and Innovation.

Fun Fact: Winston was the first U.S. city to officially appoint an “Arts Council” in 1949—a legacy that thrives today thanks to locals who believe in creativity.

Why Winston Thrives on Local Love

From the Arts District to the West End, our city’s heartbeat comes from its makers, shops, and cafés. Supporting small means supporting the quirks, stories, and traditions that make us shine.

Here are 5 important reminders of why shopping small is one of the most powerful (and yes, magical) things you can do.

1 - You Keep Winston-Salem Unique

Local Boutiques and Shops Tell Our Story

Walk Trade Street or the West End and you’ll see murals splashed with color, cozy storefronts, and handmade goods you won’t find anywhere else. Each window is a love letter to our city’s soul. At The Boho Depot, our storefront mural and curated finds are part of that story—adding color, crystals, and creativity to Winston's landscape

Fun Fact: The West End Historic District was one of the first suburbs in the U.S. designed around streetcars—a little piece of history you’re strolling through every time you shop small here.

One-of-a-Kind Finds You Won’t See Anywhere Else

Whether it’s a handmade candle, a vintage jacket, or a locally-crafted crystal piece, small businesses curate treasures you can’t get from a national warehouse. That’s how neighborhoods become destinations.

Fun Fact: Winston has more than 1,000 works of public art, many created by local artists whose work is supported through small business sales.

The Boho Depot Winston-Salem
Custom mural created for The Boho Depot by Christina Parrish

2 - You Support Local Dreams

Behind Every Small Business Is a Big Dream

Every independent shop is powered by a person with a vision—often a woman balancing creativity with community. Your purchase says, “Keep going. We believe in you.”

How Women-Owned Businesses Power Our Creative Spirit

Winston-Salem has long been home to strong women shaping its creative identity—from Maya Angelou’s iconic voice at Wake Forest to the women entrepreneurs operating local shops today. When you shop at independent shops in Winston, you're investing in women-owned businesses, artisans, and dreamers molding the city's future.

Fun Fact: North Carolina ranks in the top 10 states for women-owned businesses, and Winston proudly carries that tradition forward.

3 - You Strengthen the Local Community

Where Your Dollars Really Go

Money spent locally tends to stay local—circulating into jobs, festivals, and neighborhood improvements. It’s a ripple effect that turns into concerts in Bailey Park, art walks, and holiday strolls under Moravian stars.

Fun Fact: The iconic Moravian star you see during the holidays was first created right here in WSNC in the 1800s. Supporting small keeps those kinds of traditions alive.

4 - You Make Shopping Personal

The Human Touch You Don’t Get Online

In our local shops in Winston-Salem, you’re greeted by name, not an order number. Stores learn your style: At The Boho Depot, we remember your favorites, celebrate milestones with you, and help you find treasures that feel personal.

Fun Fact: Winston is home to more than 1,000 local restaurants and shops, meaning there’s always someone ready to treat you like family.

Why Winston-Salem Shops Feel Like Family

Because we live here too. We celebrate your milestones, remember your favorites, and cheer for your wins. That’s community—and it’s priceless.

5 - You Carry the Magic Home

From Crystals to Coffee: Everyday Magic of Local Finds

Light a hand-poured candle from The Boho Depot, sip coffee roasted a block away, or wear jewelry made by a local artist—and suddenly your day feels infused with a little more joy.

Fun Fact: Winston-Salem is known as the “City of Arts & Innovation” for a reason—it’s one of the few cities where creativity and craftsmanship are woven into daily life. Every purchase you take home keeps that magic alive.

How Shopping Small Creates Stories That Last

Guests ask, “Where did you get that?” and you get to say, “A shop right here in Winston-Salem.” Your purchase becomes a story—one that keeps creativity circulating.

✨ The Boho Depot’s Promise 

Why Supporting Us Means Supporting Small in WSNC

At The Boho Depot, every crystal, candle, and bohemian treasure is curated with love for our city. When you shop with us, you’re helping sustain Winston-Salem’s creative ecosystem—from local makers to neighborhood events. We exist because of your support, and we’re proud to give back by keeping wellness, creativity, and community at the heart of what we do.

Join the Movement: Shop Small, Spark Big Magic

• Choose a Winston Salem boutique for your next gift.
• Share your favorite local finds on social and tag the shop.
• Bring a friend to the West End or Arts District for a “shop small” day.

Learn more about The Boho Depot

✨ Some of our Favorite Local Winston-Salem Businesses ✨

One of the best parts of being in Winston is sharing a city with so many amazing small businesses. If you love shopping small and are searching for the best shops in Winston, here are a few of our favorites to check out around town - and don't forget to stop by The Boho Depot for a truly memorable shopping experience.

• Krankies Coffee – iconic coffee + creative hub.
• Louie and Honey's Kitchen - a mother/daughter bakery with the most delicious cinnamon rolls.
• Mast General Store - featuring local novelties and old-time classics.
• House of Plants - adorable gifts and plants (of course).
• Foothills Brewing – a local favorite for craft beer, community, and good food.
  
• Kin and Cottage - epic homemade candles and wax melts.
• Bookmarks – a nonprofit bookstore and literary center fueling our city’s creative spirit.
  
• Design Archives Vintage – a must-visit for funky vintage finds and indie designers.
  
• Fiddle & Fig - home decor, candles, and cozy furniture.

Supporting these local gems keeps our city vibrant, unique, and creative. When you visit them (and us at The Boho Depot), you’re not just shopping—you’re keeping the magic of this amazing city alive.

✨ The Boho Depot – Winston-Salem’s Boho Boutique ✨ 

Discover The Boho Depot, your destination for crystals, candles, bohemian treasures, and locally made gifts. Located in the heart of the West End historic district, we’re proud to be part of the city’s vibrant arts and shopping scene. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, wellness essentials, or inspiration for your space, our boutique celebrates creativity and community.

📍 The Boho Depot – 451 W End Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

🛍️ Visit us in-store or shop online at thebohodepot.com.

💫 Stop by while exploring West End shopping or searching for unique things to do in Winston-Salem—you’ll find magic waiting for you at The Boho Depot.