This shop is such a find, we almost don’t want to tell you about it.

Avalilly’s is a designer discount boutique in downtown Cornelius (about 10-15 miles up I-77). Prices are 20% to 80% off retail, and the selection of popular designers at unbeatable prices is amazing.

Definitely worth the trip.

This is not a consignment, seconds or irregulars store. Avalilly’s sells current and recent stock from about 25 boutiques all over the south. Owner Emily Haggart has been retailing for over a decade, and uses her friendly business savvy to convince store owners from Boca to Charleston to sell her their overstocks, singles, and occasional local misses. And to convince certain designers and manufacturers to sell her their overstocks directly.

As Emily is also the owner of the uber-popular contemporary Myers Park shop FRESH, she knows exactly what will sell to area shoppers. She personally evaluates and cherry-picks every item to be sold at Avalilly’s, and you will find plenty of familiar and favorite brands at bargain prices. The real beauty of this store is that you will get “sale type pricing” on every single item in the store — without having to wait for the sale.

One mis-impression to clear up right away….Avalilly’s is not just a place to buy what didn’t sell at Fresh. Only about 5% of inventory on any given day is from Fresh. You may find brands carried at Fresh, since AG jeans, Trina Turk, Milly, Alice & Trixie et al are certainly some of today’s most popular designers. But more often than not, the items you see came from another town, where the store overbought, or sold through all but one “singleton,” or just needed to move inventory out.

So, what WILL you find at Avalilly’s? Well, new inventory is added every couple of days, and items often come in just a few sizes, or even as singles. But here are brands we regularly see there: (pics from our recent visit below).

DENIM: AG, JOES, PAIGE PREMIUM, TRUE RELIGION, CITIZENS, WILLIAM RAST, DL 1961, 7 FOR ALL MANKIND.

DESIGNERS: TRINA TURK, SUE WONG, ALICE & OLIVIA, ALICE & TRIXIE, MILLY, ELLA MOSS, YOANNA BARASCHI, MICHAEL STARS (a wall of it), THEORY, SKYE, VELVET, EVA FRANCO.

ACCESSORIES: JEWELRY BY MOLLY BEADS, VIRGIN SAINTS & ANGELS, HARPER. BAGS BY FOLEY & CORINNA , KATE SPADE, ISABELLA FIORE AND ROMYGOLD.

Another mis-impression you may have about Avalilly’s…..this is not a discount dive. No boxes or junky racks to dig through. You would never know it’s a bargain store without checking the price tags. It looks like any other upscale boutique, with styles you may even have seen full-price in other stores. The vibe is casual, welcoming and friendly – maybe it’s the LAKE-effect. (Personally, I think it’s Emily). In addition to the fashion, you’ll find some of Emily’s favorite items like way cute furniture from Sticks Furniture and other items from City Art Works.

We highly recommend a visit to this store. While you’re in the area, you should also check out theLisa Rose Princess Shop right next store, and Bebe Gallini’s around the corner.

Check out their facebook here for pics and updates on what’s in store.

Avalilly’s
21341 Catawba Avenue
Cornelius, NC 28031
704.987.0037
avamarg@msn.com

Store Hours: 
10am-5:30pm 
Tuesday – Saturday or by appointment
Closed Sunday and Monday

Directions: 
Located 10 miles north of Charlotte, NC in historic downtown Cornelius. From Charlotte, take I-77 North to Exit 28 (Cornelius/Lake Norman exit) and make a right on Catawba Avenue. Drive 1 mile to the downtown area. Avalilly’s is on the left.