Back to Holiday Guide 2014 Index…

qnotes asked readers to provide us some of their favorite local and LGBT-owned or friendly shopping destinations.

Here are some of the responses we received:

City Supply Co.

1219 Thomas Ave., Charlotte
704-347-2489, citysupplycharlotte.com
Reader Christine Blonowicz suggested City Supply Co. “I want to redo my whole house with their stuff,” she said. “LGBT owned and operated by a couple of super sweet guys.” The store has a variety of furniture, rugs, lighting and other home accessories. The store also offers interior design services for residential and commercial projects.

Paper Skyscraper

330 East Blvd., Charlotte
704-333-7130, paperskyscraper.com
Readers Jeff Schmehl, Angela Blanken and O’Neale Atkinson each suggested Paper Skyscraper, a gift shop known for its unique offerings like cards, glassware and other homeware, books, soaps, candles and more. “I always end up finding things there that are unique and perfect for the people I shop for that I would not have found in other stores,” Atkinson said.

Pura Vida Worldly Art

3202 N. Davidson St., Charlotte
704-335-8587, puravidaart.com
Reader Bob Nulf said Pura Vida World Art is “one of the most vibrant stores in the region.” The store is filled to the brim with unique, world-exploring gifts, folk art, pottery, textiles and more, including items from Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

QList favorites and nominations

Each year, readers participate in our annual QList-Best of LGBT Charlotte. Here’s more about this year’s retail store winner and other nominations made in the annual contest.

White Rabbit

920 Central Ave., Charlotte
704-377-4067, facebook.com/whiterabbitstore
This year’s best retail winner was White Rabbit, which bills itself the city’s “one-stop shopping place” for the LGBT community. Owned by qnotes publisher Jim Yarbrough, the store includes unique, LGBT-friendly cards and a variety of gifts, including books, music, homewares and more. The store also has a wide selection of designer men’s underwear.

Backstage Vintage Apparel

2005 Central Ave., Charlotte
704-733-9469
A unique shop filled with every kind of vintage clothing and costume you can imagine. Outfits can be bought or rented. A perfect place to stop for the eccentric one on your gift list this year.

Brief/Shu

1426 S. Tryon St., Charlotte
Brief: shopbrief.com, 704-376-6612
Shu: shusalon.com, 704-372-6223
Owned by Dan Mauney, Shu and Brief are stocked with a variety of upscale gift ideas for those on your list. Visit Shu for women’s designer footwear and Brief for designer men’s underwear and other fashions.

The Furniture Connector

2905 Griffith St., Charlotte
704-507-9023, thefurintureconnector.com
Affordable home furnishings and furniture, along with home accessories and design services.

High Cotton Home Company

2137 South Blvd., Charlotte
704-335-1220, highcottonhomecompanycom
American-made furnishings from top designers, the store bills itself Charlotte’s “most eclectic and distinct furnishings boutique.”

Silverfly

1111 Metropolitan Ave #150, Charlotte
980-819-7216, silverflybrands.com
Carrying the latest and most popular men’s clothing fashions and styles.