Ivy Cottage (The)

Providing an array of quality consignments, The Ivy Cottage has consistently been voted "Best in Wilmington" by Encore and Star News for over 21 years. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, this family-owned gem is a ‘must-see’ if you’re just passing through.

We know it can be a little daunting to figure out where something might be- especially if you're looking for something in particular style or price range. With our inventory moving so quickly, even our staff can be a little bewildered at times! We've put together a list of general themes and items you can expect to find in each building.  However! Some items can be found in any cottage, so please understand these are simple and generalized tips. 

We DO HAVE MAPS! Each building, the customer service/check out area should have them on hand, so please feel free to ask for one. Unsure of an items dimensions? We also have yardsticks on hand. With three buildings, two courtyards, a warehouse and over 25k square feet of shopping- we try to make it as easy as possible! 

The Ivy Cottage—See what they're saying about us!

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Consigning at its Best

The Ivy Cottage is a premier retail destination where time flies while browsing the expansive aisles of this captivating place. With over 135,000 items spread throughout its four buildings and warehouse, as well as two courtyards, The Ivy Cottage is an treasure trove of high-quality yet discounted consignment merchandise. Antiques, furniture, jewelry, art, crystal, china, lighting, Persian rugs—discover it all here and more.

The enormous inventory comes from more than 12,000 consignors and is beautifully displayed throughout the store’s meticulously organized buildings. From creatively curated table settings to eye-catching displays, The Ivy Cottage feels more like an attraction than a retail space, as each building has its own distinct vibe. Cottage 1 centers around a vintage and mid-century modern theme along with seasonal decor, whereas Cottage 2 contains Traditional Home Decor, Fine China, Crystal, Silver, and Estate Jewelry. Behind Cottage 3, a large warehouse is open for shopping and also serves as a holding spot for furniture that will later get filtered into the store once space is available. And not to be missed, two blocks north (at 3911 Market Street) of the other buildings is a 15,000-square-foot showplace with larger merchandise including furniture and Persian rugs.

Garnered as the Southeast’s largest consignment shop, The Ivy Cottage has been a longtime staple of the Cape Fear community, even before it was purchased by Andrew and Marie Keller in 2012, after a decade-plus stretch where Andrew advanced his career at the company, beginning as a delivery driver while in college. Today, the Kellers are both very hands-on with the daily operations of their store. “Our business is a labor of love,” says Marie. “The employees are like family to us and our kids spend a lot of time here, which means everything to us, and consigners love being here. We’re so happy to be part of the Wilmington community.”

Like its name, which is derived from its building’s ivy-covered exterior, The Ivy Cottage’s inventory is continually refreshing and growing, drawing back customers time and again, with some locals visiting the shop weekly as part of their regular routine. “You never know what you will find,” says Marie Keller. “It’s like Christmas every morning.”

Marie estimates that they receive around 200 to 500 “new” items each day, with most of their inventory coming from the local community and largely due to residents downsizing and moving. From antiques and artwork to fine jewelry, customers will uncover exceptional quality at great prices, and sometimes even sentimental value with certain items reminding people of their beloved ancestors. “The fact that we offer beautiful high-end pieces that the customer can pay half price for really resonates with people, especially with the times we’re in right now.”

Whether you’re searching for a good deal or a different way to spend the day, The Ivy Cottage is a can’t-miss while in town. “Our store isn’t downtown or at the beach, but grab a group of girlfriends and go antiquing,” says Marie. “It’s definitely unique.”