2024 Maggy Awards: Shopping

Guardian Angel Thrift

Best Resale Shopping

Lynette Somers, executive director, and Mark Daniels, operations manager of Guardian Angel. Sales from the organization’s trio of thrift stores benefit Alzheimer’s research.

The thrill of the hunt isn’t the only cause for excitement at Guardian Angel Thrift in Fuquay-Varina. Eighty percent of profits generated at the three storefronts (Guardian Angel Thrift, Little Angel Children’s Thrift, and Thrifttronics) goes to Alzheimer’s research.

Guardian Angel employs around 45 people to sort, clean, and prepare donations, as well as staff the stores.

“You are shopping for a cause,” says Lynette Somers, executive director. The organization has raised and donated $3 million to research already, and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Shoppers can browse an abundant selection of gently used furniture, linens, kitchenware, home décor, sporting equipment, and clothing. Little Angel Children’s Thrift sells children’s clothing, toys and accessories, while electronics are all located at Thrifttronics.

Before hitting the sales floor, donations go through a careful cleaning and mending process. Clothing, linens, and stuffed animals are washed and sterilized. Small repairs, such as steadying wobbly furniture or replacing bike tires, are made as needed to ensure items are in working condition.

Somers shares the inside scoop on two of the store’s “hidden gems.”

“We get a lot of health care items — wheelchairs, walkers, shower seats, crutches — people use them for a short period then donate them. Art and craft supplies are located on the back wall. Yarn, paint — there are all kinds of craft items there.”

The Corner Biergarten

Best Wine & Bottle Shop

Mike Lyons, owner, The Corner Biergarten

Pulling double duty as a bottle shop and neighborhood bar, The Corner Biergarten specializes in German and craft beer, heavy on North Carolina breweries outside of the Triangle (think Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Wilmington, and Asheville).

“We usually buy a small amount (of each beverage) and cycle through to keep it fresh. Customers frequently come in asking, ‘What’s new?’” says owner Mike Lyons.

“We love all beer and appreciate German beer’s classic styles. There’s a reason they’ve been brewing for 600 years,” Lyons says.

TCB hosts events every Saturday night, with trivia, music bingo, and karaoke among them.

“We want to be welcoming for everybody — a chill atmosphere for parents, kids, and dogs to hang out,” Lyons says.

TCB also earned honorable mention for Best Spot for a Friends’ Night Out.

Lune Spark Center for Creativity

Best New Business (Non-Restaurant)

Lune Spark Center for Creativity believes that every young creative deserves the opportunity to explore and refine their passions — which is why center founder Pawan Mishra hears so often from parents some variation of “I wish I had this place while growing up!”

At this state-of-the-art learning center, a three-step approach encompassing Discovery (Try It), Focus (Master It), and Expression (Showcase) supports the Lune Spark mission of inspiring and nurturing the next generation of creatives.

Historical letter folding and sealing workshop, anyone? How about a digital character design, audio engineering, or portrait photography class?

“The most sought-after learning opportunities at our center revolve around hands-on classes in drawing, painting, digital art, acting, theater productions, and music composition,” says Mishra.

Rescued Wood Rehab

Best Home Furnishings and Decor

Keith Veronesi (left), Dylan Delgado, and Marty Woodward.

Part showroom, part workshop, Rescued WOOD Rehab is a friendly, welcoming space that handles woodworking projects of any scale, from a simple shelf to a live-edge dining table.

Expertly made decor and gifts, including salt and pepper sets, cutting and charcuterie boards, and turned bowls by local artisans line the walls, and shop dog Bud is frequently on site to greet customers and keep a watchful eye.

“We also sell wood for you to build your own custom project,” says owner Marty Woodward. “We like being a local woodshop where people can come out and work on projects.”

More From Our Apr-May 2024 Issue

• 2024 Maggy Awards: Shopping
• Presenting the 2024 Maggy Awards: Best of Main & Broad
• 2024 Maggy Awards: Services
• 2024 Maggy Awards: Lifestyle
• 2024 Maggy Awards: Restaurants
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Restaurant Spotlight: La Farm Bakery
• Alive and Painting
• Dig In & Drink Up: Honey Drip Brown Ale
• Vibrant Varina
• Meet & Greet: Jen Grimes
• See & Do: April to May 2024