The best book, hobby & craft shops in Shelby

When your TBR stack feels stale, Spencer & Co. nails the cure with smartly curated shelves, hidden-gem finds, and the kind of neighborhood vibes that make browsing feel like catching up with an old friend. Pop in when you want a real book to pull you off your phone.

From the Gaffney newsletter, October 20, 2026

Imperial Comics & Games LLC is the chill hub for Shelby's TCG and comic crowd, with a deep selection of singles, deck boxes, and accessories plus shelves of Marvel, DC, and indie reads. Friendly staff, lively tournaments, and an online store if you're mid-battle and need reinforcements.

From the Shelby newsletter, October 21, 2026

Got Books keeps shelves packed with new and used finds at great prices, plus they buy, sell, and trade so your TBR pile stays fresh. College students, they pay cash for textbooks, which makes finals week slightly less painful.

From the Boiling Springs newsletter, October 15, 2026

Box Turtle Books is Uptown Shelby’s cozy indie spot for new releases on Tuesdays, in-store events, and lively book clubs. Between community-sourced recommendations and their own picks, it’s the kind of place you pop in for one title, leave with three... and maybe an audiobook.

From the Shelby newsletter, October 9, 2026

When birthdays sneak up or cabin fever hits, Harper and Skyler's Toys and Sweets saves the day with Lego, sensory toys, puzzles, and a candy shop packed with pick-n-mix and freeze dried treats. Sports fans can snag NFL, NBA, and MLB mystery boxes or team sets, including Panthers and Hornets.

From the Mecklenburg County newsletter, October 22, 2026

Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.

Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).

Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).

Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).

Charlotte Yarn is the warm, chatty spot in the heart of Charlotte where creativity multiplies. Expect a curated wall of quality fibers, including locally dyed, tools and notions, classes, monthly Sip-N-Stitch hangouts at Town Brewing, plus the homegrown Last Knitter Standing game. Newbies and pros are equally welcome.

From the Mecklenburg County newsletter, October 16, 2026

Guitar shop with an extensive inventory of new and used instruments and accessories.

Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.

When your favorite six-string needs TLC or you’re itching to create something wild, L A Guitar Factory aka Tela Guitar has you covered with pro repairs, quality parts, string instruments, and even a luthier school for building, repair, and maintenance that turns tinkering into craft.

From the Charlotte newsletter, September 30, 2026

Charlotte players, Gold Tone Workshop in Plaza Midwood is the boutique spot for guitar and amp repair, from crisp setups and fretwork to amp tune-ups, pedal mods and speaker fixes. They also hunt down and sell guitars and vintage gear, all to keep working musicians sounding sharp.

From the Charlotte newsletter, October 7, 2026

Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).

Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.

Midwood Guitar Studio is a NAMM-recognized hang for carefully curated electrics, acoustics, bass rigs, and boutique amps from Collings, Fender Custom Shop, Gibson Custom, PRS, Suhr, Two-Rock and more. They also handle pro guitar repairs, so your main axe stays gig ready.

From the Charlotte newsletter, October 14, 2026