The Looking Glass Marketplace brings new life to a La Grange landmark
LA GRANGE — A historic storefront long known as The Men's Den has been revived as a new small business hub in downtown La Grange. The Looking Glass Marketplace, owned by Heather Watson, opened in early October and has already grown into a bustling destination for antiques, vintage goods, and handmade art from across eastern North Carolina.
Watson, who first moved to Lenoir County in 2003, said the building’s history was a major part of her decision to open the marketplace. For decades the space housed The Men’s Den and Sutton’s Shoes, two shops with deep local roots. Families across generations shopped there for suits, apparel, and footwear. When the building became available, she saw an opportunity to bring a beloved address back into daily community life.
The concept for The Looking Glass came together far earlier than Watson planned. She and a friend had long imagined opening a collaborative antiques and artisan shop once she retired. That timeline shifted when The Shoppes at Royall Marketplace in Goldsboro announced it would close. Many of the vendors needed a new home, and space elsewhere was scarce. Waiting lists and limited availability pushed a core group of longtime sellers to look for their own space.
That group included Laura Pittman of The Treasure Trove, Vonne and David Lankford of Tin Lizzie’s Pickin’s, and Jill and Phil Carden of Peggy Lou’s. Through connections, they were introduced to the La Grange property, which quickly became a shared vision. Within six weeks they secured the building, organized the layout, and opened their doors. Watson said the vendors and their spouses “who are destined to become saints” made the rapid launch possible.
Today The Looking Glass hosts 52 vendors, including several young entrepreneurs only 12 years old. Watson describes the marketplace as warm and family friendly, with each booth offering its own style and surprises. Visitors can expect antiques, vintage pieces, handcrafted art, boutique clothing, upcycled furniture, stained glass, quilting, 3D designs, and creative household items. Specialty collectors include book sellers, toy train enthusiasts, and makers of handmade knit animals.
Local products are a major draw. One family sells small-batch hot sauce made with locally grown peppers. Another standout is 94-year-old Lois Lee Porter, who curates a front-of-shop showcase featuring vintage jewelry, purses, shoes, and treasures collected from her travels around the world during her husband’s military career.
Watson hopes the marketplace becomes a cornerstone for the region’s small business and arts community. She wants residents and visitors to see that La Grange and Kinston can offer a vibrant mix of creativity, entrepreneurship, and local craftsmanship.
The Looking Glass celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 4 and held its first Santa visit on Nov. 8. The marketplace participated in local holiday events last weekend and will take part in Black Friday shopping. On the weekend of Dec. 13, the shop will host after-hours holiday browsing with Christmas lights and seasonal beverages for last-minute shoppers.
The Looking Glass Marketplace is now open in downtown La Grange. Information about hours, events, and vendor opportunities is available at the shop.
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