The Cotton Exchange has three new stores in its confines, meaning the historical eight-building shopping center is now 100 percent leased.
 
The newest tenants in the center, nestled between Walnut, Grace, Nutt and Front streets, are music and lifestyle store Modern Legend, pet boutique Coastal Paws and North Carolina-themed Heart of Carolina.
 
“We have 30 shops and restaurants and 45 offices, including two call centers,” said Nancy Bullock, general manager of the exchange, which holds a total of 71,000 square feet of leasable space.
 
Modern Legend describes itself as “where bold meets minimal; where beauty and edge merge; where music and art coexist; and the little things matter.” Owner Catherine Hawksworth came from Seattle but decided to start her company where she spent her childhood, which was in Wilmington. The store features a collection of lifestyle products including vinyl records, home décor, fashion and accessories.
 
Coastal Paws, which opened in mid-November, carries a wide variety of pet supplies, accessories, healthy treats, gifts and décor. Owners Kathleen White and Ruthie Halko are longtime rescue advocates and moved to Wilmington to create their own pet-based business.
 
Heart of Carolina opened the day before Thanksgiving, and offers a range of items created in North Carolina. Products include wood furniture and other items made from 300- to 500-year-old reclaimed logs from the Cape Fear River, foods such as peanuts, grits, jams, jellies and hot sauces; woven baskets; iron works; hand-blown glass; mountain music; and North Carolina wine and beer. Owner Anna LaRue and store manager Lisa LaRue say they are committed to only sell things made in this state.

"We feel quite privileged, being brand new and having the opportunity to be located not only downtown, but in a historical and beautiful piece of Wilmington, The Cotton Exchange," Lisa LaRue said.
 
The Cotton Exchange is made up of restored buildings, some of which date back to the 1860s.