Oct 17, 2025 - Business

Inside Wiloe, Plaza Midwood's new colorful home and gift shop

McKenzie Rankin

Two smiling women stand in a colorful store with greeting cards and gifts under a large sign reading WILOE in blue, red, yellow, and orange letters on the wall behind them. — Karly Allison-Poe (L) and Tanya Wilson (R) are the owners of Wiloe Home & Gift. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

Wiloe, a locally owned home and gift shop, opened earlier this year in Plaza Midwood.

Why it matters: As the neighborhood sees an influx of national chains, Wiloe is focused on spotlighting local makers with its selection of colorful home goods, artwork and playful gifts.

What to expect: Think whimsical and eccentric wall prints, bold ceramics and glassware, and a full wall of irreverent greeting cards in a vibrant 1,700-square-foot space.

Browse the shelves and you'll find:

Home décor: from playful paintings and prints to colorful kitchenware.
Jewelry and accessories.
Pet goods: beds, leashes and treats.
A full room stocked with children's books.
Cards and stationery.

Backstory: Co-owners Karly Allison-Poe and Tanya Wilson have been friends for more than two decades, first meeting in the corporate world. After years of climbing that ladder, they decided to leave and open Wiloe together.

The vibe: "Modern, colorful and unique," Allison-Poe and Wilson say.

If your home leans beige, you won't find much of that here.

Fun fact: Wiloe is a combination of their last names (Wilson and Poe).

Zoom in: Wiloe showcases a range of local artists and makers. A few include:

Arias DeRienzo of Two Ships Pottery.
Melissa Lee, painter and mixed media artist with Charlotte Studio Artists.

Eliza Dunaway, whose playful food print collection, "Pantry Petites," (paintings of staples like Cheez-Its, Tajín and Reese's candy) is available in-store.

Between the lines: Beyond retail, the shop hosts numerous neighborhood events and creative workshops, from pumpkin decorating to mahjong nights and pet adoption fundraisers.

Upcoming events include: