BELMONT, N.C. — A new alternative-themed market has opened in Belmont, giving the region’s goth, emo, and punk communities a space to shop, socialize, and gather, which is something its owners say has been sorely missing from the area.
Belmont Batcave, co-owned by 20-year-olds Lily and Jake, opened its doors on Friday, featuring more than 50 vendors selling everything from Gothic and Y2K clothing to handmade leather goods, taxidermy, and wet specimens. The store also includes a garage space and seating area intended as a community hangout, regardless of whether visitors are there to shop.
“Even if you’re not shopping, even if you’re not going to a show here, just being able to sit down, hang out, read a book, do some work, drink an energy drink — all chill,” Lily said. “Just like a third space, almost.”…