N.C. Gen. Stat. § 106-513

Written notice of such sale shall be served on the owner of such goods, wares, merchandise, or fixtures or other property 10 days before such sale, if he or it be a resident of the State, but if a nonresident of the State, or his or its residence be unknown, the publication of such notice for 10 days at the courthouse door and three other public places in the county shall be sufficient service of the same.