Shopping in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands means finding unique treasures and special souvenirs from our one-of-a-kind coastal shops and boutiques. You’ll find shops unique to the area offering specialty items like hand-crafted jewelry, the latest beach fashions, novel gifts, décor, and custom works of art. We’ve highlighted just a few of the many shopping destinations in the Brunswick Islands below. If you’re search of some open-air shopping check out dates and times for our seasonal markets on our events page. Happy shopping!

Sunset Beach

Nothing says beach fashion like a boutique in Sunset Beach. Located right by the water is Island Breeze, a women’s boutique with handbags, purses, jewelry, and clothing. Other options in Sunset Beach include Emerald Grace Boutique, Bleu, and AP Beach Boutique, the latter specializing in Brazilian fashioned clothing. If you’re looking to gear up or grab a couple gifts before heading to the beach, check out Sunset Beach Trading Co.

For the bookworms looking for their next book to bring to the beach, visit the beloved Pelican Bookstore. If you’re looking for something special for the foodie in your life, head over to The Olive Press. They boast a wide variety of balsamic vinegars, imported olive oils, and many more olive products. Specialty is our specialty in the Brunswick Islands. There are many top tier pro-shops in Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach ready to meet the needs of every level of golfer. For more information on the over 30 golf courses in the Brunswick Islands visit our golf page here.

Ocean Isle Beach

In neighboring Ocean Isle Beach, you’ll find even more spots to continue your shopping adventure. Home to many thrift stores and resale shops, you’re sure to find an old treasure that looks like it was waiting just for you. In search of some home décor that will remind you of your Brunswick Islands visit. Head over to the newly opened Coastal House Home Décor to find that finishing touch you’ve been searching for.

For a truly unique piece of art head down the road to Seascape Designs. This art gallery and boutique displays the work of amazing local artists including the husband-and-wife team that operate it. Shopping for somebody else? Check out Islands Art & Books for the perfect Brunswick Islands gift. This art gallery and bookstore features the work of many local artists and authors with a few extra surprises. There are also some great clothing boutiques. Check out The Curious Mermaid Boutique and just a stone’s throw away, Mermaid Cove Boutique.

If your crew is just looking for a couple beach day essentials, you’ll find Surf Unlimited Mercantile and the Ocean Isle Fishing Center on the island.  

Holden Beach

Family fun awaits and so does plenty of shopping in Holden Beach. Check out boutiques Seabreeze Market Boutique and Gifts, Sugarbritches, Sew Beachy, and Lighthouse Gifts Inc., the only spot you’ll find the Holden Beach Sea Turtle Protection Program t-shirts. Other great gift spots include Costal Keepsakes Gift Shop and The Coastal Gem - Beach House. Forget some beach gear? Head over to Beach Mart and you won’t walk away empty handed.

Oak Island

Find community on a shopping trip in Oak Island. The Crossroads Gathering Place operates as a community gift shop selling the work and art of many local businesses and craftspeople. You’ll find everything from artwork to charcuterie boards and pickleball clothing here. Located inside The Crossroads Gathering Place is Big Love Vinyl, boasting an extensive collection of classics, newer records, and always adding more. If you haven’t had your fill yet, make sure to check out Color Me Carolina, By the Beach Treasures, and Coastal Charm as well. For a special taste of Oak Island stop by Hippie Chick Granola Co. or for a new ride swing by Never Ever Boards for your skateboard and paddleboard needs.

Bald Head Island

A trip by ferry to Bald Head Island is worthwhile for the shopaholics in search of cute coastal boutiques. Visitors should check out Monkee’s of Bald Head Island, Island Passage, and The Silver Peddler. The All About Art Gallery is also a great spot to admire local art and find the perfect piece to bring home. Riverside Adventure Company and East Beach Surf Shop are also here to provide all your Bald Head Island merchandise needs.

Shallotte

Home to an independent book and music shop, Azio Media, Shallotte is also loved for its antique stores, Miss Minnie’s Antiques and Fancy Flea Antiques. There are a couple boutiques offering home décor, accessories, and clothing as well at The Memory Cottage and Milk and Honey Boutique. Shallotte is a hub for many Brunswick Islands travelers, meaning it is also home to many nationally recognized brands in the Shallotte Crossing and Coastal Walk Marketplace shopping centers.

Southport

Highlighting all the fantastic shops and boutiques that line the streets of Southport would take days – days better spent exploring those very shops for yourself. Nonetheless, a short list of local classics includes the Marketplace on Howe, Bullfrog Corner, the Southport Market, and the famous Christmas House. Some new spots are open in Olde Southport Village, but if it’s antiques you’re looking for, Southport has plenty of those too. Check out Wicked Good Retro and Old Elegance Antiques to name a few. Southport is also rich in art galleries. Take some time to peruse the wonderful works of art in the Franklin Square Gallery and The Artisans Gallery on Howe to name just a couple.

In search of a way to wind down your Southport shopping trip? Stop by Uncorked by the Sea to browse a collection of wines and try a few. Pair your glass with a walk two blocks down the street to the Southport Cheese Shop where you’ll find over 40 kinds of fine cheeses from around the world. The shopping opportunities in Southport are endless and will have you wanting to return year after year.

Leland

Located 10 minutes outside of Wilmington, Leland is another hub of nationally recognized brands. Shopping centers include The Villages at Brunswick Forest, Westgate Marketplace, and Waterford Village. But there are still some specialty shops to explore. Sandalwood Shoppes features products from a dozen local crafters including décor, jewelry, candles, puzzles, art, bedding, clothing, and more.

Calabash

Home to plenty of thrift and consignment stores worth a visit, a world of shopping awaits you in Calabash. Check out the upscale resale boutique Nell’s Fine Consignment, boutique décor and furniture shop Calabash Trading and Consignment, COCO & Company, and AnnabelesAttic. A quintessential Calabash experience awaits you with a visit to Callahan’s of Calabash. This sprawling gift shop offers clothing, jewelry, coastal décor, seasonal décor, stationary, sweets, and so much more. It is also home to St. Nick Nacks, a year-round shop dedicated to Christmas décor and ornaments. You also won’t be disappointed with a visit across the street to Calabash Art and Curios. A little further down the road you’ll find Sunset River Gallery, home to the work of over 100 local and regional artists. For the ladies who enjoy a day on the links, Lori’s Golf Shoppe is a must visit as well.

After the Shopping

If you’ve shopped yourself out, or if you believe there’s even such a thing, finish your day right with a meal at any of the waterfront dining options across the Brunswick Islands. Relax and unwind before you get up the next day to do it all over again, but make sure to check out these top coffee spots before you go.