In NC’s Brunswick Islands, treasures of all shapes and sizes are found beyond the beaches too. Across our charming islands and coastal towns, you’ll find thrift stores, consignment stores, and antique shops that are full of gems and one-of-a-kind finds. Check out our recommendations for the best second-hand stores in the area so you can shop sustainably during your next visit to the Brunswick Islands.

Thrift, Consignment & Antique Stores in Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is a great first stop for thrifters who prioritize shopping at stores that support local charities. Proceeds from each of the three thrift stores in town, Sheltered Treasures Thrift Shop, Sunset Beach CIS Thrift Shop, and CRIC Sunset Thrift Store, support the work of such community organizations. You can find more information about each organization and their thrift stores in the FAQ section and interactive map below.

a mint green nightstand for sale at an antique store in shallotte, nc

Thrifters can find even more thrift stores and consignment shops in nearby Calabash. While best known by the nickname, “The Seafood Capital of the World,” Calabash is also an underrated second-hand shopping hot spot. You’ll find such gems as Calabash Trading and Consignment, Books & Moore Resale Store, and more, all within walking distance of each other.

After all that shopping, you’ll want to grab a plate of Calabash-style seafood to refuel.

Thrift, Consignment & Antique Stores in Ocean Isle Beach

There are a couple of great thrifting and consignment options for those visiting Ocean Isle Beach too. Pink Flamingo Consignment specializes in upcycled home furniture but you’re sure to find other décor treasures too. One of the area’s three Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores also operates in Ocean Isle Beach. Meanwhile, the newly opened Merry Shed is a family-owned and operated shop full of vintage finds and handmade décor.  

Thrift, Consignment & Antique Stores in Holden Beach

Staying in Holden Beach? How about an afternoon of retail therapy at one of the local consignment and thrift stores?

Visitors to the Rose of Sharon Thrift Store say the store is a thrifter’s dream and the high-quality items are priced at an excellent value. Further down Holden Beach Road, two more consignment shops, Miss Grace and Cozy Cottage Consignment and Thrift, sit right next door to one another. Poke your head into the latter in search of fantastic second-hand finds and Freddie the store cat.  

a table full of antiques for sale in shallotte, nc

Nearby Shallotte is a shopping hub in NC's Brunswick Islands and an antique collector’s paradise. Miss Minnie’s Antiques along Main Street and The Fancy Flea Antique Mall along US-17 are must visits.

You’ll find other thrift stores benefiting local organizations and consignment shops throughout town as well. See the map below for more details.

Thrift, Consignment & Antique Stores in Oak Island

You can spend an entire afternoon thrifting and antique shopping on Oak Island. The island’s shops are full of cool stuff, including in the appropriately named store Cool Stuff. You won’t have to travel far to your next stop either; the Hope Chest Thrift Store is located right next door.

Meanwhile the treasure hunt continues at Island Treasure Hunt along East Oak Island Drive. This quaint shop specializes in upcycled furniture and timeless home décor. Collectors will enjoy looking through the jam-packed shelves of Hoarders, an antique store located a few doors down.

an aerial photo of Moore St. and businesses in Southport, NC

Thrift, Consignment & Antique Stores in Southport

There is no shortage of places to shop in Southport, especially when it comes to shopping second-hand.

Local antique favorites include Northrup Antique Mall and Wicked Good Retro, but you shouldn’t stop there. Bookworms will love the Once More Bookstore where the proceeds from the curated selections of used books go to support Brunswick County Libraries’ youth programs.

There are also countless consignment and thrift stores located in Southport. Make sure to check out the interactive map below for more.

Thrift, Consignment & Antique Stores in Leland

You’ll find a variety of national and local thrift store branches in Leland.

They include: The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, Hope Chest, and the Gio Fund Thrift Shop.

Go Thrifting

You’re almost ready to go treasure hunting! Check out the interactive map below for the nearest second-hand store to your homebase here in NC’s Brunswick Islands. You can also find more shopping suggestions on our Shopping page. And when you’re ready to plan the rest of your beach vacation, visit www.ncbrunswick.com.

FAQs

  1. Where are the best thrift stores in the Brunswick Islands?

The answer depends on where you’re staying in NC’s Brunswick Islands. Check out our suggestions based on each island and town above.

  1. Which thrift stores are nonprofit versus regular resale stores?

The proceeds of many of the thrift stores in NC’s Brunswick Islands go to local charities and organizations.

  • BSRI Thrift Stores (Calabash & Shallotte) benefit Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. programs including Meals on Wheels, senior center programing, and family caregiver programing.
  • CIS Thrift Shops (Sunset Beach, Shallotte, Southport & Boiling Spring Lakes) help support programming for the Brunswick County chapter of Communities in Schools.
  • Sheltered Treasure Stores (Calabash, Ocean Isle Beach & Southport) benefit Providence Home, the Family Emergency Teen Shelter of Brunswick County.
  • Christian Recovery Centers, Inc. Stores (Sunset Beach, Shallotte & Holden Beach) benefit CRCI programing that provides drug and alcohol treatment, recovery and re-entry services for those struggling with substance use disorder.  
  • Hope Chest Stores (Oak Island & Leland) proceeds benefit Hope Harbor Home, Brunswick County’s domestic violence shelter and its programming.
  1. What’s the best itinerary for a day that combines sightseeing and thrifting or antiquing?

Often the best time to go thrifting and antiquing are early in the week and in the morning. With that in mind, here’s a suggested itinerary that combines a day of retail therapy and sightseeing.

Morning:

Start with coffee and breakfast from one of the many local coffee shops in the Brunswick Islands.
Finish your breakfast and head to your first thrift/antique store. Check out our suggestions above or visit the interactive map for those nearest you.
After some time spent browsing, mix up your day with a visit to the beach, an adventure park, a lighthouse, or any of the other fun Things to Do in NC’s Brunswick Islands.
 

Afternoon:

Grab some lunch at a spot serving fresh local seafood.
 Then head out on another treasure hunt.
 

Evening:

Bring your one-of-a-kind find back to your vacation rental and pack it for the home or wear it out for dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
After dinner, cozy up on the couch and start dreaming about doing it all again tomorrow.​
 
  1. Where else can I shop in NC’s Brunswick Islands?

Specialty is our specialty. Visit our Shopping page for more information and suggestions on where to shop in the Brunswick Islands.