Myrtle Beach is a top tourist destination in the country and there are plenty of mainstream places to shop. However, you might be missing out on real treasure by not visiting some of the more low-key local businesses.
Dani is a writer and actress who loves to learn and share tips and information to help others. She hails from South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The beautiful, 60-mile-long shoreline and plentiful entertainment choices attract over 19 million tourists each year. With family-friendly attractions, clean, impressive beach areas, and no shortage of lodging, Myrtle Beach can keep travelers busy and entertained for weeks.
There are certain attractions in Myrtle Beach that are mainstream—in fact—most people don’t leave Myrtle Beach without checking these out first. For example, the Skywheel is probably the most popular landmark you’ll see. It’s in the heart of the boardwalk and is one of the most talked about attractions among tourists. Broadway at the Beach is a no-brainer while you’re in town because this area is a theme park and mall all in one. There are so many places to eat, shop, play, and party at Broadway.
While these main attractions are amazing, there are a lot of smaller businesses that don’t get nearly as much attention. These businesses range from restaurants to retail shops to entertainment options. They are real treats and could help to make your trip to Myrtle Beach unique and memorable. Below are five of these businesses that you can check out on your trip to the Grand Strand.
On Time Creative Printing, located in the Myrtle Beach Business and Storage Center, 10838 Kings Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
1. On Time Creative Printing
On Time Creative Printing is a fairly new business located in the north part of Myrtle Beach. This shop offers custom printed products such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, keychains, and more. However, they are known for their same-day photo products. You can send them any of your vacation photos (or any photos at all for that matter), and they’ll print them onto many different products in one hour or less, depending on how many products your order. Their photo products come out so clear and vivid, unlike some custom printing places where the photo almost blends into the shirt. Plus they offer shirt sizes up to a 6X.
There’s no shortage of places to get custom printed products in Myrtle Beach, but there are a few reasons you may want to try On Time Creative Printing first. To start, On Time Creative Printing is located outside of the main tourist areas. This means they have much better pricing than any custom printing shop you’ll find near the boardwalks. In fact, you may pay triple the price in the main tourist areas!
Another consideration is that it could be worth traveling away from the more popular attractions to get away from the huge crowds of people. You won’t have to wait in long lines and you’ll get great customer service because their employees aren’t rushing.
Finally, if you really don’t want to leave the main tourist areas, they offer same-day local delivery. You can place your orders online or on the phone and they’ll have your finished products delivered to your hotel! Just imagine going home with unique and memorable souvenirs instead of your typical Myrtle Beach t-shirt and shark tooth necklaces!
Everything Under the Sun Flea Market, 3826 S. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
2. Everything Under the Sun Flea Market
I know what you’re thinking—a flea market is full of used items. However, this indoor flea market is different. The majority of vendors in the market sell new items at amazing prices. You’ll find a multitude of products that can be helpful while you’re visiting.
Most of the year they have a cafe that sells a multitude of different foods. You can find anything from simple hot dogs to full dinners at the cafe. Sometimes they put their smoker in the parking lot and make good, southern pulled pork sandwiches and barbeque chicken.
The flea market is in a shopping plaza and spans about five buildings so you don’t have to worry about browsing in the hot sun. The air conditioner is a nice break from the South Carolina heat. This is one place you don’t want to miss on your next vacation.
Note that there are two Everything Under the Sun Flea Markets in the area. One of them is in North Myrtle Beach. While both are managed by the same family, I am not familiar with the one in North Myrle Beach so I can’t say if it’s as fun as this one. However, be bold and explore that one also since they have different vendors and different product offerings.
Beach Hobbies, 1121 3rd Ave S, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
3. Beach Hobbies
Beach Hobbies is a local hobby shop with a huge selection of fun, unique, and interesting racing cars. They carry all the best brands and if there is something you want that they don’t have, they can probably get it for you.
The shop has a calendar on its website which lets you know when they have upcoming races. They also have pit spot reservations on their website if you need some workspace.
Beach Hobbies is a local store with great customer service and a healthy dose of southern hospitality. However, their product selection, online presence, and the way they operate will make you feel like you’re shopping with a big box store. Their ability to do these things is why they’ve been so successful for so long.
Note that the outside of the business doesn’t look like much. It’s the inside that counts!
Finders Keepers Consignment & Boutique, 6105 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
4. Finders Keepers Consignment & Boutique
Finders Keepers is a second-hand consignment shop. However, what sets them apart from other second-hand shops is that they are extremely picky about the items they accept. That means you’re only going to get the best of the best here.
Their products can be described as gently used. In fact, most of the products they sell look brand new. You can find unique items, even antiques in some cases, at fabulous prices. With the cost of everything in Myrtle Beach, you’ll want to save some money so it could be worth swinging by the shop.
SS Outlet, 1376 3rd Ave., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
5. SS Outlet, 1376 3rd Ave.
If you like going to cheap, bargain bin type stores, this one is for you. SS Outlet has a lot of different products—including things you’d need while on vacation. Hats, flip flops, towels, bags, fans, chairs, shampoo, soap, bathing suits, and shorts are only a portion of what you’ll find here.
I will tell you upfront that the store isn’t the most visually appealing place. It looks like a bargain bin store. However, it’s clean, it doesn’t smell, and the owners are nice. You may have to hunt a bit, but you’ll eventually find what you need. Plus, you may discover some hidden gems you didn’t even think about.
SS Outlet doesn’t have a web presence, but they are located in a shopping plaza right off of the main road to the beach. This means you’ll likely pass by it anyway. Why not plan to stop in for a few minutes and check it out!
© 2022 Dani Alicia
