I cannot believe that it has taken me over two years of "Yelping" to finally critique one of my favorite pastimes... a schlock store. A "what" you may ask? Let me explain.... Schlock is the Yiddish word for junk or crap. Whenever I would drag my mother to a thrift store, she would walk up and down the aisles and call everything "Schlock." After a life of hand-me -downs, Mom liked to buy things that were new and fresh and she was the first person to be using them, I, however, always in the mindset of a struggling young actor in New York, have spent my entire life going to thrift stores or "shlock" stores for everything from furnishing my home, supplying my desk, filling my clothes closet.. all with schlock. I remember back in the '70s in Greenwich Village buying a real pea coat and a real pair of sailor bell bottoms with the buttons up the sides. Those were so cool. I still wear a fabulous winter wool coat from the 30s that I bought while on tour in Vancouver, Canada along with a fabulous steamer trunk from the 40's.. To this day, one of my favorite items is a antique woolen black and red checkered scarf given to me by the infamous Nathan Lane from a NY shlock store. That's a story for another day! I fell in love with the Hope Chest when I moved to Oak Island. Just a ten minute walk from my house, Hope Chest has a nice variety of clothes and housewares and furniture. You can also find CDs and DVDs, kids clothing, and so much more. Lots of 1/2 prices sales and all prices are good! What I love about all this is that the Hope Chest Thrift store not only supports victims of and advocates prevention of domestic violence, but you earn credit with your purchases. For example, last month they were advertising 50% off everything, I bought around $20 worth of merchandise, it got reduced to $10 and then she told me I had a $9 credit and asked if I wanted to use it? It? In the end I got everything for a dollar and helped support a worthwhile organization. Can you beat it? In the later years my Mom bought a place on Oak Island, and subsequently she softened a little on thrift store bargain hunting and agreed to come with me when I went to the Hope Chest. She even broke down and bought a few items for herself. But no matter how much I bragged about my attractive secondhand table or my sharp looking previously worn tuxedo, Mom would always say as we left Hope Chest, "that place is pure shlock!" That may be so, but I can't wait to get home and try on my new short sleeve shirt for two bucks. Keep up the good work Hope Chest. You're always one of my go-to stops when I'm on the island, shlock and all! Right, Mom? read more

See all

Hidden gem! What great name brand items and vintage treasures to find. I came in on 50% off day and filled up three bags! Quality linens and housewares. Friendly employees. Cant wait to come back. read more

Lots of great finds. Brand names, nice furniture, tons of odds and ends. I love seeing a thrift store that works with local domestic violence groups. You'll find something new every time you go in. read more

Great cause (domestic violence) and always changing inventory. As snowbirds to the area, we check here for all our vacation needs before going anywhere else - and buying gently used is better for the environment. Our friends who visited for a week and had forgot their sunglasses even found a great pair of Ray Bans! You never know what treasures might be there. From beach reads for under a dollar to bed linens and towels - kitchen supplies to cute clothes, they have it all! read more