Surf Mall has a quirky, beachy charm and offers some truly unique surf gear and souvenirs. The O2…read morebar is an interesting touch if you're into novelty experiences. That said, much of the merchandise is overpriced, even by tourist-area standards. The layout can be confusing;figuring out which register to pay at for different items feels like a scavenger hunt. Plus, the place is pretty overstimulating with loud music, flashing lights, and a lot going on all at once. Worth a quick browse if you're in the area, but be prepared for sensory overload and some sticker shock.

I've been going to the surf mall since I was a little girl. It's clean, staff is kind, selection is…read morewide, and I make it a point to visit every time I'm back in OCNJ. Love this place so much!

I purchased a $22 dishtowel which the cashier rolled up and handed to me. I asked for a small bag…read more She said that is an additional $.50 charge--for a small sandwich size bag. Ridiculous. I then went down the street and purchased an $8 item and got wrapping and a bag included in the price. Won't be shopping at Stainton's anymore.

This is a fabulous cooperative with many many different artisans and shops participating. You can…read morefind so many interesting and unique items here. My 3 friends and I had a ball checking out each little pocket of stores. And happily they even have a restroom! In January there were a lot of sales, too. I got a great ocnj sweatshirt for just $22.50.

Little pricey but they have great sales. Just need to keep checking out the store each time you…read morevisit.

Really large clothing store with separate areas for men and women. Some touristy stuff, and as…read moreusual, eleventy billion shirts with the words Ocean and City on it so you, in fact, remember that you are in Ocean City. Some of the clothing was surprisingly cute. Included a nice selection of beachwear like swimsuits, cover ups, beach bags, etc. Bonus - HUGE parking lot (though not free) behind the store.

I just love this store! I think it's one of the best on Asbury Avenue!…read more By the look of it, you'd think it would be expensive, but it's really not. Great and unique selection of varied items. I have been loving and collecting happy face paraphernalia since I was a kid, and got a great and adorable happy face tote for only $12. Very sweet young lady at the counter, and Prince was playing! Take a look when you're in town!

I rarely shop retail but loved this store. The aesthetic was very romantic or shabby chic but done…read morein a very fashionable, youthful way. What drew me in was the beautiful displays and soft colors. The clothing and accessories were all unique and the store is arranged by color. The staff was friendly and all gorgeous. They were a good representation of the store by their styling. It appears they shop were they work. Prices were in line with a trendy mall store. I was in both locations, which are almost across the street from each other. One is junior sized (although it wasn't advertised as such). As a larger woman I wish they would have carried size xl, but managed to fit in some large sizes. The other store is ladies wear but doesn't carry as much and although it had that same soft color aesthetic the style was more mature resort wear. They have several locations, including one focusing solely on accessories and just recently opened an online store. I loved the style of the junior store. Just wished they carried larger sizes. SIDENOTE: Both stores I visited were blocks from the beach in a very walkable area. Metered street parking was hard to find.

A literally big staple in O.C. on the ever-lovely Asbury Avenue…read more Did you forget your pool noodles? Sun tan lotion? Do you want some reasonable souvenirs? This your jawn! They have really nice tees too - even long sleeved ones! Years ago I was nice to some local and he FOLLOWED ME TO THE BOARDWALK! Ehh no thanks! Cute place - it reminds me of Woolworth from eons ago! Good prices and stocked to the hilt!

Great little five and dime that has just about anything you need. Looks and feels like you stepped…read moreback 20-30 years when you enter, and staff was helpful. Careful, prices on beach needs (sunscreen, toys, etc) are much higher than other places closer to the beach. Come here for the nostalgia, not to stock up on beach supplies.

Need a hermit crab?…read more Garden Nome? Maybe some 3rd rate knockoff salt water taffy? A toilet brush? Cheap Chinese plastic beach toys/chairs/etc? In a perfect world you would try and avoid coming here as the prices are whack and the only way you should consider anything here a "deal" would be if you make the mistake to try and buy it on the boards. My sister in law bought four beach towels and a beach bag here and dropped a Benjamin in the process. I mean sure there were some cheaper towels but of course they had a thickness that bordered on being translucent. If you're of an old enough vintage and can remember going to a Woolworth or a similar 5 & 10 then the initial old funk odor when you walk in the front door will bring back many memories. If you're rental is nearby and you don't mind paying extra for one or two things then I suppose Hoy's isn't too bad but if you need a laundry list of things then make the trip out to Target in Mays Landing. While not as unique or funky as Hoy's it's also a hell of a lot less $$$.

I always stop here when we come down- it's cheaper to buy things on the Boards but in a pinch this…read moreplace is great! You can find literally anything there- from cloths of cards to toys to housewares- it's all in there. It's an ocean city staple- we always pick up a puzzle from there for our annual family beach vacation! I also like to pop in because it's now tradition! If you need something- Hoy's will have it!

Clothing is good quality and I don't mind paying full price when I am appreciated. I am…read moredisappointed in the limited hours the store is open. I don't like to shop weekends when there are too many others shopping. Also, the use of the bathroom is discouraged, how unfortunate as this is an issue especially for mature clientele. I've always been permitted to use the rest room before trying on clothes. What poor business decision. Sun Seekers just few doors away are much more accomodating and gracious.

Just LOVE shopping here. One of the highlights of my time in O.C. I find things here…read morethat are not in department stores. Best fitting pants, etc.

recently visited this shop with a cage to transport hermit crabs , we bought 3 baby ones and 4…read moresmaller ones , we were told we had to buy another cage which is crazy. explained we have a huge cage at home and was using the little to transport only , they refused to sell the hermit crabs to us without the new cage. horrible service. this was the only place we saw the tiny baby ones for sale. we will never use this establishment again. It's a shame the employee did this in front my child which already had her mind set on the very tiny babies Otherwise I would. Have gone to another store .

Ocean City boardwalk has all kinds of stores. Some of them are like shopping at a mall. There also…read moreone of a kind stores of all kinds. But there are also typical T shirt and boardwalk stores that sell T- shirts, swim suits, cover ups , boogie boards, sand buckets and toys for children, surf boards, and beach supplies. We usually go to OC at the end of the season when things are on sale. T Shirts are now 14.00 at the end of the season they will be 5.00 but in my condition I can't too soon go back so I had to get T shirts having not packed enough because I usually pack too much. I never get it right! Anyway this store has a lot of cute stuff and my favorites were the Big Bang Theory T Shirts with funny quotes from the TV show. I was able to purchase some sparkly red white and blue T-shirts for July 4th!

Prettiest boutique I've ever been in!…read more I probably tried on 20 items I felt bad but they were so nice and helpful! I wish this store was my closet it will 100% be a visit I take every time I come back to OC!

dont go unless you want to get mean mugged by 3 teenage girls following you around, and then face…read morethe ultimate karen while checking out. This lady is NASTY. clothes are all cheap and can be found on shein. or at any other boutique for half the price. overall its tacky and gaudy and the vibe is "i'm trying to be fancy"