Diverse shopping excursions await even the most assiduous buyer. Find repurposed treasures at local antique stores or funky and fun finds at eclectic, locally owned boutiques. Visitors flock from all over to meander the sidewalks of our quaint towns, stopping to browse for furniture, designer clothes, unique gifts, one-of-a-kind art and local items from our historic markets. The region may seem small but the Delaware Beaches are packed with huge selection of trends and deals.
Antiques & Repurposing Shops
Those with a flair for antiques or repurposed furniture will love exploring our scenic, rural towns for one-of-a-kind furniture and goods. There are actually more than 500 antique dealers in the southern Delaware area in the form of antique shops, flea markets and auctions. Treasure hunters will adore the unique finds throughout the entire area, whether it’s antique furniture, jewelry, books or another, rare and extraordinary item to add to your collection.
Repurposing shops are alive in well throughout the Delaware Beaches. Fenwick Island is home to vintage and reclaimed furniture shops, where you can purchase their pieces or bring in your own piece for a custom application. If you’re looking for vintage furniture with modern elements, then head to Lewes for the latest new furniture collections.
Locally-Owned Markets
For 50 years, the Seaside Country store has been a Fenwick Island landmark for Delmarva locals and visitors. The history, tradition and charm have earned the Seaside Country store its reputation as “the most unusual store on the shore.”
With one step inside Seaside Country store, the delicious aroma of homemade fudge wafts through the air. Combined with the friendly staff and the variety of items, it’s no longer a simple shopping trip; instead, it’s an experience. From sensuous lotions and body washes and unique home décor items to women’s clothing and collectibles, the store offers shoppers an old-town feel with a modern and unique flair.
And how could the experience be anything but exciting and fun? Since the store is open from March to November, the staff completely restocks before the start of the new season. By doing so, the Vickers and their staff provide customers with a new, fresh and unique inventory. No matter what you are looking for, you will find it at Seaside.
For a beach bonfire or fine dining at home check out G&E/Hocker’s in Bethany Beach, a unique and family-owned supermarket where customers can enjoy fresh, top-choice steaks, which are hand-cut to your liking, in-house seasoned and smoked high-quality pulled pork, all-beef hotdogs, sausage, ribs, turkey and more—all served from an authentic butcher shop for over 50 years.
Outlet Shopping
An incredibly popular place to shop is at the outlet malls on Delaware’s Route 1. Who doesn’t love finding delicious deals on high-end products? In fact, the Rehoboth outlets have become so popular that The Washington Post has published shopping tips and travel articles on the outlet malls alone!
Browse through well-known shops as well as stores only found in Delaware as you discover apparel for all ages, accessories, entertainment stores, dining and more all in one area. You will find yourself walking out of one store and quickly spotting your next stop to continue shopping for jaw-dropping deals and tax-free items. With all the trendiest brands the outlets have to offer, you will have no choice but to treat yourself!
Click here to read about shopping at Tanger Outlets Rehoboth.
Beach Rentals
The rental shops throughout Delaware Beaches provide everything you will need to have a perfect beach vacation. Biking is a popular beach hobby, and there are enough bike shops for you to find that stylish beach cruiser you’ve been dreaming of. You will find water sport rental shops offering rentals for stand-up paddleboards, pontoon and jet boats, jet skis and more. There are also places to rent beach items, such as lounge chairs and towels, so if you’ve left something at home, there’s no need to worry—we’ve got you covered like a beach umbrella in the warm sun.
Click here to read about shopping in Fenwick Island.
Tax-Free Shopping Year-Round
From the quaint antique shops in Lewes to the eclectic boutiques in downtown Rehoboth, shopping takes on many forms in the Delaware Beaches. People come from all over to roam the streets of our charming towns, stopping to window shop or browse for unique gifts, original artwork, designer clothing and more. What makes Delaware shopping so special is that it is tax-free seven days a week, 365 days a year!
Delaware does not impose a state or local sales tax, making the state a shopper’s paradise.
Purchase everything from name-brand clothing and designer accessories to new tech gadgets—all tax free!
After your shopping excursion, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Your tax-free day continues with a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants.
Stop into a local brewery or distillery and pick up something to take home—all available for tax-free purchase.