Posted on Nov 14, 2006 - 01:11 PM

Tale of the Register Tape

I don't want to say that my wife's a "shopaholic," but when "I love you, honey" and "Guess how much money I saved us today?" run neck and neck as Sue's most common phrases ... Well, I'll just say that I'm a lucky man to have my wife tell me she loves me every day!

So, needless to say, I didn't have to look very far to find a resident "expert" on some of the best shopping venues Myrtle Beach has to offer. She's frequented many of the stores on these handy lists from the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and this local, updated Web site. Her favorites?

Tanger Outlet Centers -- Myrtle Beach has two locations: one on Hwy. 501 just east of Carolina Forest, and the other at Kings Hwy. and the Conway Bypass near North Myrtle Beach. Sue prefers the latter option - "More of a selection, and the covered walkways are great if it's a bad weather day" - and strongly recommends visiting the customer service booth next to the food court. "The $5 coupon books are soooo worth the money," she explains, "and if you're a local, it also pays to join the Tanger Club while you're there. For $10 a year you get unlimited access to the coupon books, and they're not only good at both Myrtle Beach outlets but at any Tanger outlet in the country." Her most common Tanger stops include Children's Place, Carter's and Old Navy for kids clothes; Coldwater Creek for upscale women's clothing and accessories ("They typically have a minimum of 50 percent off catalog prices; I've loaded up on skirts, tote bags and scarves here."); and Nags Head Hammocks, "for all kinds of cool 'Carolinas' stuff. It's their only South Carolina location, and everything they sell is hand-crafted to 'withstand the harsh coastal environment.'"
Old Time Pottery -- Kings Hwy., Surfside Beach. "It's a very affordable store for almost anything - crafts, home décor, garden supplies, and a HUGE holiday section. It's a great place to go if you've got plenty of time and no kids. On my last trip, I spent more than 2 hours in there and only covered half the store."
Kohl's -- Kings Hwy. in Surfside Beach, just south of Hwy. 544. Just opened in October, the Wisconsin-based retailer offers a wide range of quality clothing, household items, shoes and toys at reasonable prices.
What about for the guys - something other than clothing, golf or other sporting goods stores? Sue thinks for a minute, then snaps her fingers as the light bulb goes on. "You're an 80's dork," she reminds me. "Retro Active is perfect for you." Why? "Just go," she says. "Trust me, you'll feel right at home." Sure enough, this place at Broadway at the Beach is the perfect mousse for your mullet, an 80's pop culture extravaganza. Stumped for a holiday gift for that buddy who just can't seem to ditch his Members Only jacket? Looking for a Ramones coaster set? Mr. Bill Nite Lite? How about that Beastie Boys t-shirt you've wanted for the past 20 years? This is the place. I knew it was everything they cracked themselves up to be when I walked in yesterday, serenaded by Spinal Tap's "Big Bottom" blaring over the sound system. I kept my purchase simple with a Night Ranger CD; my buddy's Ronnie James Dio belt buckle can wait for another day.

Of course, the Grand Strand shopping options go well beyond these offerings. What are your favorites?