I'm a sucker for a place that offers unique items along with an African Grey Parrot that will talk to you (he may even whistle at you like a trucker if you're lucky). Meet Marco - the star of the outlet.
Sometimes these types of places become such a part of the community that you can't quite imagine what it would be like without them. Well, sadly, we are about to find out. The owner of the Coastal Outlet, Ms. Sandy, decided to sell her merchandise and retire this fall. I stopped in there to talk to her about her plans.
The Coastal Outlet has been in business 12 years and the natural thought might be that the retirement is a result of covid-19. Surprisingly, this crazy year hasn't been too negative for her business. Ms. Sandy told me because they sell outdoor furniture, customers have been able to continue shopping even though times have been restricted. I was glad to hear that, but why then did she decide to retire this year. The simple answer is that she just felt it was time.
Her lease contract expired and, after failing to come to terms on buying the property, she decided it was time to spend more time on her other passion, fishing. Her lengthy commute from Havelock added to that decision as well. In talking to her, I could see how hard all of this has been. It's been such a big part of her life these last 12 years and I get the sense that she is sorry to see it come to an end. We are too, Ms. Sandy. We wish you the best of luck in your retirement.
"There are always new places to go fishing. For any fisherman, there's always a new place, always a new horizon." Jack NicklausPlease stop by the outlet and tell Ms. Sandy "hi." She thinks they will be open until the end of October but it will depend on how quickly everything sells. The property is being sold, but there is no word, yet, on what will be moving in. I'll keep you posted as I hear!
