Delaware Beach Shopping

Talking Shop: Wholesale, retail, upscale—throw on your walking shoes and hit the road.

By Pam George Published August 11, 2011 at 12:40 PM

For most of his life, Walt Wilson has been an antiques collector. “But when I retired about four years ago,” says Wilson, “that’s when I got serious.”

Evidently so. The 3,000-square-foot headquarters of his former company, W.T. Wilson Construction, is now Cellar Door Antiques. The shop’s wares have expanded to fill the space—and the yard, too. This summer, Cellar Door held eye-catching yard sales on weekends to take advantage of beach traffic.

Since Delaware is a ferry ride away from Cape May and home to historic Lewes, you’d expect to find antiques and collectibles at the beach, and certainly you wouldn’t be disappointed.

But coastal Sussex County is also blessed with a variety of retailers who cater to just about any craving, whether you collect art or you’re looking for the latest fall fashions.

Indeed, beach shopping—along with the promise of still-sunny days and less crowds—is powerful beach bait no matter the season. Here are four reasons why you should shop along the coast this fall.