About Beach Mart

The Beach Mart is a locally owned and operated beach shop on mainland Holden Beach, NC.

For fifty years Beach Mart has been the one stop shopping destination for thousands of locals and visitors seeking groceries, beach goods, beach fashion, and much more.

The Store with More

  • Clothing & apparel
  • Sunglasses & sunscreen
  • Hats & Footwear
  • Beach chairs & umbrellas
  • Rafts & life preservers
  • Fishing bait & tackle
  • Cold drinks & ice
  • Souvenirs & gifts
  • Games, toys & puzzles

The History of Beach Mart

In 1974, Lyn Holden, known for his energy and work ethic, began construction of Beach Mart.

As a boy, Lyn would would sell fish and vegetables to vacationers—later selling packaged ice to area businesses. As the population boomed and he grew up, he dreamed of building a one-stop shopping destination with groceries, apparel, beach goods, and more, so locals and visitors wouldn’t have to drive to Shallotte for supplies. 

The store was originally a single-story building but with it’s success, Lyn and his wife, Judy, added a second level dedicated to apparel and beach supplies.  Over the years, their family grew up working in the store.  Today, you’ll find their grandkids working during the summer seasons—learning the value of work, and of serving others.

And a Brief History of Holden Beach

In 1756 Benjamin Holden purchased a 100-acre island between Lockwood’s Folly Inlet and Bacon Inlet. His sons and grandsons used the island for cattle grazing. His great-grandson started commercial fishing on the island.

In 1925 John Holden, Jr. built the “Old Hotel,” the first residential building on Holden Beach. When the Intra-coastal Waterway was cut in 1929-1930, he began negotiating for a state ferry for access to the island. He did not live to see the ferry that was put into operation in 1933.

Electricity became available in 1940, and the first paved road to the beach came in 1948. The ferry was replaced by a turn bridge in 1952.

Incorporated February 14, 1969, the Town of Holden Beach includes the original Holden Island, Robinson Beach, and Colonial Beach.