Island Trader — Local services in Holmes Beach

The old lady who runs the register is crabby, rude, and insulting. In addition they engage in what I would call financial profiling. Over the weekend I was on the island and decided to check out the store. I purchased some lovely shells. I liked them so much that 4 days later I decided to make a special trip back to buy more of them - which was not a decision made lightly since it required a 3 hour round trip, but I thought I would make a day of it and perhaps go back to the beach while there. While I had noted to my friend the first time that the cashier had the personality of sand paper, I shrugged it off easily. This time, however, the lady looks up at me and, with a look I wish I could describe online, demands my drivers license. The same woman sold me shells 4 days earlier and I paid with the same card then and I was not asked for an ID. I wanted to throw the shells in her face and walk out, but when you drive 3 hours for shells you clearly want them. I do think it is everyone's right to ask for identification when paying with a card, just as it is a cashiers right at Duncan Donuts to ask the fat guy buying donuts whether he really needs them...yet it can somehow come off as rude and insulting (or maybe that's just me). At any rate, maybe it was just because I'm a 46 year old man and not one of the women with 5 children in tow buying shells in the middle of the week. Maybe that's suspicious. Or maybe it's just that she has a pencil lodged up her...well, you know. For my part my 2nd visit will be my final one. I was so upset when I left that I din't even go to the beach; I just drove all the way back home. I saw a lot of other stores of this type in the area. My suggestion is to try one of them instead and hopefully you will be treated much better. In my humble opinion, thieves are generally not out to rob island vendors of a starfish! And the worst part of it all - every time I look at my beautiful shells, I am reminded of...

My wife loves to shop when we are on vacation. We enjoy the free trolley bus rides and look for places to shop. This shop caught my wife's eye and she wanted to see inside. The place is fully stocked and the prices are gift shop pricing. They have anything for any budget. From small less expensive items to fancy expensive items. They do have an awesome selection of flotation devices and characters. My wife enjoyed looking at them and made funny jokes about me floating on them. If you have small children, I would be cautious about bringing them inside the store unless they can keep their hands to themselves. There are lots of breakable items low to the ground. The store is really clean and the staff is awesome! They are willing to help you with any requests. The store does have a small clearance area towards the back. We found something there and elsewhere in the store to buy. I recommend this...

Literally love love LOVE this store! Great prices considering, they blow up your floats, has a useable bathroom & cute little changing room. We went every day of our vacation, the older gentleman behind the counter was very knowledgeable about the area and seems like he’s traveled plenty himself- the sweet young lady with the long ginger hair working with him was just a doll and thankfully actually showed my daughter the little squish toys long enough for me to try a shirt on ❤️ and then gave her some cute little “island beads” they both had such a great attitude and smile every night I saw them. all in all 4 stars for the store and the employees representing. Will definitely be back when we’re...