Tomlinson's Surfside — Local services in Surfside Beach

If you’re in the market for quirky trinkets and enjoy the thrill of being followed like you’re in a low-budget spy movie, look no further than Tomlinson’s at Surfside. This delightful little knickknack store offers a wide array of oddities and curiosities – and a complimentary shadow for every customer!

From the moment I stepped inside, I felt a pair of eyes (or several) glued to my every move. It's like being the star of your own reality show, but without the prize money or the escape clause. I picked up a ceramic flamingo, and within seconds, a staff member appeared out of thin air to inform me of its rich history (which I think they made up on the spot). It was either incredibly detailed knowledge or impressive improvisation skills – you decide!

Navigating the narrow aisles of Tomlinson’s is akin to a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek, but with fewer places to hide and more seekers than you’d ever hope for. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the days when shopping meant peacefully browsing instead of engaging in a constant battle of who-blinks-first with the staff.

The selection of knickknacks is undeniably eclectic. Whether you're after a hand-painted gnome or a wind-up robot, Tomlinson’s has it all. Just be prepared to answer rapid-fire questions about your interests, your hobbies, and possibly your blood type as you peruse.

Checkout was an adventure in itself. The cashier, who had been tailing me since the wind chime section, greeted me with the enthusiasm of someone reunited with a long-lost friend. We shared a moment of awkward silence as I paid, and I left with my purchases and the uneasy feeling that I’d see them again in my dreams.

In summary, if you’re seeking a unique shopping experience that combines the charm of odd trinkets with the tension of a thriller, Tomlinson’s is your go-to destination. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself checking over your shoulder for a few days afterward! Also for you thief's out there, be warned, if you plan to steal from here. “You’re going to hell.”

Two stars for the two eyes that will always...

The Tomlinson’s Surfside Beach (SSB) store has a lot of neat beached themed items BUT it is exceptionally unpleasant to have employees following you around the store like you are a thief. Other people have commented on the same thing in their Google reviews. I don’t know if the SSB location has had an issue with theft in the past, but there has got to be a better way to monitor the store than what the employees are doing now. I have been to the SSB store a few times since moving here, and have made purchases but I’m done with spending money at a place where the employees make me feel uncomfortable. Especially, when there are other places that offer...

I am very pleased with this store. Other reviews may say they are "too expensive". Maybe on other products. But they have deals on Carhartts, and amazing customer service. I called ahead to see if they carried my size (as a trade woman I have a hard time finding work pants that fit) They took the time to hand select my size and set them aside for me. I went in, found the perfect fit and bought them for cheaper than what the carhartt website wanted by $13. Highly recommend, I will be coming here for all my work apparel...