Southport Magazine

Dunes Mercantile is treasure trove of goodies. Just when you think you’ve found the coolest little item, something else catches your eye. And then you reach the back of the store and find a collection of musical instruments and gear, from mandolins to guitars to amplifiers, and you realize you have found a truly unique shop. We spoke to Dennis Delprete about his business and how he’s navigated the challenges of 2020. 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

Dunes Mercantile was opened in May of 2018. I rented a small space in the store at that time and then purchased the store in April of 2019.

WHERE DID YOU COME TO OAK ISLAND FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?

I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA and then lived fourteen years in South Florida. After working in advertising for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Miami Herald and with my own advertising magazines, I retired in 2016. My wife’s sister had just moved to Southport from Wilmington, so we settled in Southport. We knew very little about Oak Island but soon fell in love with all the island has to offer.

DUNES MERCANTILE IS A PRETTY UNIQUE STORE.  CAN YOU EXPLAIN IT FOR ANYONE WHO HASN’T HAD THE CHANCE TO VISIT YET?

Our slogan is “It’s always an adventure at Dunes” and we’d like everyone who comes into the store to enjoy their own adventure. We love the local artist aspect and represent over 30 artists from potters to painters, wood craftsmen, jewelry makers and of course stained glass, which I do. The store is an eclectic mix of new product, some unique vintage product and work from the local artists. In addition, we carry all types of beach decor, ladies apparel, shabby chic furniture, metal artwork, copper weather vanes and so much more! And to everyone’s surprise, we have ventured into musical instruments with a heavy emphasis on guitars. I like to refer to the back of the store as a “guitar bar,” with prices ranging from beginner through accomplished musician.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER STORES WITH HANDICRAFTS?

We try to pick and choose what artwork we feel our customers will like. Price point is very important to us and we make an effort to keep our prices very affordable. We refer to it as “starving artists” prices! Most of our artists are available for commissioned work through the store. I personally have done many custom stained glass pieces for people and business on the island and also visitors.

HOW DO YOU APPEAL TO BOTH LOCALS AND VISITORS?

The atmosphere on Oak Island is so laid back that it’s easy to enjoy everyone who comes into the store.  Those on vacation are thrilled to be here and love to take home a piece of the island with them. Locals that have just moved here or those redecorating can always find unique beach décor in all shapes and sizes. Our approach is to have something for everyone in all price ranges.  

THIS YEAR HAS BROUGHT CHALLENGES TO ALL OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES.  WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED IN OVERCOMING THESE CHALLENGES THAT WILL HELP YOU MOVING FORWARD?

As “it’s always an adventure at Dunes,” life is an adventure! A year to the day when I purchased the store, we were shut down for almost six weeks due to COVID-19. I had several stained glass projects that I didn’t think I’d finish until the fall and got caught up on all of those, much to the delight of the recipients! Since purchasing the store the year before and being the drummer for the local band, Dave’s Not Home, I hadn’t had much time to reflect or slow down. The time off reminded me that it’s important to do what you love. I feel we reinvent ourselves throughout our lifetime to maintain our existence. My wife’s job was put on hold due to the virus, and she became more involved in the store purchasing. Her diligence in researching new lines and ability to find great products has helped the store move in a forward direction. I feel we have all learned how to adapt to new circumstances and are stronger than we thought. After all, the sun comes up, the tide comes in and we are renewed again. Life’s a Beach!

CAN YOU SPEAK TO THE SUPPORT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED FROM THE COMMUNITY, YOUR CUSTOMERS, THIS YEAR’S VISITORS?

We wouldn’t be here without the support of the local community and visitors.  The locals are all about shopping local and giving back to this beautiful place we call home. I feel we are all lucky to live here and part of that charm is the local businesses. Our customers have told friends and family and often bring in visitors to the store. Visitors to Oak Island come here because of the small-town atmosphere, beauty of the beach and lovely surroundings. They understand their support is important and are happy to take some time from the sun and shop in all the locally owned businesses.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF DUNES MERCANTILE?

We’ve evolved so much in the last year that the future is definitely going to be an adventure! The shopping center has recently been purchased and there are plans for a face lift and new signage. We are bringing in a custom tee shirt, sweatshirt and jacket line under our private label that will be here for the holidays. My wife has recently added Bend Goat Soap products, Wind & Willow and Swan Creek Candles.  I often refer to us as Bed, Bath and Guitars! We are also big on giving back to local charities. We sell hand decorated sea shells with 100 percent of donations going to SOAR (Southport -Oak Island Animal Rescue), have Tim the Pelican cards for donations to Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter and art glass that benefits Begin Again Horse Rescue. Our store artists donated artwork last year, raising more than $2,000 for the Dingle Family event. The Dave’s Not Home band has been sponsored by the store to play at several local charitable events. We are all about giving back to the community and helping wherever we can.

My wife and I owned a collectible store years ago, so I feel we have come full circle. We used to do meet and greets with artists and look forward to when we can do that again in the store. It’s awesome to see the face behind the masterpiece! We have great gift baskets that will make holiday shopping easier for those hard-to-buy-for people. We always look forward to meeting new customers and welcoming back old friends. We are constantly adding in new products, and the adventure never ends at Dunes Mercantile!