Southport Magazine

What exactly is the Go Local Online Marketplace? What makes it unique? 

The Go Local Online Marketplace is a one-stop-shop for merchandise that can only be found in the Southport-Oak Island area. And that’s what makes it unique…you can’t get these products anywhere else.

Where did the idea for this come from?

The site was originally used to sell merchandise for the 2020 U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament, which is an event of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. Once that event was over, we wanted to use the website to help drive business to our members.  

From a consumer standpoint, how does it work? 

Access the store at either www.shopsouthportoakisland.com or www.sptokimerchandise.com.  Click on STORE and browse through the categories.  When you find an item you want, click “Add to Bag.” Select “Add More” to continue shopping. When you are ready, click “Go to Checkout” and proceed through the payment and shipping screens.  The merchant will be notified of the purchase and will ship the item(s) where the customer directs.

From a retailer standpoint, how does it work?

Chamber members with products that are specific to the Southport and Oak Island area provide the Chamber with a photo, description and price of the item. We add the item to our online store and when a customer orders that item we provide the name and address to the shop and they ship the product. Every 2 weeks, the Chamber will issue a check to each business with the payment for their items minus 10 percent. Each business may list up to 10 items, including gift certificates.

Are you accepting new merchants? What are the guidelines for items listed on the site?

We are! Items must be branded, produced or otherwise connected to the Southport-Oak Island area.

Where can merchants go to get involved? Must they be members of the Chamber?

Contact Karen Sphar at karen@southport-oakisland.com or 910-457-6964. Participants must be a member in good standing of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. We are accepting new members!

What consumers do you think this will appeal to? Locals? Tourists?

Everyone! If you love the Southport-Oak Island area and enjoy supporting businesses from this area, this site is for you!