Beach gear at thrift stores?

Question

Hi everyone,

We visited Fort Lauderdale last month and loved it! We brought a small pop-up tent for the beach that provided decent cover, but we wanted more room. We ended up renting beach chairs and an umbrella, which cost us about $75 total for the whole day.

For our next visit, we are planning to purchase beach chairs and an umbrella when we arrive. I figure if we buy inexpensive ones, say about $20 - $30 each, we can use them for a few days, and then leave them or donate them to nearby beach-goers.

Just wondering if the local Goodwill or Salvation Army locations might have them? I know it's hit or miss, but has anyone ever seen beach chairs and umbrellas there?

Or, are there local stores that sell these at good prices? I think Walmart might be good, but perhaps there are better places?

Answer

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to Fort Lauderdale! It's great that you're looking to buy beach gear for your next trip. As far as finding beach chairs and umbrellas at local thrift stores or good deals in Fort Lauderdale, here are a few options to consider:

Thrift Stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.):

Goodwill: Goodwill is often a hit or miss when it comes to finding beach gear, but it's definitely worth checking out. They tend to have beach chairs, small coolers, and other outdoor items during the spring and summer months. Be sure to visit a few different locations in the area, as inventory can vary from store to store.
Salvation Army: Similar to Goodwill, Salvation Army stores may have a limited selection of beach gear, but you could get lucky. You might also find gently used umbrellas and chairs that people donate after their trips. Locations like the Fort Lauderdale Family Store or Wilton Manors Salvation Army are worth a visit.
Other Thrift Stores: In addition to Goodwill and Salvation Army, there are some smaller, locally owned thrift stores around Fort Lauderdale that may have beach gear. You can check out places like The Treasure Coast Thrift Store or Out of the Closet to see if they have any outdoor items.

Local Stores for New Beach Gear:

Walmart: Walmart is a great option for affordable beach chairs and umbrellas, typically ranging from $15 to $30 depending on the type. You can find several locations in the Fort Lauderdale area, including Walmart Supercenter on State Road 7 and Walmart on Broward Blvd.. They usually carry a wide variety of outdoor products, including beach gear.
Target: Target also carries beach chairs, umbrellas, and other outdoor gear at competitive prices. They often have a selection of folding chairs and umbrellas for around $20-$40. You can check out the Target on N. Federal Hwy or Target on W. Sunrise Blvd.
Big Lots: Big Lots is another affordable option for outdoor gear. They tend to have beach chairs and umbrellas in stock during the warmer months, often for a lower price than larger stores like Walmart and Target. Check out the Big Lots in Fort Lauderdale or Big Lots in nearby Plantation.
Amazon (Delivery to Hotel): If you don’t mind ordering ahead, you can get great deals on beach chairs and umbrellas on Amazon and have them delivered directly to your hotel. This option allows you to compare prices and reviews to make sure you’re getting good quality for a reasonable price.

Other Tips:

Check out Ross Dress for Less and Burlington Coat Factory for budget-friendly beach gear. Both stores often carry outdoor items like folding chairs, towels, and umbrellas at lower prices than traditional retailers.
If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the front desk if they provide beach chairs or umbrellas to guests. Some hotels offer complimentary rentals or discounts on local rental services.
Some local beach rental shops will allow you to buy used beach gear at a discount. You could ask around at places like Beach Bum Rentals or Fort Lauderdale Beach Rentals if they have any discounted items for sale.

Overall, you can definitely find beach gear in Fort Lauderdale without having to spend a lot. If you're looking to save some money, visiting thrift stores and discount retailers is a great idea. If you need something more reliable, stores like Walmart or Target will offer new gear at reasonable prices. Have a great time at the beach!