Outer Banks Hotline Thrift Store Unveils New Area in Frisco

On Wednesday, locals and visitors alike migrated to Frisco, lining themselves along N.C. Highway 12, to witness the grand opening of the new Outer Banks Hotline Thrift Store. An array of people swarmed the location, myriads of cars cramming the parking lot, while a flood of Frisco residents stopped by to check out the new locale.

A Glimmering Inauguration

The excitement surrounding the inauguration was palpable, and rightly so. Local businesses like Tavern on 12, Frisco Sandwich Company, Frisco Rod and Gun, Gingerbread Pizza, and Frisco Woods Campground generously donated food and beverages for the opening day’s festivities. The Frisco Volunteer Fire Department’s fire truck was also invited for a guest appearance to commemorate this special event.

Resuscitation of Hotline Thrift Store

The Hotline has been an institution on Hatteras Island for over three and half decades, with the first-ever Hotline Thrift Store opening in Rodanthe in 1987. The store’s existence on the island faced a perilous situation when the community was informed of a potential permanent closure in 2024. However, the spirit of the institution has been resurrected with the inauguration of its new location.

Beyond Retail: A Community Hub

The Hotline Thrift Store is more than just a local retail outlet. This community hub is the forefront of the Outer Banks Hotline organization’s interface with the southern Hatteras Island community. The institution serves as one of the primary resources people turn to when confronted with urgent necessities, particularly in domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking cases.

New Residence for Hotline

After renting a retail space in Buxton for approximately twenty years, the institution was informed they would need to relocate by the end of January 2024. Fast forward to April of the same year, the Hotline announced that 53321 N.C. Highway 12 in Frisco, formerly housing Surfside Casuals retail building, would host the new location. Since its purchase, tireless efforts have been made by stakeholders and volunteers to resurrect the empty space into an energetic thrift store.

New Store Operation Hours & Volunteer Invitation

The new Hotline will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. However, the long-term flourishing of the store heavily depends on volunteers who help manage the store. Those interested in volunteering can contact the Outer Banks Hotline at 252-423-4674. Islanders are encouraged to drop by the new Frisco store, which has already become one of the most visited locations on the island since its opening.