Scoopin’ Yummies in Carolina Beach recently expanded beyond its ice cream menu into retail food items.
 
The Gourmet Shoppe items range from jams and jellies to cutting boards and charcuterie supplies. The expansion was “part passion and part response to COVID,” said owner Kim Reid. Kim and her husband, Eric, were already interested in adding more to the store.
 
“Our fill rate on candy orders got below 20%, shipping times were months out, but traffic and sales were up,” Kim Reid said. They decided to take the chance and found inspiration from other small business owners.
 
“We said look at the owners who are hustling like never before,” she said. The Reids decided to reach for products locally instead of worrying about farther-away supply chain issues. “We work hard to source products that are not available in grocery or big-box stores,” Kim Reid said.
 
The Gourmet Shoppe, open since October, includes products handy for or a day on the boat or at the beach. There are picnic bags that can be filled with charcuterie supplies as well as cocktail mixers and garnishes. Kim Reid emphasizes buying from small businesses that are local or veteran-owned. Featured items at the shop include Seaview Crab Company dips (with soups and more to come), Coastal Carolina Cutting boards and MawMaw’s chicken pies. Plans include offering their own line of North Carolina roasted coffees.
 
Open Tuesdays-Sundays, the store is gearing up for the holidays.
 
“It is well-stocked and a good source for someone on a Christmas list,” Kim Red said. There is a running special of 15% off meats and cheeses when purchasing a board, and a holiday open-house event is coming soon. “The best part is knowing you are supporting a small business who supports small businesses.”