Surplus Sid

Jacob

2023-05

What a fun, unique store! I think people who comment on the character of Sid aren't really thinking about who the dude actually is. He's a unique personality, and says weird things because he thinks they're funny to say. You can tell he's not being serious. The lady working in the costume department is super sweet. We could've talked to her for hours about her life experience.A lot of people drive by this store, thinking "Hey, this place looks interesting, I should go here sometime!" - well, why don't you? I don't think I will EVER find another store quite like this one.

Michael Duggan

2023-05

Walked in and asked the guy if he was Sid. He answered, " I hope so, I'm wearing his underwear". Knew right there I was in the right place. Kitchy ain't the word, eclectic ain't either. The place has its own smell too. Bring a flashlight. The stuff is everywhere. Floor to ceiling. Aisles throughout just kinda happen. Sid's doing it his way. Buy something and you'll always remember where it came from.

Alexander Mitchell-Schwartz

2021-05

I absolutely love this place. It's a cornucopia of fascinating stuff. I go here to find new additions to my knife collection and he always has something that I set my heart on. There's loads of other stuff as well: everything from your average military surplus to wild costumes. He is also an all around friendly, helpful and interesting to talk to guy. My highest recommendation.

sam

2021-05

Cool shop, neat inventory, wacky place; I'm all about weird hole in the wall spots but the owner wasn't particularly welcoming. Had my eye on a couple things in the store but the vibe was negative. Political signs on display also a turn off.

Arvin DeHerrera

2020-05

This is an awesome store! A lot of military, antiques and really obscure hard to find items. He even has medieval armor suits (authentic repro from Spain). This is one of those stores where you’ll see different things every time you go. Not sure why a comment was made about creepy. My wife and I spoke to Sid and his daughter and found them very pleasant and interesting to talk to. Can’t wait to go back!

Elayna Meier

2023-05

Unique collection of history. You’ll walk in feeling like you are time traveling. By far some of the most beautiful and unique clothes.Quality and some amazing finds here!

Video Epic Reviews

2023-05

If you know what you’re looking for, you can find some really cool stuff here. However, be wary, as he is known to embellish/simply make up things in order to sell outright fake/prop antiques/surplus as authentic to unassuming customers as authentic.

Kevin Townsend

2021-05

I love browsing at Surplus Sid. Over time I've purchased a few things there. He has the most unique shop. You've just got to get in there and root around. I always stop in when I'm visiting Chapel Hill.

Asa Jones

2019-05

While I didn't wind up making a purchase while I was there, there's a darn good chance I'll go back and do so. This place is full of ideas and inspiration, both in the wild selection of antiques for sale and from the owner, a story-teller who can give you a solid background on every item you will find.

Mickey Ricketts

2017-05

I stopped in to Surplus Sid while visiting the area on business. I was immediately greeted by Sid and his co-worker as I walked in, and Sid helped me find a sling I was looking for. I also picked up a great old field telephone. True surplus stores like this are a dying breed. I love browsing around them because you never know what cool piece of history you'll run across. Thanks for the hospitality, Sid!

Caraline Wright

2020-05

Sometimes you just gotta laugh and appreciate a place for what it is. It's a grimy, disorganized, interesting surplus store. Lots of cool items, a character of a store owner, and a plethora of unique finds. You could walk around the place three times and find a new object (and smell a new smell haha!) Sid told us about the mouse or squirrel he reckoned died in the junk somewhere.A good experience, nonetheless. Found a cute cauldron to add to my alter. Happy Samhain Sid! Thanks for the experience and my little find.

Emmett Wolff

2019-05

I loved the place! It has everything from parachutes, helmets, gas masks, and even soviet era badges and gear ( Fun Fact:they have stuff from 29 different countries). You could actually repurpose a lot of stuff in there. Like a old bullet holding pouch could be used to hold pencils, or a old, nice, leather jacket worn by a italian officer, well could be used as a winter jacket (and it’s even MILITARY GRADE STUFF). You can even go in there going looking for history. There's two 1940s radios that people used for tvs in there time. You can go in there also intending to make a last minute halloween costume (or just a regular one), like last year i bought a WW2 helmet, and it was the pinnacle of my costume. The staff were also kind, and respectful to me. They were willing to put up with my endless questions, and mistakes. They were even willing to tell me more in depth about their products. The only criticism i have is how it’s a little unorganized. But it actually gives the place a lot of character. It also allows you to stumble upon a really cool thing like the radios, and more. When i had to leave i felt sad inside, if i had the choice i would live in there, and i’m looking forward to going back again!

Levi

2018-05

Glad these places are around. It's like walking into an antique shop and wondering what the story is behind this or that. Just enough stuff in there to make it interesting without tripping over it. Maybe I'd add a little more standard items for sale.

I'M THE Gaming Lizard

2022-05

Absolutely fantastic, great if you are a history buff, they have everything from roman legionary armor and Greek armor to WW2 and Vietnam. 10/10 would recommend.

Rhonda Allen

2021-05

Fantastic collection of surplus goods and interesting little treasures. Plan on staying a while because there is much to see! Very friendly owner stayed late so we could browse.

todd barrett

2016-05

You can spend a good while digging through old surplus items. Sid and his staff were extremely friendly. Worth stopping and taking a look around.

Russell Day

2015-05

I worked at Sid's for at least a year, and believe it to be the number one tourist stop in Carrboro. Rock stars and movie stars find it in the afternoons before their shows at the Cradle. I shot a portrait of Kirsten Dunst against the parking lot wall I ought to have managed and sold better. Sid himself is a character who prides himself on procuring things for stage and film. It is at least 30 percent of the business, the costuming and props part of the business.There are some real military surplus uniforms and it is where I got my invaluable GI cook kit. He also carries MRIs.Pilferage is a problem for Sid, so he does hide things. I myself lust for a 1920s radio, of the sort that required difficult tuning in three stages which will lead one to understand how superheydrode modern radio circuitry was such a fantastic invention.Anyway you are certain to find something you really needed, and had been looking for, for a long time.

Joseph Ordower

2019-05

Great place. Lots and lots of awesome stuff. Sid is there to help, and knowledgeable in so many ways. Stop in and have a look around.

Gary Loken

2022-05

GREAT Place! Its been a long time since I've seen a good ole military surplus store. This place is perfect for guys to dig for treasure.

nikola ticic

2022-05

Sid's is magic. When you can't find something you need anywhere or on the internet, come to Sid's. You will find it at Sid's.

B Grauer

2017-05

Great military and costume store which prides itself on the odd nick knacks of yesteryear. Hidden gem of the area. May have extended hours around Halloween.

Susan Montani

2018-05

If u need to find vintage military wear this is the place!! Great for cosplay & costumes. Amazing selection. Really nice people and super knowledgeable!

Zoe Groder

2018-05

This store is truly amazing.The staff is awesome and they have cool tales to tell.I would recommend this store to anyone who loves cool things.

amanda kingsley

2023-10

Prices are higher than any other store that I have been to in this area

Traciew6401

2021-05

Phenomenal place! Everything under the sun! You could definitely spend a whole day here and still miss something!

Brent Eason

2020-05

This is the quirkiest surplus/antique/thrift shop I've ever been in, and I love it. You can find a ton of niche items here for a good price.

Hannah Ross

2018-05

A store full of things you never knew you wanted. An interesting place with good possibilities for amateur film makers needing military props, costumes, etc.

RavenKittyTaylor

2019-05

Awesome place, great staff. Blink and you might miss something; the place is PACKED with military surplus, costumes, and home furnishings.

Carl Bradley

2021-05

Old style surplus store lots of items sid is very helpful if you don't see what you need ask along with surplus there are costumes and more

Leland Child-Lanning

2017-05

Cool stuff but the people here are so creepy. He wanted me to sell my friend to him for anything in the store. Weird