Anyone going past 309 East Main in Carrboro may have noticed something has changed at Surplus Sids. We are sorry to share that the beloved surplus store is closed for good. A Carrboro mainstay since 1988, Surplus Sids has been the source of countless halloween costumes and other fascinating items, some of which are military collectibles.
The owner, whose name is not Sid (It is Barry Keith) has encountered some medical setbacks that make it impossible for him to run the business any more.
I came upon Nicky Keith and Mason Henderson, child and child in law of Barry’s, outside the store Tuesday as I rode by and stopped to have a talk. In addition to Barry’s health, the shop was also impacted by flooding from Chantal that has caused damage to some of the inventory. Family and friends are now facing the gargantuan task of dealing with the contents of the store.
Barry, the self proclaimed “EMPEROR OF CARRBORO” : A person who turned being a pack rat into a business.
Barry was often found at the back of Lapin Bleue, and – in fact – the day I spoke with his family that is exactly where he was. He is being looked after by friends and family.
The family has set up a GoFundMe, to help with the costs of managing the closimng of the store and setting up Barry in a new living situation to meet his current needs.
Share your Sids stories with us
Many of you have their own stories of shopping trips to the store over the years, or the conversations they have had with Barry as he held court outside his shop. We will miss him and the funky place that was distinctly Carrboro. Send your stories to [email protected] and we will add them to this post!
