More than three months after it was taken, the stolen sign for the shut-down Surplus Sid’s in Carrboro returned to the former shop.

Chip Hoppin, co-owner of The Merch on Lloyd Street, shared a post to social media Wednesday morning saying he passed the former military surplus, costume and knick-knack store on East Main Street around 10 a.m. and happened to see the sign leaning up against the building. It had a note attached to it, which read “I am very sorry. I didn’t know how [important] the sign was.”

For years, the sign stood between two wooden stakes at the entrance of Surplus Sid’s to catch the attention of travelers on East Main Street. The mystery of the its disappearance began in March, after it had been removed and was simply leaning up against the storefront. Both Hoppin and TriangleBlogBlog shared that Surplus Sid’s founder Barry Keith wanted it back to commemorate the store he ran for more than three decades. The shop closed in Sept. 2025 as Keith transitioned to retirement and to focus on his health — news drastic enough to where a GoFundMe campaign raised more than $3,500 to help cover bills and at-home care for Keith.

For now, Orange County community members are celebrating on social media that the wooden, red and white Surplus Sid’s sign is back at the empty store. Keith still owns the building and property at 309 East Main Street, according to Orange County land records, and there is no public indication of what the future of the space may be.

Featured photos via Chip Hoppin.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
Carrboro Businesses Pledge Donation Days to Support The ArtsCenter for Its 50th Anniversary
The ArtsCenter announced a lineup of businesses participating in "Artstober" to help raise money for and spread awareness of its operations.
Cigar Smoke Lawsuit Raises Caution for Carrboro's South Green Businesses
In Carrboro, Coronato Pizza is suing the neighboring Oasis Cigar Lounge and its South Green landlord over effects from secondhand smoke.
Celebration of Independence Day to Alter Local Government Services in Orange County
The celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 will affect several local government services in and around Orange County. Here’s a look at what typical services will and won’t be happening during the weekend: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed Friday, July 3, as […]
Chapel Hill Man Wins $200,000 Lottery Prize on Scratch-Off Ticket
Kevin Valdez of Chapel Hill won the top prize of $200,000 on a $5 scratch-off ticket, the North Carolina Education Lottery said in a release Wednesday. Valdez bought his lucky ticket for the Cash King game from the Short Stop convenience store on West Main Street in Carrboro. He arrived at lottery headquarters in Raleigh […]
‘Mind Your Business’: Local Openings, Closings and Updates in April-June 2026
The spring led to some exciting openings for some and quiet closings for others. Read details on the greater Orange County business scene.
Drone Shows and Parades: Here's What to Know Before Orange County's July 4 Celebrations
A variety of July 4 festivities are set to take place across Orange County. Here's how local governments are celebrating.
Carrboro: Council Update, July 4, Jamezetta Bedford
Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, June 26, discussing town news and events. She discussed the town council's meeting from June 16, previewed July 4th festivities in the town, updated Tropical Storm Chantal Recovery as the one year anniversary nears, discussed Jamezetta Bedford's legacy, and more.
On Air Today: Pride in Carrboro, with El Centro Hispano!
Carrboro is celebrating Pride with a dance party this Friday, June 26, in conjunction with El Centro Hispano.
Juneteenth Holiday to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County
Across the country on Friday, Black Americans and communities will celebrate Juneteenth — the national recognition of when the final slaves were freed in the 19th century and of African-American culture. As a holiday, government services around the Orange County community will be affected on June 19 and the surrounding days. Here’s what residents can […]
Local Government Meetings: June 15-19, 2026
This week in local government: a proposed AI moratorium in Durham and a board appointment (maybe) in Chatham County.
›