Azio Media is not your everyday antique store. With an eclectic mix of a local traditional brick-and-mortar store and an extensive online website, Azio fills a niche in our community where few others come close. Bursting with vintage collectibles, Azio also boasts the county’s largest selection of regional interest books, as well as vintage and new vinyl records. They also carry music CDs, cassettes, and pop and rock memorabilia. And if you are new to record players, they also carry some turntables you will want.
Owner Dave Henderson had worked in media for years and has always loved books and music. “It’s nice to sell something you believe in and can enjoy,” he said. “The area lacked a good book and music store. I enjoy the discovery and research of antiquarian books and vintage items that we buy from individuals in the area.”
Azio Media opened in Shallotte on Smith Avenue back in 2003. The store moved to its current location two years ago inside the Gingerbread House on Holden Beach Road. Initially built in 1903, the home has a beautiful wrap-around porch in line with the vintage Gingerbread style of architecture. “The building was moved to its present location about 30 years ago from another location in Brunswick County,” said Henderson. “We have worked hard to maintain the historical architectural elements and decor inside and out. We have crystal chandeliers at the shop and a handmade counter with chicken wire and wood shelving. We have outdoor seating on our porch and some cafe tables in the yard for customers to enjoy.”
Originally from Ash, NC, in Brunswick County, Henderson now lives in Shallotte. His family’s roots go back 300 years near the Waccamaw River. “I have a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Bennington College in Vermont. I worked in technology and media for years,” he said. “After living in Prague, Czech Republic for eight years, I returned to North Carolina and opened Azio Media. While in Prague, I wrote about new technology and media for various newspapers and magazines. I also did some internet consulting work for television stations. A small group of us opened Prague’s first English language Internet cafe/bookstore, Terminal Bar, in the late 90s,” he said. “I have a background in music and television. While in college, I was an intern for “Saturday Night Live” and MTV, which later became a regular job working in production for the television shows,” he said. “I have always been a big fan of live music and grew up going to The Mad Monk in Wilmington.”
At Azio, there really is something for everyone. “We have the best collection of regional interest books in the county, which are available in our shop or on our website, www.aziomedia.com. We also carry used and new books, beach reading, antique books, fiction and nonfiction, classic literature, poetry, decorative books, and more,” said Henderson. “We also offer gently used books, CDs, and vintage magazines in the store for $3 each,” said Henderson. “We are open 11:30 am to 5:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Our website is open 24/7, and we ship every business day.”
