Ben Franklin Store

This store is a throw back to the general stores of the last century. Ben Franklin was a competitor to Woolworth’s (still in business in europe), W R Grant, S S Kreske’s (now k mart) and a few more.
They have morphed into more of a hardware store as well as a beach supply store. You name it, it is here. Kids will have a blast in here. Just remember you broke it, you bought it.
I am so happy that this store has survived the changing economy cause in this small burb this is the store that everyone goes to. Keep up the good work people.

This is, in my mind, exactly what a beach town store should be like. DIY /​repair hardware, tools, beach-​themed household goods and decorations, toys, beach equipment, and more. Walking in here, you can tell it’s not like other stores and you can just feel the beachy, summer vibes. Maybe that’s just because of the associations I feel between this store and summer vacation, or maybe it’s just because that’s what this place is all about.
It’s a bit more expensive than some other stores, but you’re 100% paying for convenience. It’s one block from the beach and located right in the heart of Lavallette. In my opinion, it’s a great place to have in the neighborhood.

This place is a quirky little time warp and it’s a treat to visit. We stop by a couple of times every time we are staying in Lavallette for things we need and a few fun impulse buys. They have just about everything — sort of like
in a five and dime store. The negative reviews are not really warranted. Firstly, they don’t have public bathroom — it’s a busy seaside town and if they had one, they’d be mobbed. Go to a restaurant or gas station. Secondly, the store/​building is probably 75 years old and was not designed with the ADA in mind. It’s crowded, that’s part of the charm. Sorry, it might not really be accessible for a person in a wheel chair — do you really expect them to clear the aisles? Bad prices? While I doubt they are going to hold a sale on sunblock in the middle the summer season, we’ve found that the prices are as good or better as any of the big box stores and we are very diligent on getting good prices on household items. I distinctly remember we once picked up a very specific type of stretchy safety release cat collar that was less than half the price of what they were in Petco. As for the person giving one star for not being greeted, are you serious? He didn’t look up, well maybe the guy was doing something that required his full attention and didn’t hear you — you said he was older– besides the world doesn’t revolve around you. While I’ll concede young summer employees may not provide the best service, but that isn’t specific to the BF and hardly reason to give a very low review considering what a little gem this place is in a world filled with generic big box stores in strip malls where everything is exactly the same.

Simple — You earned this because the older guy that was at front cash register (probably the owner-​but who cares– YOU were the FIRST impression!) area did not even look up at my family ONCE when we came in.
Couldnt say hello? Good Morning?
Then when others came in immediately afterward he was all chirpy and happy.
Forget you — if you dont even have the common courtesy towards all that enter your store.
Seriously– Thank you whoever you were for making us NOT want to spend a dime in your store!
Work on your manners.

If I could give no stars I would. I was shopping with my wife and three kids. We were buying hats, water shoes and toys until my six year old needed to use the bathroom. I asked a sales associate and he said they have no bathroom, then I asked the woman at the register «can my daughter use the bathroom?» And before the words were out of my mouth she answered, «sorry you are going to have to go some place else». So we did just that, we dropped our purchases and left. A gentleman came out and said, «I heard that, they are the only show in town and they know it, they are ornery and rude all year round».
Well, they lost my sale and every one of my friends and family’s. Go to B&B they are a block away and nice.
Also all of their items are at a huge mark up, a beach cart I got at costco for 39 dollars was 70 at the Ben Franklin.

This place has a wide variety of kids toys, beach supplies, tourist items (such as postcards, Lavallette figurines, etc), Lavallette sweatshirts and more. But everything is just WAY TOO PRICY. A lot of stuff is not worth what they’re selling it for. But if you’re a tourist that wants a little Lavallette Jersey Shore knick knack because you live a couple hours away and don’t mind spending a lot, this place is for you because you will find a lot here.

I have been purchasing items at this store since my first trip to Lavallette in 2000. Every summer there is always something I need, and they usually have it. However, the staff there, especially if there are no adult supervisors around, just DO NOT CARE. I just returned from a 4 day weekend and brought my 89 yr old mother, who was in a small transport wheelchair. Several of the aisles were blocked with items, a step stool in one, a set of tray tables in another. There were 2 young people working there — when I mentioned to the girl behind the counter that the aisles were blocked, and it was not condusive to the handicapped, she looked at me like I was speaking in another language (maybe the language of work?) then proceded to continue her conversation with her co-​worker. Needless to say, I had a few choice words and we left, but not before I put down the items we were going to purchase. Last time for me in that store. Besides, they are really over priced!

I hope this place is here forever. Cool stuff and they have most everything you could need. Just like the old 5 & 10 I grew up with.

Lots of toys, kids clothing, beach stuff and other assorted random things. The staff is helpful. Conveniently located close to the beach.