Myrtle Beach Residents Hopeful for Trader Joe’s Opening Amidst Growing Speculation

Myrtle Beach Grocery Buzz: Will Trader Joe’s Finally Make a Move?

The lovely folks of Myrtle Beach have been dreaming for years about the day they can call Trader Joe’s their local grocery store. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to stroll down the aisles, browsing unique snacks and organic goodies without having to hop in their car and drive all the way to Wilmington, N.C.? Well, it seems like there’s been a fresh wave of excitement lately with rumors swirling around about a potential Trader Joe’s opening in our very own backyard!

Social Media is Buzzing!

Social media posts about this coveted grocery chain seem to send the local community into a frenzy. Posts are popping up all over town, with one enthusiastic Facebook user asserting that Trader Joe’s is set to open at the SayeBrook Town Center, right by Ulta Beauty, at 120 SayeBrook Parkway. That got the whole neighborhood talking!

Where Are They Now?

Despite residents rallying for this addition, Trader Joe’s Public Relations Manager, Nakia Rohde, has dashed some hopes. In an email statement, she mentioned, “We are actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country as we hope to open more new neighborhood stores each year. At this time, we do not have a location confirmed in Myrtle Beach.” It sounds like they’re keeping their options open but, oh boy, we’re all on the edge of our seats!

A Glimmer of Hope

But wait, don’t hang up those dreams just yet! There’s still a chance we could see some grocery action at SayeBrook. According to some leasing materials from Colliers, a reputable investment management firm overseeing leasing at SayeBrook, a “National Grocer” is expected to open a new building near Ulta Beauty in 2025. Now, what could that possibly mean? You guessed it—could Trader Joe’s be making a stealthy appearance under that umbrella?

Keeping the Speculation Alive

While it’s unclear exactly when the brochure with that juicy info was prepared, it does raise some eyebrows. The Horry County Land Records show that a permit for a commercial project was filed on July 19, 2024, for a 13,505-square-foot ‘New Retail Shell Building’ at 222 Brookton Circle, valued at about $1.7 million! Isn’t that wild? For comparison’s sake, Trader Joe’s locations are typically around 15,000 square feet, so the sizes are almost a match. Coincidence? We think not!

The Local Mystery Continues

Now, here’s where things get a bit murky. When reached out for further comments, Rox Pollard from Colliers directed inquiries elsewhere. And when we tried to get some answers from Steve Alger, a vice president at The Jackson Companies—who hold ownership over SayeBrook—he didn’t get back to us either. Looks like this mystery is wrapped up snugly for now!

What Do You Think?

As Myrtle Beach residents continue their spirited quest for a local Trader Joe’s, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. Who wouldn’t want access to two-buck Chuck and those irresistible cookie butter jars without having to drive out of town? If you’re just as enthusiastic as everyone else or have questions about this grocery saga, shoot them an email! Let’s keep our fingers crossed and our eyes peeled. Who knows? A local Trader Joe’s could just be around the corner.