Shop Talk: Buying into Grand Strand retail

Grocer going green

South Carolina is getting its first "green" grocery store in the Columbia area. Food Lion officials plan to gather this morning for a groundbreaking ceremony.

Here's the details, as reported by Kristy Eppley Rupon of The State:

In South Carolina, you can live in a green home, work in a green office building and send your kids to a green school.

Later this year, you’ll be able to shop in a green grocery store.

Food Lion recently started construction on a 35,000-square-foot store in The Summit in Northeast Richland that will be the state’s first major retail outlet to seek green certification from the nation’s strictest regulating agency.

The project could be the springboard to get other retail outlets to try building environmentally friendly stores, industry experts said.

“You don’t want to be the one that’s not doing it,” said Barry Taylor, treasurer of the U.S. Green Building Council’s South Carolina chapter.

Food Lion is seeking silver certification - the third-highest of four levels - from the council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, commonly known as LEED. It would be the North Carolina-based chain’s first LEED-certified store.

“From a looks standpoint, it’s not very different from our normal Food Lion,” said Kyle Mitchell, vice president of store development.

But what’s inside and how the store is built will make a difference in the environment, Food Lion officials said:

-- The store will have skylights to reduce the need for some electric lighting and low-flow water fixtures.

-- Builders will use plants native to the Midlands that require less irrigation.

-- Builders won’t transport construction materials from more than a 500-mile radius to reduce energy used for shipping.

-- As much as 75 percent of construction waste will be recycled.

The store will save 20 percent per year on energy consumption, compared to a standard supermarket, and more than 40 percent on water.

And the store will offer preferred parking for hybrid cars. 

Tax-free weekend a month away; here's what you need to know

Mark your calendars and get your shopping lists ready: the annual sales tax holidays in the Carolinas are about a month away.

The tax-free weekend in South Carolina and North Carolina will be Aug. 7 through Aug. 9. Shoppers can buy many items -- including clothing, shoes, school supplies and computers -- without paying the sales tax.

Do you plan to shop during the tax-free days? Are you planning to shop tax-free this year for the first time because the economy has gotten so bad?

Click here to see a list of the items that are tax-free in South Carolina, and those that aren't.

Click here for the list of tax-free items in North Carolina.

Veteran retailer opens gallery-jewelry store in mall

Silver City Art Gallery Jewelry and Gifts opened a week ago in Myrtle Beach Mall.

The store, near the movie theater, sells paintings, metal art and jewelry. David Sajwani, who owns the gallery and has been in retail for 22 years, also owns Joshua's Jewelry in the mall. Sajwani used to have four stores in Myrtle Square Mall until it closed.

T-Mobile returns to south end

T-Mobile has returned to the south end with a new store off U.S. 17 Bypass near Home Depot in Murrells Inlet.

The cellular provider, which closed its store in Inlet Square Mall in December because of the mall's stalled renovation and other troubles, has opened a store in the same area, at 12270 U.S. 17 Bypass. It's the only T-Mobile store on the south end, with the closest at S.C. 544.

``We ended up coming back because it was such a demand,'' store manager Jody Bowles said. ``It's been so busy.''

The store debuted in June. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The store is closed Sunday.

Customers can pay bills, buy phones and accessories and get service questions answered at the store.

Niche store opens at Broadway at the Beach

Little Miss Matched, which sells socks, flip flops, T-shirts and other items, has opened a kiosk at Broadway at the Beach near It'sSugar.

The 500-square-foot shop started with the idea to sell miss-matched socks in odd numbers. The brightly colored line has expanded to include sleepwear, swimwear and bedding.

The Myrtle Beach store is the third one the chain has opened this summer, with others debuting in New York City and Disneyland in California.

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Dog groomer opening at The Market Common

Canine Cabana, a dog grooming business, is scheduled to open at The Market Common in the live-work townhouses Wednesday.

The shop, at 2876-C Howard Avenue, will sell traditional grooming services, including a variety of baths, cuts and even a blueberry spa facial.

Hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with more hours to come as demand warrants.  

Owner Jenny Ward, 25, said she picked the spot at The Market Common because it is close to the city's dog park and is a new hub of activity.

``While everyone is screaming depression, I see opportunity,'' she said.

A grand opening event is set for July 13.

Party shop down to one location

The One Stop Party Shop in Surfside Beach has closed, another victim of consumer spending cutbacks.

The store in Myrtle Beach off Mr. Joe White Avenue remains open and is being remodeled with new fixtures and fresh merchandise, owner Larry Frakes said.

The stores have loyal customers, but they are spending much less than they used to on party supplies because of the recession, Frakes said. It got to the point where he couldn't support both locations.

``They are now spending about half,'' Frakes said.

The Surfside Beach shop, at Glenns Bay Road and U.S. 17 Business, had been open for about four and a half years. The store in Myrtle Beach has operated for nine years.

Food for thought for Father's Day

Haven't nailed down that Father's Day gift yet? Check your email. Chances are there are several coupons or perks from restaurants aiming to lure your business.

P.F. Changs China Bistro, Abuelo's and Chili's are among the eateries that have sent special deals for dad's day.

They might be on to something. Gift-givers across the country will spend the most this Fathers Day -$1.9 billion - on an outing such as dinner or a sports event, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation, which estimates holiday spending. Clothing is the next most popular, with buyers dropping $1.3 billion on socks, slacks and ties. Next in line: gift cards at $1.2 billion, electronics at $1 billion and books or CDs at $548 million. Home improvement items and sporting goods are also popular picks.

In all, spending for Father's Day - which is Sunday for those who don't have it on your radar - will total $9.4 billion, the retail association estimates. The average gift will cost $90.89 - down about $3.65 from last year.

``Along with the usual ties, gift givers will be looking into items that dad can enjoy with the whole family,

'' NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin said in a statement. ``Retailers will offer specials on new grill sets, sporting and gardening equipment and even electronics as the holiday rolls around.''

About the survey: 8,447 consumers were polled from May 5 through May 12. Margin of error is plus or minus 1 percent. BIGresearch conducted the survey for the retail association.

So what are you getting Dad for Father's Day this year? Are you spending more than last year, the same or less?

Chain's bankruptcy doesn't immediately affect local store

It's business as usual at the Eddie Bauer Outlet Store in Myrtle Beach despite the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing this week.

For now, all the Eddie Bauer stores, including the outlet stores, are operating, but officials will be determining which - if any - stores will close as the company restructures, said Diana Postemsky, an Eddie Bauer spokeswoman. A decision about the stores could come in the next 60 days, she said.

``The company will be reviewing its store portfolio,'' Postemsky said. ``None of those determinations have been made.''

CCMP Capital Advisors LLC has bid $202 million in cash for the company's assets. Other buyers may also make bids while the company is under court protection. 

Bellevue, Wash.-based Eddie Bauer, known for its outdoorsy wear, said in a statement Wednesday that CCMP has agreed to keep the majority of its 371 stores open, honor gift cards and hold onto most employees.

The Grand Strand has one Eddie Bauer store, in the Tanger Outlets off U.S. 501.

``Right now they are all open and serving customers,'' Postemsky said. ``Customers really should experience no difference as they shop.''

Eddie Bauer, founded in 1920 in Seattle, joins Circuit City, Linens 'N Things, Mervyns and other retail chains that have filed for bankruptcy court protection as consumer spending fell and the recession continued. 

Wal-Mart opens off U.S. 501

The Wal-Mart off U.S. 501 near Carolina Forest opened this morning.

The store, at 151 Myrtle Ridge Road, has the chain's new design, which includes wider aisles, shorter shelves, brighter colors and a layout aiming to make it more convenient for shoppers by grouping in-demand departments. The 151,731-square-foot store also has a special section for Coastal Carolina University merchandise.

About 400 people work at the store; 20 of them have been with Wal-Mart for more than 10 years, according to a company statement. Wal-Mart is the largest private employer in Horry County.

The store, open around the clock and seven days a week, is the seventh Wal-Mart along the Grand Strand, and more are in the works. Another is planned for Garden City Beach.

Officials had a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning. Scott Brisson is the store's general manager.