Trader Joe’s, Wegmans or Whole Foods? Vote here for what store Myrtle Beach needs next
We asked and you answered.
Last week we surveyed readers on what store the Myrtle Beach area was missing.
About 330 people filled out the survey and five stores easily emerged as readers’ favorites. Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Whole Foods, Macy’s and The Cheesecake Factory each received at least ten votes. Of the five, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Whole Foods were the most popular responses.
Now, readers get to vote for which of these businesses they want to see come to the Grand Strand the most. Interested voters have until Sunday, Aug. 20, 11:59 a.m. EST to vote for their choice.
Myrtle Beach residents want healthy, diverse food that’s affordable too.
The survey also asked what kind of stores and businesses residents wanted to see more of in the area and several popular trends emerged. Voters said they wanted more grocery stores and restaurants, particularly ones that offered healthy choices in The Grand Strand. The Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Conway metro area have previously been ranked as one of the most obese cities in the United States, as reported by The State newspaper in 2020.
Survey participants also said they wanted more diverse eating experiences, specifically more Asian-inspired restaurants, Italian markets, bakeries and other multicultural choices. Affordable and discount shopping was a priority for lots of survey participants too, while others wrote they wanted more “high-end” or “boutique shopping” stores to choose from. Additional clothing stores were also frequent responses.
Other popular choices were music or vice-related. Some respondents said they wanted more live concert venues or a casino to open in the Grand Strand area.
But don’t get your hopes up for a new Myrtle Beach casino. Currently, South Carolina law bans running a “tavern, inn, retail store, public place, or house used as a place for gaming”, according to the South Carolina Legislature website. The penalty for doing so could result in a maximum of one year in prison for each offense.
This story was originally published August 14, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
