Holiday Shopping: Then and Now in Myrtle Beach!
Ah, Myrtle Beach! Once again, the festive season is upon us, and if you’re like many, a cozy movie marathon featuring holiday classics is on your agenda. Who can forget the hilariously chaotic yet heartwarming charm of “Home Alone”? It’s a timeless favorite, where young Kevin McCallister not only fends for himself against pesky intruders but also pulls off an astounding solo grocery run! But have you ever wondered how much that memorable shopping spree would cost today?
A Nostalgic Trip Down Aisle 1990
In the movie, Kevin’s grocery haul totaled an astonishing just $19.83. Can you believe it? That amount snagged him essential holiday treats and necessities, like Kraft mac and cheese, Tropicana orange juice, and even toilet paper. Fast forward to 2024, and it’s a whole different ball game, folks!
Let’s Compare Prices!
We ventured out to a few popular grocery chains in Myrtle Beach to see how the prices stack up against Kevin’s memorable shopping list. Keep in mind, some items from 1990 seem to have vanished from store shelves, and we had to make a few modern-day substitutions. But fear not! We tried our best to keep it comparable!
Walmart: Value Meets Variety
First stop: Walmart. Known for its competitive pricing, here’s what we found:
- Kraft mac and cheese (4 cups): $4.92
- Stouffer’s roast turkey meal: $3.48
- Tropicana orange juice (46 oz): $3.96
- Great Value milk (half gallon): $1.88
- Scott toilet paper (4-pack): $2.99
- Tide liquid laundry detergent: $5.44
- Snuggle dryer sheets (40 count): $1.97
- Plastic wrap (200 sq. ft): $1.97
- Wonder Bread (20 oz loaf): $2.92
Total: $27.56
Food Lion: A Local Favorite
Next, we sauntered into Food Lion:
- Kraft mac and cheese (4 cups): $5.49
- Stouffer’s roast turkey meal: $3.59
- Tropicana orange juice (46 oz): $3.79
- Food Lion milk (half gallon): $2.09
- Scott toilet paper (4-pack): $5.49
- Tide liquid laundry detergent: $6.99
- Snuggle dryer sheets (40 count): $2.89
- Plastic wrap (200 sq. ft): $2.49
- Wonder Bread (20 oz loaf): $3.69
Total: $36.51
Target: Chic Shopping
Lastly, our adventure took us to Target, known for everything trendy:
- Kraft mac and cheese (4 cups): $4.99
- Stouffer’s roast turkey meal: $3.59
- Tropicana orange juice (46 oz): $3.89
- Good and Gather milk (half gallon): $1.89
- Scott toilet paper (4-pack): $4.99
- Tide liquid laundry detergent: $7.49
- Snuggle dryer sheets (120 count): $5.19
- Plastic wrap (200 sq. ft): $1.99
- Wonder Bread (20 oz loaf): $3.04
Total: $37.06
Would Kevin Make the Same Trip Today?
Drum roll, please! Across all three stores, the total for Kevin’s haul in 2024 ranged from $27.56 at Walmart to a whopping $37.06 at Target. It’s safe to say a friendly twenty-dollar bill wouldn’t go very far now, even if Kevin decided to ditch those green army men toys!
So, as you cozy up to your TV with your loved ones this holiday season, you can add a sprinkle of nostalgia by revisiting “Home Alone,” all while knowing that today’s grocery prices might just make you think twice before stepping into the store!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
