News Summary
Hobby Lobby is setting its sights on the Grand Strand area, with plans to open two new stores in South Carolina. One store will be located in the redeveloped Inlet Square Mall, and the other will be next to the Carolina Forest Walmart. The redevelopment of Inlet Square Mall is bringing exciting changes to the area, including new shopping and dining options. Local residents are looking forward to the vibrant retail experience that these new Hobby Lobby stores will bring to the community.
Exciting News for Grand Strand: Hobby Lobby to Open Two New Stores!
Get ready, Grand Strand residents! There’s some thrilling news brewing for craft lovers and DIY enthusiasts in the community. Hobby Lobby, the popular arts and crafts chain, is planning to open not one, but two brand new stores in the Grand Strand area of South Carolina. How great is that?
Locations, Locations, Locations!
The plans for these new Hobby Lobby stores have officially been filed with the Horry County Government and are currently under review, so all we can do is keep our fingers crossed for a smooth approval process! One of the new stores is set to take up residence in the redeveloped Inlet Square Mall on the South Strand, while the other will find a home beside the Carolina Forest Walmart. This is bound to be a hit!
Inlet Square Mall Transformation
Speaking of the Inlet Square Mall, the redevelopment has been underway since April 2, 2025, and it’s super exciting to see how things are changing. Led by the Paramount Development Corp., significant portions of the 35-year-old mall have already been demolished as part of this big renovation project. Good news for fans of the mall: beloved stores like Belk and Planet Fitness will remain open to serve loyal shoppers!
What’s New at the Mall?
However, the mall is in for a makeover that goes beyond just keeping some old favorites. Imagine new buildings popping up around you! There’s even going to be a 134-room Home2 Suites by Hilton as part of the renovation. This means more shopping and dining options, not only for locals but also for visitors flocking to the beautiful Grand Strand area!
Details about New Hobby Lobby Stores
Now, let’s get to the details about the Hobby Lobby stores. Plans for the Hobby Lobby at Inlet Square were submitted in December 2024, and for the Carolina Forest store, they came in February 2025. The Carolina Forest location will boast a whopping 55,000 square feet of space on nearly 13 acres near U.S. Highway 501 and Myrtle Ridge Drive. That’s a considerable chunk of space for all your crafting needs!
Exciting Developments in Carolina Forest
The Carolina Forest community has been experiencing lots of exciting changes lately! Alongside Hobby Lobby, there are plans for a Parker’s Kitchen convenience store and discussions are ongoing for a project that could add nearly 2,000 apartments and even more retail space across from Highway 501. Some of the soon-to-be tenants could include popular spots like Popeyes and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Yummy!
Community Buzz
Local residents are already buzzing with excitement about the prospect of a Hobby Lobby coming to Murrells Inlet. This development is not just about stores; it’s really about providing a vibrant shopping and dining experience that the local community can enjoy. With so many new options opening up, it’s no wonder folks are feeling enthusiastic!
Road Improvements on the Horizon
And it gets even better! The South Carolina Department of Transportation has plans to upgrade roads near Garden City entering Murrells Inlet by late 2024 or early 2025. This means even easier access to all these new developments, which is something everyone can appreciate.
Wrapping It Up!
As we can see, the Grand Strand area is gearing up for a wave of new businesses and exciting improvements, with the addition of Hobby Lobby stores being the cherry on top. Local residents can look forward to some amazing shopping experiences and hopefully join in on the crafting fun very soon! Keep an eye out for more updates as these plans unfold!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Hobby Lobby to Open in Murrells Inlet
- Myrtle Beach Online: New Stores Opening
- AOL: Hobby Lobby Coming to Myrtle Beach Area
- WMBF News: Inlet Square Mall Redevelopment
- WPDE: New Shopping Center Consideration
- Wikipedia: Hobby Lobby
- Google Search: Hobby Lobby Myrtle Beach
- Google Scholar: Hobby Lobby Business Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hobby Lobby
- Google News: Hobby Lobby
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.
