Conway Marina Store Looking for New Tenant as Waccamaw Outfitters Changes Hands
Hey there, Conway! Exciting changes are afoot at the Conway Marina store, which has been the beloved home of Waccamaw Outfitters for the past decade. As the lease for the space at 4 Elm St. approaches its end this year, the city is on the lookout for a new tenant to breathe fresh life into the 1,500-square-foot building. It’s a surprisingly significant transition, given how this shop has played a central role in our local outdoor community.
Goodbye, Waccamaw Outfitters!
Just this past week, the former owner of Waccamaw Outfitters, Matt Varnadore, shared some big news. The business, which has provided locals and visitors alike with outdoor apparel, kayak rentals, and even boat tours, has been sold to an enthusiastic Conway native, Chad Hayes. Via a post that had folks buzzing, Varnadore expressed excitement about the transition, saying, “Chad has years of boating and marina experience and would be a huge asset to our boating community. He plans to continue what we have built and add his [own] twist to things.”
The Future Awaits
Hayes is thrilled about taking over the business but is currently in a bit of limbo, as he eagerly awaits word from the city regarding the lease for the marina store. “If I don’t get the lease, I might make Waccamaw Outfitters mobile,” he noted. That sounds intriguing! Still, he’s hopeful and has plans to improve the business, mentioning ideas like offering food and beverages alongside outdoor gear.
A Destination, Not Just a Store
What’s really interesting is Hayes’s vision for the shop. Instead of it being a spot where people just happen to wander in, he wants it to be a destined destination for visitors. “I want to change it up a bit, not much,” he expressed. He’s got ideas brewing, like possibly adding a new boat for rentals and offering tours to create an all-around unique experience at the marina.
What’s Next for the Marina Building?
The city has received five proposals for the coveted store space and is currently evaluating these to see who will get the chance to take over. A recent meeting of the Conway City Council included discussions about the proposals, but no decision was reached just yet. Per June Wood, the city’s spokesperson, the results from the evaluation will be shared publicly once everything is finalized.
It’s worth noting that this marina store isn’t just an ordinary building. It’s nestled on a nearly six-acre piece of land that the city bought back in 1992 for just $1 from Kingston Pointe Marina. Talk about a steal! The city is looking for a tenant who can manage not just retail but also fuel sales and launch fees from the ramp nearby. Bidding for the spot closed on November 22, and city officials are all set to look into proposals that offer a mix of merchandise sales, food, beverages, and adventure rentals like canoes and kayaks.
A Bright Future for Conway Boating
Whether it’s Hayes’ potential lease or someone else’s bid, one thing is clear: there are exciting times ahead at the Conway Marina. The final decision on the new tenant will likely come quickly, as the city council will reconvene on January 6. So, stay tuned, folks! We could soon be welcoming a new era for outdoor adventures right here in our charming little town.
So there you have it, Conway! Let’s keep our fingers crossed for Hayes and all the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for our beloved marina store. Who knows? Your next adventure could be just around the corner!
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.
