Myrtle Beach Businesses Adapt to a Redefined 2026 Supply Chain

As the global economy continues its dynamic evolution, Myrtle Beach entrepreneurs and small businesses are demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation, bracing for significant shifts in retail supply chains in 2026. These changes, driven by tariffs, technological advancements, and a move towards nearshoring, present both challenges and compelling opportunities for local economic growth.

The spirit of free enterprise thrives in communities like Myrtle Beach, where adaptability and strategic foresight are key. Rather than simply reacting to external pressures, many local businesses are proactively reshaping their operations to navigate a new landscape. This proactive stance is crucial in fostering a robust local economy and highlights the enduring determination of South Carolina entrepreneurs.

The Shifting Sands of Global Trade: Tariffs and Their Ripple Effects

The retail sector nationwide is undergoing one of its fastest strategic shifts in decades, largely influenced by rising tariffs and geopolitical pressures. Tariffs, essentially taxes on imports, are currently in constant flux, creating uncertainty for retailers and consumers alike. In April 2025, the U.S. implemented a universal 10% levy on all imports, with targeted duties reaching 145% on goods from China. This has led to substantial cost pressure across various retail categories nationwide, with apparel tariffs, for instance, more than doubling from an average of 14.5% in 2024 to 30.6% in 2025. The additional costs for U.S. consumers and importers from previous import tariffs in late 2018 were estimated at approximately $3.2 billion per month, alongside an additional $1.4 billion lost in economic efficiency.

For businesses in Myrtle Beach and across the nation, this means higher costs for imported goods, uncertain pricing, and a potential shift in consumer behavior. To mitigate risk, a significant percentage of retail supply chain leaders (77%) have already shifted sourcing away from China toward tariff-neutral countries. This re-evaluation encourages businesses to explore diversified sourcing models, including domestic options, which can strengthen local production capabilities and reduce dependency on volatile international markets. While higher prices may become the new norm, market adjustments, including improved domestic sourcing, enhanced retailer strategies, and more stable supply chains, can lead to a more consistent and higher-value shopping experience nationwide.

Bridging the Tech Divide: Innovation for Efficiency

Technological advancements are profoundly transforming the retail logistics and supply chain landscape in 2025, driven by evolving consumer expectations and global trade dynamics. The COVID-19 pandemic and escalating tariffs have underscored the importance of diversifying supply chains not just geographically, but also in sourcing strategies and operational models, with AI and machine learning offering a prospective path forward. In 2025, AI was widely adopted, with meaningful progress seen in embedding AI into workflows for applications like evaluating alternates during routing failures in Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and sequencing tasks based on congestion in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). AI-driven supply chain management is projected to reduce logistics costs by 15% and inventory holding costs by 35% nationwide.

Myrtle Beach is actively embracing this technological evolution. The city has launched a Smart Cities Initiative and a Living Lab program, fostering innovative public-private partnerships to support emerging technology and encourage entrepreneurs to use Myrtle Beach as a hub. This initiative provides space for local businesses, small businesses, and corporations to test new technologies, contributing to business expansion, job creation, and economic growth in the city. Automation in warehousing and retail operations, including electronic shelf labels, self-service tills, and warehouse robots, is gaining traction nationwide to counteract rising labor costs. These investments in technology empower businesses to optimize logistics, manage costs, and meet consumer demands more effectively.

Nearshoring’s Promise: Strengthening Local Supply Lines

The disruptions experienced during the pandemic have permanently altered the global supply chain landscape, accelerating the adoption of resilient supply chains based on nearshoring and reshoring nationwide. Nearshoring involves moving manufacturing operations closer to the point of use, often a neighboring country with lower labor costs. This strategy offers compelling advantages, including faster delivery times, reduced costs, and greater oversight into production. The time it took to ship containers from China to the U.S. more than doubled from approximately 51 days in January 2020 to 107 days in March 2022, whereas shipping products from Mexico can take as little as three days or fewer.

For U.S. businesses, nearshoring manufacturing to places like Mexico can result in quicker delivery of products and significantly lower shipping fees compared to overseas deliveries. This strategic shift can enhance product lifecycle, allowing innovations to occur more quickly, and improve supply chain management responsiveness through predictive analytics. While nearshoring and reshoring present challenges, they also offer tremendous opportunities to transform enterprises and provide rapidly increased innovation to customers nationwide. Many retailers are accelerating their nearshoring and regionalization efforts, driven by a heightened need for control, stability, and agility, not just cost pressure. This decisive break from pre-pandemic supply chain models, which often relied on global consolidation and just-in-time fulfillment, signals a move towards building more resilient logistics networks nationwide.

Myrtle Beach Businesses on the Forefront of Adaptability

Myrtle Beach’s business community exemplifies the adaptability required in this evolving economic climate. The city is experiencing significant redevelopment in its retail sector, with new shopping centers and planned construction projects underway. For example, a shopping center anchored by Lowes Foods, encompassing 57,659 square feet and featuring a mix of local and national tenants, was sold in Myrtle Beach, illustrating an encouraging evolution in the retail scene. Additionally, plans for new stores like Hobby Lobby are moving forward, with redeveloped areas aiming to create vibrant mixed-use spaces that cater to modern shoppers. A new retail center is also being developed in North Myrtle Beach, featuring plans for new shopping, dining, and fueling opportunities in a fast-growing part of town.

Local businesses are demonstrating resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. A pizza place in Myrtle Beach has reopened under its original owner, showcasing the determination of South Carolina entrepreneurs. The Grand Strand Brewing Co. in Myrtle Beach, SC, continues to contribute to the local economy as a successful venture. Furthermore, Myrtle Beach is seeing a surge in new businesses, including the confirmed opening of a Trader Joe’s store with construction beginning in November 2024 at SayeBrook Town Center, and the planned opening of Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown at the Myrtle Beach Mall. These developments underscore the dynamic and growing business landscape in the Myrtle Beach area.

A Glimpse at the State-level Landscape

The trends seen in Myrtle Beach reflect broader dynamics across South Carolina. For instance, a favorite South Carolina diner that served Cajun food announced its status in December 2024, highlighting the ongoing shifts and adaptations within the state’s diverse culinary and small business sectors. This state-level activity further emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial agility and strategic planning in maintaining economic vitality across the region.

Conclusion

The retail supply chain landscape in 2026 will undoubtedly be defined by ongoing changes in tariffs, technological integration, and the continued momentum of nearshoring. For Myrtle Beach businesses, these shifts are not merely challenges but catalysts for innovation and strategic realignment. The resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our local community, coupled with a focus on technological adoption and strengthened domestic supply lines, are paving the way for sustained economic growth. By supporting local businesses, investing in new technologies, and fostering an environment of innovation, we can collectively ensure that Myrtle Beach remains a vibrant hub for commerce and opportunity. We encourage all residents to continue to support our Myrtle Beach small business community and stay engaged in the ongoing narrative of economic growth in our beloved Grand Strand.