Myrtle Beach, December 24, 2025
Myrtle Beach is witnessing a transformation in its retail landscape as national chains like Torrid announce store closures. This shift reflects changing consumer behaviors and presents unique challenges and opportunities for local entrepreneurs. As large retailers reevaluate their strategies, local businesses are tasked with innovating to meet unmet market demands and foster economic resilience. The ability to adapt quickly allows these entrepreneurs to create niche markets and strengthen community connections, supporting the ongoing vibrancy of Myrtle Beach’s economy.
Myrtle Beach Navigates Evolving Retail Landscape as Major Chains Adapt
National Retail Shifts Prompt Local Innovation
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – The dynamic world of retail is undergoing significant transformation, a trend visible both nationwide and in our vibrant local community. As major fashion retailers nationwide reassess their brick-and-mortar footprints, the focus often turns to how local businesses and entrepreneurs in areas like Myrtle Beach adapt, innovate, and thrive. This evolving environment presents both challenges for established models and unique opportunities for agile small businesses and visionary South Carolina entrepreneurs.
The resilience of Myrtle Beach small business owners and the ingenuity driving Myrtle Beach SC business are crucial as shopping trends continue to shift. While large corporations grapple with adapting to new consumer behaviors, the entrepreneurial spirit often finds new avenues for growth, sometimes benefiting from a marketplace where nimbleness and direct community connection are key advantages.
Nationwide Retail Adjustments: Torrid’s Reported Store Closures
A recent development in the retail sector involves plus-size fashion retailer Torrid, which is reportedly closing nearly 200 stores nationwide. This move highlights a broader trend affecting numerous mall clothing stores as shopping preferences continue to evolve. The company plans to close up to 180 “underperforming” stores, reflecting the pressures many national chains face in the current retail climate.
This reported decision by Torrid comes amidst what has been described as a challenging period for nearly every sector of retail nationwide over the past few months. Other major retailers, including CVS, have also announced significant store closures nationwide in 2025, with CVS planning to close nearly 300 locations, and Walmart reportedly closing stores in several states. These actions underscore a significant recalibration of retail strategies across the country, where businesses are actively seeking to optimize their operations in response to changing consumer demands and increased online activity.
Shifting Shopping Trends and Their Impact
The reported closures by Torrid are indicative of a larger phenomenon: the rapid vanishing of traditional mall clothing stores as shopping trends shift. Consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms for their purchasing needs, which offers convenience and a wider array of choices, fundamentally altering the economics of physical retail spaces. This shift necessitates that businesses, both large and small, reconsider their operational models and invest in omnichannel strategies that integrate online and in-store experiences.
For the plus-size fashion market specifically, Torrid had carved out a niche by offering not just plus sizes, but also tall sizes, catering to a diverse customer base. The reported reduction in its physical presence may leave a gap for consumers seeking specific fits and in-person shopping experiences, potentially creating opportunities for other retailers or specialized boutiques to expand their offerings or emerge to meet these needs.
Fostering Economic Growth Through Local Adaptability
In communities like Myrtle Beach, the news of national retail closures often spurs discussions about local economic resilience and diversification. Rather than simply seeing challenges, this environment can be a catalyst for South Carolina entrepreneurs to identify unmet market demands and launch innovative ventures. The agility of local businesses allows them to respond more quickly to specific community needs and preferences, often fostering stronger customer loyalty.
For Myrtle Beach SC business, an adaptive approach is vital. Local entrepreneurs can leverage their deep understanding of the community to create unique shopping experiences, personalized customer service, and specialized product lines that differentiate them from large national chains. This often includes embracing niche markets and creating community-focused shopping environments that offer something beyond just transactions.
The Role of Entrepreneurial Innovation and Limited Regulation
The ability of businesses to innovate and adapt swiftly is paramount in today’s fast-evolving retail landscape. For Myrtle Beach small business, this often means embracing new technologies, exploring direct-to-consumer models, and fostering a culture of creativity. From online pop-ups to collaborative retail spaces, innovative approaches can help local businesses thrive even as larger chains consolidate their operations.
Moreover, an environment that supports entrepreneurial innovation can be significantly enhanced by policies that encourage business formation and growth. Limited regulation, for instance, can reduce the barriers to entry for new ventures and allow existing businesses to allocate more resources towards expansion and customer service rather than compliance. Such an approach fosters an ecosystem where Myrtle Beach’s economic future can be shaped by the proactive spirit of its local business community, enabling them to quickly pivot and capture new opportunities as national trends unfold.
Supporting Our Local Economy
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the importance of supporting local businesses in Myrtle Beach becomes even clearer. Local entrepreneurs are the backbone of our community, driving job creation and fostering unique character in our shopping districts. Their ability to innovate, adapt, and provide personalized services is a testament to the strength of free enterprise and the entrepreneurial spirit.
Engaging with and supporting Myrtle Beach small business not only helps these enterprises weather broader economic shifts but also contributes directly to the vibrancy and sustained growth of our local economy. We encourage readers to explore the diverse offerings of our local shops and engage with the business community to help shape a thriving and resilient economic future for Myrtle Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening with the plus-size fashion retailer Torrid?
Plus-size fashion retailer Torrid is reportedly closing nearly 200 stores nationwide. The company plans to close up to 180 “underperforming” stores.
Why are so many stores like Torrid reportedly closing nationwide?
Mall clothing stores are vanishing fast due to shifting shopping trends, with consumers increasingly moving to online platforms. It has been a rough few months for nearly every retail sector nationwide.
What kind of sizes did Torrid offer?
Torrid carried tall sizes, not just plus sizes.
Are other major retailers also closing stores nationwide?
Yes, CVS announced nearly 300 store closures in 2025 nationwide, and Walmart will reportedly close stores in several states. Fashion Bug and Catherine’s Plus Sizes also closed approximately 150 underperforming stores in the past.
How does this national trend impact local businesses in Myrtle Beach?
The national retail shifts create both challenges and opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs in Myrtle Beach, spurring discussions about local economic resilience and diversification. Local businesses can adapt by identifying unmet market demands and launching innovative ventures.
Key Details of Retail Landscape Shifts
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Torrid Store Closures | Reported closure of nearly 200 stores; up to 180 “underperforming” stores planned for closure. | Nationwide |
| Shifting Shopping Trends | Mall clothing stores are vanishing fast as consumers shift towards online shopping. | Nationwide |
| Torrid’s Offerings | Carried tall sizes in addition to plus sizes. | Nationwide |
| Broader Retail Challenges | Rough few months for nearly every retail sector; CVS announced nearly 300 store closures in 2025; Walmart reportedly closing stores in several states. | Nationwide |
| Historical Context | Fashion Bug and Catherine’s Plus Sizes previously closed approximately 150 underperforming stores. | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Businesses Navigate Evolving Retail Landscape
Conway’s US 501 Corridor Sees Dual Restaurant Boost
HGTC to Host Emerging Leaders Conference, Supporting Student Success
Myrtle Beach Airport’s Holiday Season Efficiency
Myrtle Beach Grocery Store Holiday Hours
Myrtle Beach Emerges as a Hub for Small Business Growth
Conway Celebrates an Early Christmas Windfall: $814,000 Lottery Ticket Sold Locally
Conway Chinese Restaurant Announces Closure on Christmas Eve
Myrtle Beach Thrives as Crave Italian Oven & Bar Expands
Toledo Rockets to Face Louisville Cardinals in Bowl Matchup
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.
