News Summary
The demolition of Inlet Square Mall marks the end of an era in Myrtle Beach, signaling a new chapter in retail development. While nostalgia for Myrtle Square Mall remains, experts believe the future lies in mixed-use developments that combine shops, dining, and community spaces. The anticipated opening of Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown promises a family-friendly addition, as the coastal city embraces a fresh start in its retail landscape.
Myrtle Beach: A New Chapter in Retail Awaits
Change is sweeping through Myrtle Beach, and it feels pretty exciting! The demolition of Inlet Square Mall marks the end of one era and the beginning of a fresh and promising future for this charming coastal city. For those who remember the bustling days of Myrtle Square Mall, this transformation sparks a mix of nostalgia and hope!
The Nostalgic Charm of Myrtle Square Mall
Ah, the memories! Back in 1979, Steve Pruett worked at Baskin-Robbins in Myrtle Square Mall, where locals flocked for ice cream and the aroma of cigars wafted through the air. That place was alive and buzzing with families and friends enjoying their time together. Fast forward to today, and while Myrtle Square may be a thing of the past, the fond memories linger on for many.
Inlet Square Mall: A Declining Retail Space
After decades of glory, Inlet Square Mall became a shell of what it once was. Pruett opened a drum and consignment store there seven years ago, hoping to revive some of that mall spirit. Unfortunately, the fate of Inlet Square was quite the opposite; many businesses shuttered soon after he set up shop. While Pruett’s store thrived for a while, he eventually had to make the tough decision to relocate to Surfside Beach as foot traffic dwindled. Nowadays, people more often strolled through Inlet Square than shopped, all too aware of its slow decline.
A Fresh Start: Demolition and Redevelopment
As we step into 2024, demolition crews are hard at work taking down much of Inlet Square Mall, paving the way for redevelopment. This is all part of a broader trend seen across America, where many malls have struggled to adapt, leading to a drastic drop in property values. Once sold for $42.2 million in 1996, Myrtle Beach Mall’s value plummeted to under $20 million in 2023. That’s quite a fall!
The Changing Face of Malls
Inlet Retail Associates LLC, who bought Inlet Square Mall for $16.3 million in 2009, faced difficulties and ultimately defaulted on their loan, selling it for a mere $6 million in 2023. Similarly, while Myrtle Beach Mall still houses a few popular stores, there are plenty of vacant spots, showcasing the challenges that retail spaces have faced in recent years.
Hope on the Horizon: Mixed-Use Developments
But all hope is not lost! Experts have pointed out that although many malls are struggling, the solution may lie in mixed-use developments. These spaces combine retail with living areas, restaurants, and other amenities, creating vibrant hubs for the community. Just look at the success of Market Common in Myrtle Beach, where everything is within walking distance!
A Flavorful Addition to Myrtle Beach Mall
As redevelopment plans unfold, the Myrtle Beach Mall will see exciting new additions. One such highlight is the anticipated opening of Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown restaurant and arcade in the former JCPenney space. Imagine a family-friendly venue that combines delicious food with mini bowling and arcade games—a place the whole family can enjoy!
Keeping the Mall Spirit Alive
While the world of retail is changing rapidly, experts remind us that not all malls are gone for good. With the right combination of location, innovation, and a focus on community needs, many malls can still attract customers and offer delightful shopping experiences.
In conclusion, Myrtle Beach is on the verge of something new and exciting. With the demolition of Inlet Square Mall signaling a shift, the future is bright for retail spaces in this coastal city. It’s a fresh start, one that remembers the past but looks forward to a vibrant new community hub!
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Retail Changes
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online: Inlet Square Mall Demolition
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Mall
- Horry News: Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Retail Trends
- WBTW: Coastal Grand Mall Black Friday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Post and Courier: Flavortown Coming to Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Retail News
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.
