Little River, South Carolina, January 2, 2026
News Summary
The coastal town of Little River is facing uncertainty over the potential opening of a Walmart store, crucial for a growing population that relies on convenient shopping. Past proposals from Walmart have resulted in no new developments, leaving local residents hopeful yet skeptical. Amid ongoing discussions about shopping options, the community continues to thrive with new homes and developments nearby. As the holiday season approaches, the need for local grocery access becomes more pressing, highlighting the demand for Walmart’s arrival adjacent to popular golf locales.
Little River’s Walmart Dreams: Uncertainty Looms
The coastal community of Little River is buzzing with a mixture of hope and skepticism as local residents ponder the potential arrival of a new Walmart store. It seems that grocery runs to Walmart have become a beloved ritual for many in the Myrtle Beach area. But, will Little River get its very own store anytime soon?
The Current Situation
For now, folks in Little River have to hop in their cars and make the short drive to nearby Walmart Supercenters, either in North Myrtle Beach or Shallotte. That’s not a huge hassle, but as the population grows and more neighborhoods pop up, the demand for shopping convenience becomes increasingly clear.
Failed Attempts and Future Plans
Back in 2016, the retail giant Walmart submitted ambitious plans to Horry County for a large store that would occupy a whopping 159,000 square feet on Highway 17, right next to the beautiful Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links. Fast forward to today, and one might think a new store would be open by now, but that’s not the case.
Current statements from Walmart management suggest that dreams of a Little River store remain just that—dreams. In fact, a spokesperson recently confirmed that there are currently no plans for construction in Little River. While county records indicate that the land originally set aside for the Little River store is valued at about $1.9 million and is owned by Burroughs and Chapin, residents may need to stay patient.
Lack of Communication
Local officials seem to echo the uncertainty. Horry County’s planning department shares that there have been no recent discussions with Walmart about the proposed store, casting doubt on whether residents will see those shopping carts rolling in anytime soon. Burroughs and Chapin have opted out of providing any comments, leaving the community in the dark about any possible plans.
A Growing Neighborhood
While the Walmart conversation drifts on, new homes are selling rapidly in a subdivision on the east corner of Camp Swamp Road and Highway 9. This area is buzzing with life, and with two other parcels off Camp Swamp Road designed for major subdivisions, the need for local shopping options becomes even clearer.
Holiday Shopping Challenges
The holiday season is coming up fast, and many local grocery stores are adjusting their hours. For those used to the convenience of Walmart, it’s worth noting that they, like most grocery stores, will implement limited hours this Christmas and New Year’s. Many will close on Christmas Day and some on New Year’s Day, leaving shoppers scrambling for last-minute needs.
Other Shopping Options
For those who can’t wait for Walmart, the Grand Strand area boasts several other major grocery chains such as Aldi, Costco, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly, Publix, Sam’s Club, Target, Trader Joe’s, and of course Walmart. With a variety of choices, it’s essential for residents to stay informed about the specific holiday hours for these stores.
Exciting Developments Nearby
On a positive note, there’s a bit of excitement brewing over at the Coastal Centre in Conway, which is undergoing a significant $60 million redevelopment. Among the businesses scheduled to move in is a Walmart Neighborhood Market, alongside retail spots for Chipotle, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Ulta Beauty, PetSmart, Five Below, and Burlington. City officials are hopeful this redevelopment could spark further commercial investments in the area, revitalizing a mall that has struggled with occupancy since Kmart’s 2017 closure.
What Lies Ahead?
Despite the current uncertainty surrounding a Walmart in Little River, there’s no denying the growing demand for convenient shopping options in the area. Whether local residents will soon have their own Walmart to rely on remains an open question, but with ongoing developments nearby and the population steadily increasing, the winds of change could very well be blowing in their favor.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Addressing the Rumors: Is a New Walmart Coming to Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach Grocery Store Holiday Hours
Conway’s Culinary Renaissance: A Dining Destination Emerges
Grocery Store Hours in Myrtle Beach for July Fourth
Golf Equipment Prices Set to Rise amid Tariff Tensions
Grocery Prices Increase in Myrtle Beach with New BJ’s Wholesale Club
Horry County Murder Trial Delayed Again
New Year’s Eve Celebrations and Grocery Store Hours
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Post and Courier
- WMBF News
- WYFF4
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Walmart
- Google Search: Walmart in Little River
- Google Scholar: Walmart retail trends
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Walmart
- Google News: Walmart Little River
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.
