As Walmart gets OK in southern Brunswick, plans for another national chain expected soon

Two major retail projects are moving forward in Carolina Shores.

Walmart submitted plans to the town of Carolina Shores in May regarding a new store planned off U.S. 17 in the town's extraterritorial jurisdiction. The plans outline a 171,000-square-foot building on 25 acres of land near Emerson Bay Road.

The site plan also includes a gas station, drive-thru pharmacy, lots for other commercial businesses and a large parking lot.

The project was considered by the town’s planning board and recommended to the Carolina Shores Board of Commissioners for approval. The board considered the project at its June 10 meeting, and approved the site plan.

Chad Hicks, town administrator in Carolina Shores, said the project will require state permits before construction begins, but has otherwise received the greenlight from the town.

Walmart currently operates three stores in Brunswick County, one in each Leland, Shallotte and Southport.

Another national name is seemingly coming to Carolina Shores as previously announced, although it is moving a bit slower.

Publix announced in April 2023 it would be expanding its presence to Carolina Shores, having leased a property to build a new store. In February, Hicks said the town hadn’t heard any more from the Florida-based supermarket chain.

While official plans have yet to be submitted to the town, Hicks said engineering firms have been discussing the project with the town.

“I suspect a plan will be submitted any day now,” Hicks said in an email.

In 2023, the chain shared it had leased a vacant property at the corner of Calabash Road and U.S. 17 and planned to build a 45,000-square-foot building. At that time, the chain shared the new location is set to include a full bakery, market and deli, and would employ about 130 people.

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Publix would be the second grocery store in Carolina Shores and serve residents in nearby Calabash. The location would be Brunswick County’s third Publix, joining the ones in Oak Island and Ocean Isle Beach.

Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter/X @jameybcross.