BEACH, SHOPPING, GOLF attract people to Myrtle Beach.

Shopping is 2nd favorite recreation for Grand Strand visitors after beach time, according to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Myrtle Beach is currently ranked 51st nationally for retail sales. The Grand Strand area offers three indoor shopping malls, two factory outlet centers, two outdoor festival centers, and dozens of specialty retail developments and neighborhood shopping centers. In 2006, retail sales are forcast at $10.1 billion, up 8.6 percent from 2005. To meet the growing demand, retail construction along the Grand Strand is full speed ahead.

South Carolina ranks 18th nationally for people over 60 moving into the state. Horry County is No. 1 among the top five regions in the state where retirees are relocating. And the new construction has created hundreds of jobs in the construction and service industries - making Myrtle Beach an attractive relocation destination for young people and families, as well as retirees. Analysts expect a growing demand for single-family housing - from entry level to luxury.

Here are some of the new retail developments:

• Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World opened in 2005 at Colonial Mall-Myrtle Beach
• Coastal Grand Mall opened in 2005
• P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is planned for 2007 in a planned urban village - The Market Common
• Upscale retail is planned for The Shoppes at Grande Dunes in 2007
• Further expansion is planned for bradway at the Beach

For more information on:

• Relocation & area guides
• Single-family housing

Reference: “You like shopping? We’ve got plenty on the Grand Strand” By Kathleen Vereen Dayton The Sun News

A new resort with Oceanfront Tower, Multi-family Condos and Single-family homes is planned for the 56.4-acre Barefoot Camping Resort, East of Hwy 17, in North Myrtle Beach. Scalise Development has completed purchase of the property and will release its plans in coming weeks as they are approved by the city of North Myrtle Beach.

“Skyrocketing land prices have enticed campground, golf course and mobile home park owners to sell to developers along the Grand Strand. Seven courses closed for redevelopment in 2005, and three mobile home parks, including the Barefoot campground, are planned for redevelopment.” notes Jenny Burns of The Sun News.

The landscape of Myrtle Beach is gradually going more upscale as the old gives way to the new. The new resort at Barefoot Campground will be on prime property - from the ocean to Hwy 17 - across from the shops and restaurants at Barefoot Landing.

We’ll keep you posted as the planning develops.

Reference: “Developer buys campground Homes planned for Barefoot property” By Jenny BurnsThe Sun News