Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals:
The Unforgettable Way to Enjoy Mount Pleasant
Located 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant is one of the most sought-after destinations in South Carolina for rest, relaxation, and rediscovery. Set in a stunning location of white sandy beaches, clean waters, and enchanting wildlife, Mount Pleasant mixes all-natural vistas with the excitement of world-class recreation. With championship golfing opportunities, a thriving arts scene, spas, resorts, and award-winning restaurants, having fun on Mount Pleasant is non-negotiable. When mixed with the sights and sounds of Mother Nature, Mount Pleasant is the perfect place to unwind in an unforgettable setting.
At seven miles long and one mile wide, getting around Mount Pleasant is uniquely fun. There's just one issue - what's the best way to get around such an idyllic island?
For most people, the answer to that question is super-convenient, super-fun golf cart rentals in Mount Pleasant, SC, provided by Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals. With the ability to drive 24 hours a day with no road restrictions, no other form of transportation will let you experience "the island life" quite like one of our street-legal golf carts.
In fact, with Just Beachy's golf cart rentals, you can zip from a sun-filled adventure on the beach to a restaurant with mouth-watering eats in just minutes. With a wide variety of golf carts and low-speed vehicles to choose from, finding fun, reliable transportation is easy as pie.
The Just Beachy Difference
At Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals, we are committed to providing you with the best golf cart rentals in Mount Pleasant, SC. Unlike some golf cart rental companies, who only see customers as numbers and transactions, our team wants your vacation to be fun and memorable. To facilitate that goal, we do everything in our power to make your golf cart rental experience easy and efficient.
Whether you choose to rent a luxury four-person golf cart in IOP's Wild Dunes Resort or a six-person golf cart in Mount Pleasant, we've got you covered. Looking for a multi-day golf cart rental in Sullivan's Island? We've got a cart with your name on it.
At Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals, you can rest easy knowing your vehicle is a high-quality cart. That's because we only use new models and premium options within our rental fleet. With some of the best cart rental prices on the island and no delivery fees, booking with Just Beachy is a no-brainer.
Need help figuring out where to start your adventure on the Mount Pleasant? As full-time residents, our family is here to help during your stay if you have any questions or concerns. We know all the best spots for food, fun, and long days in the sun - simply send us a message, and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction. Because, at the end of the day, we're here to serve you as best we can - that way, you can make memories and see the islands from a vantage point you've never experienced before. Mount Pleasant transportation is easy with Just Beachy golf carts.
Services Area
Our low-speed vehicles in Mount Pleasant come with many standard features and advantages, including:
- Street Legal with No Driving Restrictions
- Four and Six Passenger Golf Cart Rental Options
- Premium Seating with Front-Facing and Rear-Facing Seats
- Long-Range Battery Options Available
- Safety Features Include Headlights, Taillights, Seatbelts, Turn Signals, and More
About Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals in Mount Pleasant, SC
Whether you're staying in Mount Pleasant, Sullivan's Island, or Wild Dunes Resort, driving a golf cart or LSV is the best way to cruise around town. They're quick, efficient, and easy to use. Perhaps even more important is that our golf carts and LSVs are all electric.
As long-time residents, we prefer to keep Mount Pleasant and the surrounding area clean and clear of smog. That way, our guests can disconnect and get back to nature without the rumbles and worries of gas-powered carts. After all - smelly, noisy gas carts can detract from the calm ambiance and amazing views that Mount Pleasant is known to have.
Unlike gas carts, our electric carts are nearly noiseless and don't need gas to go. Our electric carts are also typically faster than gas options, making electric the faster, eco-friendlier choice when visiting Mount Pleasant.
Our golf cart rentals on Mount Pleasant, SC are:
- Convenient - Renting a golf cart is quick, easy, and the most convenient way to take in the sights and sounds of the Mount Pleasant. Plus, you get direct access to local businesses and beaches without trying to maneuver a car or SUV.
- Local - When you rent a golf cart from Just Beachy, it's much easier to see and experience all there is to do on Mount Pleasant. As an added bonus, you'll fit right in with the locals, many of whom will welcome you to the neighborhood.
- Fun - This is the best reason to rent with Just Beachy! Whether you're heading out for a long day at the beach or just need to run to the grocery store, nothing beats the feeling you get on an LSV or golf cart.
Benefits of Renting a Golf Cart or LSV On Mount Pleasant
Utilizing a golf cart or LSV to travel around Mount Pleasant isn't just fun - it also benefits your trip. Using a golf cart or LSV makes it much easier to access parking. That's especially true in our downtown district, where many parking spaces are metered. When it's time to enjoy one of the many restaurants on Mount Pleasant, be sure to use the designated golf cart parking at Ocean Blvd and JC Long Blvd to avoid the hassles, headaches, and costs of traditional parking.
Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals Pro Tip:
The Dinghy beach pub has a couple of designated golf cart spots within their parking area. If you decide to rent an LSV, you can also take it to Sullivans Island, which makes parking much easier.
When traveling North and South on the Mount Pleasant, try to drive on Cameron Blvd and Hartnett Blvd when possible. Both options are less traveled than Palm or Waterway Blvd. and have a speed limit of 25 MPH. Waterway is a great option for traveling North and South, but you may run into more vehicular traffic. South of the Connector, try driving on Carolina Blvd or Ocean Blvd. Regardless of how you utilize them, an LSV or golf cart in Mount Pleasant, SC, is super convenient and loads of fun during your stay.
Benefits of Renting a Golf Cart or LSV On Sullivans Island
As is the case with Mount Pleasant, choosing to rent a golf cart or LSV during your stay in Sullivans Island comes with many benefits. Like other areas, parking and getting around, in general, is just more manageable with a golf cart instead of a large car or SUV. If you rent a cart or LSV from Just Beachy but you're staying on Sullivans Island, you can bring your rental to the Mount Pleasant and enjoy many of the same benefits.
Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals Pro Tip:
If you plan on exploring the length of Sullivans Island, be sure to use Ion Ave and Atlantic Ave when possible. Both options are less traveled than Middle Street. They also have a speed limit of 25 MPH. Conversely, on Middle Street, the speed limit is 35 MPH. If you travel this road, you'll have to pull over so that faster cars can pass you. This can happen often and can ruin your otherwise enthralling drive. Regardless of how you use them or wear you take them, renting an LSV or golf cart on Sullivans Island is a great choice for everyone involved.
Benefits of Renting a Golf Cart or LSV On Sullivans Island
At Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals, we want our guests to have the most fun, memorable experience possible when they visit. For that reason, it's important you keep these overall rental guidelines in mind.
- If you're the primary renter of one of our golf carts, you must be 25 years of age or older and have a valid driver's license to operate our carts.
- If any else will be driving a golf cart rental, they must be 21 years of age or older and have a valid driver's license.
- You must uphold and be compliant with all government regulations and laws when using a golf cart rental or LSV rental.
- You cannot have more people on your golf cart rental than the installed and designed seating capacity.
- Alcoholic drinks are not permitted in our LSVs or golf cart rentals. You may not operate any cart while under the influence.
- We only rent carts to single-family homes or townhomes. We do not rent to multi-story condos or hotels. Other locations inside Wild Dunes do not allow cart rentals. Additionally, regular golf cart rentals are not allowed in the Wild Dunes community. This area only permits street-legal LSV rentals.
The Best Places to Take Your Golf Cart Rental in Mount Pleasant, SC
On the Mount Pleasant, life is slower and simpler than the frantic pace found in nearby towns. So, if you're looking for a true beach vacation with few interruptions, Mount Pleasant is the right place. With a fantastic coastal community, pristine beaches, and resorts, Mount Pleasant boasts some of the best golf, fishing, sailing, and overall recreation on the east coast.
Of course, one of the Mount Pleasant' key attractions isn't a roller coaster or concert venue - it's peace and quiet. Instead of jacked-up trucks and noisy supercars, this barrier island's laid-back atmosphere is embodied by golf cart rentals. In fact, many local attractions and establishments make special accommodations for golf cart renters, such as prime parking areas and discounts.
To help you make the most out of your visit, be sure to consider these popular places to take your Just Beachy golf cart rental.
Beach Bars and Dives
Mount Pleasant' beach bars and nightlife generally mimic what the island is known for: laid-back, beachy vibes with no worries in the world. Whether you're interested in a rooftop bar, a low-key dive, or something in between, it's easy to get around with golf cart rentals from Just Beachy.
The Windjammer
Great for beachfront drinks and quick bites to eat, The Windjammer is an IOP staple that sits directly on the beach. If you're looking for a lively place to sit and spend time, this is the choice for you. As an added bonus, dogs are welcome at this bar, so after a walk or jog on the beach, relax with your furry friend at this popular location.
Coconut Joe's Beach Grill
This fun spot features a rooftop bar and fresh seafood for you and your friends to feast upon. Another staple of Mount Pleasant, you can often catch live music and more on weekends throughout the year.
The Dinghy
You can't go bar hopping on IOP without swinging by The Dinghy. This longtime bar is known for its selection of craft brews on tap. With a giant screened-in porch, plenty of TVs, games, and happy hour events, The Dinghy has everything you need for a night out.
Restaurants and Eateries
After a long day at the beach with your friends and family, it's time to hop in one of our golf cart rentals in Mount Pleasant, SC, and grab some food. After all, indulging in local cuisine is one of the best parts of being on vacation!
Long Island Cafe
A combo of coastal decor and an amazing food menu make this restaurant one you must try. Ask around, and locals will tell you the same thing - Long Island Cafe has been serving up fresh food since 1986. Try their specials and don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Sea Biscuit Cafe
If waking up early and getting breakfast is your preferred way to start the day, you've got to try the Sea Biscuit Cafe. This cash-only spot is ultra-popular and features everything from breakfast classics to Lowcountry exclusives. Fuel up and get ready for a fun day zipping around on your golf cart rental!
Coda Del Pesce
If you're looking to impress that special someone, this upscale restaurant is for you. With fresh-made Italian-inspired seafood dishes and an elegant ambiance, you'll need to book reservations well in advance of your trip to dine here.
Golf Courses
If you're a golf lover, you may never want to leave Mount Pleasant once you discover its nearby golf courses. Mount Pleasant is home to two world-renowned courses, both located in the resort community of Wild Dunes. This laid-back community is a fantastic place to stay during your visit and is very golf-cart friendly.
The Harbor Course
Designed by legendary golf course architect Tom Fazio, The Harbor mixes a challenging design with stunning sights and views. It's also known for its water features and includes salt marshes and lagoons, pushing the limits of your skills.
The Links Course
This course was Tom Fazio's first golf course design. It has stood the test of time with rolling fairways, rustling palms, and a finishing hole that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Your First Choice for Golf Cart Rentals in Mount Pleasant, SC
If you're searching for an unforgettable vacation in the prettiest of locations, thousands of visitors agree each year that the Mount Pleasant is the place to go. From sun-filled days lounging by the beach to fine dining and everything in between, there's no shortage of new adventures to discover. And when it's time for new discoveries and unforgettable memories, renting an LSV or golf cart is the best way to get there.
Call or click today to learn more about Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals or to get started booking your golf cart or LSV. We would be honored to serve you!
Latest News in Mount Pleasant, SC
Get carried away at newly-opened southern market in Mount Pleasant
Hannah Shinehttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/get-carried-away-at-newly-opened-southern-market-in-mount-pleasant/
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Get carried away at Mount Pleasant’s new southern market and eatery!Located in the heart of town, Get Carried Away offers everything you need whether it’s a delicious grab-and-go meal or stylish glassware for your next dinner party.Happening Saturday, Feb. 3rd, the store will celebrate its grand opening of ‘The Perch,’ their outdoor patio and your new favorite hangout spot for an afternoon spritz and sandwich.We caught up with the owners, Sassy and Brian He...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Get carried away at Mount Pleasant’s new southern market and eatery!
Located in the heart of town, Get Carried Away offers everything you need whether it’s a delicious grab-and-go meal or stylish glassware for your next dinner party.
Happening Saturday, Feb. 3rd, the store will celebrate its grand opening of ‘The Perch,’ their outdoor patio and your new favorite hangout spot for an afternoon spritz and sandwich.
We caught up with the owners, Sassy and Brian Henry, to learn more about their business ahead of this weekend’s celebration.
“A lot of what we do is entertaining and hosting,” said owner, Brian. The idea for the shop has been derived from their love for food, hosting, and entertaining family and friends.
Get Carried Away’s first location was founded in Pawleys Island, but the Henrys decided to expand services to reach a larger audience. “We felt like Mount Pleasant was a comfortable jump,” Sassy said.
The Henrys want to accommodate Charleston’s vacationers and local folks.
Sassy went on to say, “When people are on vacation and going to the beach, they don’t want to have to cook entertaining-type foods for large groups of people.”
The market offers a variety of items for the typical vacationer to pick up on their way to the beach house or for the everyday locals to sip and shop.
Not only does Get Carried Away offer takeaway meals and a wide selection of beer and wine, but you can also find everyday groceries there such as meat, seafood, fruits, dips, milk, eggs, and so on. And of course, you can’t miss out on their famous chicken salad or pimento cheese!
You can get carried away in their home section, too, if you’re not careful. It features gorgeous glassware, decorative napkins, kitchen towels, candles, and much more! “We’re trying to keep it all food and beverage oriented,” Sassy mentioned about the products featured in the home section. It’s worth checking out if you’re looking to elevate your tablescape.
The fun doesn’t stop there! You and your family can join the Henrys on Saturday, Feb. 3rd from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. for the grand opening of ‘The Perch,’ their outdoor patio and bar. The celebration will include a complimentary Lowcountry boil as well as their homemade crowd-pleaser appetizers.
‘The Perch’ will provide a full lunch and drink menu this spring with specialty cocktails: The Perch Punch, Coleman Cosmo, Old Village Fashioned, and the Moultrie Margarita.
Get Carried Away is located at 644 Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. They’re open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
Mount Pleasant plans to limit home building permits until 2029 in effort to slow growth
David Slade dslade@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/news/mount-pleasant-plans-to-limit-home-building-permits-until-2029-in-effort-to-slow-growth/article_eacc7f3a-8fc8-11ee-b65d-0f6482d7046e.html
MOUNT PLEASANT — In an ongoing backlash to years of soaring population growth and traffic complaints, this affluent suburb plans to extend ...
MOUNT PLEASANT — In an ongoing backlash to years of soaring population growth and traffic complaints, this affluent suburb plans to extend strict limits on building permits for another five years.
Just 600 new residences would be permitted yearly in the town of more than 94,000 people, and the actual number would likely be lower.
The yearslong effort to slow residential development by capping building permits is a step no other municipality in South Carolina has taken, but few have experienced growth like Mount Pleasant. The town's population has roughly doubled since 2000 and tripled since 1990.
“There was concern in the community about our infrastructure being able to keep up with the growth rate, and I don’t think that concern has gone away," said Councilwoman G.M. Whitley, who put the permit limit extension before Town Council in November.
The measure is scheduled for a Planning Commission hearing Dec. 13, with a final Town Council vote expected in January. The "building permit allocation system" has been in place nearly five years, and instead of expiring in early 2024, it would be extended to 2029.
It's among many steps the town has taken to thwart rapid growth. There's also a moratorium on new apartment construction that's been in place for seven years, zoning rules have been changed to limit building height and density, and development impact fees were increased dramatically.
In 2018, the year before the permit caps began, the town saw 1,407 new dwelling units — houses, apartments, townhouses and other types of residences. Last year, there were 759.
The permit limits were aimed at slowing the town's annual growth rate for residences from more than 3 percent to a target of 2.1 percent. The result was a growth rate even lower, marked by a low of 1.29 percent in 2020 when just 520 new residences were built.
Mount Pleasant's ordinance in 2019 laid out justifications for limiting building permits, and nearly five years later those have not changed.
The ordinance to extend the permit limits uses the same language, which says "the effects of significant growth are apparent and have resulted not only in increased traffic, congestion and noise, but have also burdened the services.." and "...the town’s road system is barely capable of adequately handling current traffic..."
The permit rules are particularly strict when it comes to higher density multi-family construction, such as apartments and condos. Just 500 new multi-family residences would be allowed over five years, while 2,400 single-family homes could be permitted.
Perhaps surprisingly, despite the limits in place since 2019, hundreds of single-family-home permits went unclaimed.
“Right now we have in excess of 800-900 single-family permits," said Michele Reed, the town's planning director.
Real estate professionals said a lack of developable land in Mount Pleasant and the high cost of any land available help explain why hundreds of permits to build houses were not used.
“Mount Pleasant, in a lot of ways, is near build-out," said Josh Dix, government affairs director for the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors. "There’s not a lot of opportunity for single-family."
If the town were to annex more properties, that could change. The town is currently in a lawsuit over rules that require property owners to become part of the town in order to get the water and sewer service needed for development.
The suit was filed by owners of a 185-acre tract on the Wando River, known as the Republic tract.
If it were to be developed in the town, Mount Pleasant's impact fees would apply and permit limits would allow just 25 new homes per developer every six months. If it could be developed as an unincorporated part of Charleston County, town officials have said the county's zoning would allow about 1,600 homes.
So, Mount Pleasant is mostly built-out, but that could change.
In the current permit-limiting plan that started in 2019, all but 10 of the 500 multi-family permits were claimed, as were all 100 of the permits allowed for accessory dwellings — generally small second homes on the same property as a primary home.
Unclaimed permits will not roll over into the next proposed 5-year program. And as with the current program, there would be limits on how many single-family permits could be obtained every six months.
Drew Grossklauss, a Mount Pleasant realtor who became president of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors in November, said he understands the town needs to address growth but the length of the permit limit extension seems unnecessary.
“I would say five years seems like an extreme to do something," he said.
There are exceptions to the permit caps. The two developments that have ongoing agreements with the town, Carolina Park and Liberty Hill Farm, are exempt, as are developments of affordable housing.
During the last five years, there was one townhouse development, Gregorie Ferry Towns, that qualified for the affordable housing exception — townhomes started at $279,000 — but real estate professionals doubt private developers could create more.
"The cost of land, the cost of construction — all these things add up," said Dix. He said allowing more permits for multi-family housing could help create more affordable housing.
“There is a lot of talk from realtors that if we build a lot of multi-family housing, Mount Pleasant would be more affordable, but I think that’s not true," said Whitley. "They will charge what the market will bear."
$2.4B deal buys 3 South Carolina hospitals, including Mount Pleasant facility
Ross Nortonhttps://charlestonbusiness.com/2-4b-deal-buys-3-south-carolina-hospitals-including-mount-pleasant-facility/
Listen to this articleThree area hospitals have been sold in a $2.4 billion deal to North Carolina-based Novant Health by the previous owner, Tenet Healthcare of Dallas, Texas.The sale of in Mount Pleasant, Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville includes the associated physician clinics and other operations, according to a news release from Novant Health.“We are beyond thrilled to welcome our new team members and grow our presence in South Carolina,” said Carl S. Arm...
Listen to this article
Three area hospitals have been sold in a $2.4 billion deal to North Carolina-based Novant Health by the previous owner, Tenet Healthcare of Dallas, Texas.
The sale of in Mount Pleasant, Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville includes the associated physician clinics and other operations, according to a news release from Novant Health.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome our new team members and grow our presence in South Carolina,” said Carl S. Armato, president and CEO, Novant Health, which is headquartered in Winston-Salem. “Novant Health’s long-term vision is to transform the health and wellness of these communities through expanded specialty services and clinical expertise. We are energized and united behind our cause to create a healthier future together by building connections with patients and clinicians in coastal South Carolina.”
The East Cooper Medical Center includes 15 physician clinics. Hilton Head Hospital includes the Bluffton Okatie Outpatient Center and 12 physician clinics. Coastal Carolina Hospital in Jasper County includes the Tidewatch Free-Standing Emergency Department in Bluffton, according to the news release.
Novant Health said continuity of care is a priority and appointments and procedures will continue as scheduled during the transition period. “We are working closely with our new Novant Health team members to ensure a seamless transition for patients and team members,” Joel Taylor, market CEO of Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, said in the release. “We are eager to move forward together in support of our teams and know decisions will be made with our community’s needs at the forefront.”
“There’s a lot to be excited about when planning for our future,” Tyler Sherrill, CEO of East Cooper Medical Center, said in the release. “Novant Health is known for elevating clinician leadership to provide patients with a trusted health care experience through world-class technology, personal connections and convenient access to care.”
Tenet Health also owns a cluster of imaging centers and urgent care clinics in York, Rock Hill and Fort Mill, but those South Carolina properties were not part of the deal for the coastal hospitals.
“We understand that taking care of our patients starts with taking care of our people, so I’m delighted to join a leadership team that strives to not only be a healthc are provider of choice but also an employer of choice,” Ryan Lee, CEO of Coastal Carolina Hospital, said in the release. “I look forward to expanding the resources available to our team.”
Novant Health supports health and wellness programs in the community, including health education/screenings, community health workers and mobile cruisers. Each year, Novant Health provides hundreds of programs that serve patients, neighbors and some of their communities’ most vulnerable citizens, the company said in the release.
The Novant Health network consists of more than 1,900 physicians and more than 38,000 team members who provide care at more than 800 locations, the release said.
How does Trader Joe's choose new locations? Here's what analysts say.
Anna Sharpe asharpe@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/news/trader-joes-mount-pleasant-new-store/article_4d125956-c11c-11ee-9b9b-abcaa3c5e9e2.html
MOUNT PLEASANT — The saying goes that beggars can’t be choosers, and Trader Joe’s certainly doesn’t need to beg for business (if you've ever fought for a parking spot on a Sunday afternoon, you know).The California-based grocery chain has a reputation for being highly selective about where it opens new stores — even if that means choosing a second location a few miles fr...
MOUNT PLEASANT — The saying goes that beggars can’t be choosers, and Trader Joe’s certainly doesn’t need to beg for business (if you've ever fought for a parking spot on a Sunday afternoon, you know).
The California-based grocery chain has a reputation for being highly selective about where it opens new stores — even if that means choosing a second location a few miles from an existing one.
Trader Joe’s confirmed in January that Mount Pleasant will soon have not one, but two stores in town.
The announcement sparked excitement, praise and a fair amount of grumbling from outside fans of the grocery chain who believe their communities are more deserving of a new Trader Joe's location. A post about the chain's plans for Mount Pleasant drew more than 800 comments on The Post and Courier's Facebook page.
"This is the craziest decision," one reader groused. "Right around the corner basically from the current one...why not spread out a bit and go to James Island, West Ashley, N. Charleston or Summerville?"
"Do better Trader Joes," another demanded. "Two locations in the same area is preposterous."
As one might imagine, the news received a much more favorable reception in Mount Pleasant.
Tasha Blomquist and her son perused the floral offerings in front of the store on a cloudy morning. Blomquist said she stops by the store twice a week and is eager to see a new location, hopefully, in the northern part of town, where she lives.
“I live way in north Mount Pleasant, so I’m happy there might be one there,” Blomquist said. “I think it’s needed though because every time I’m here … I feel like you have to do multiple laps around the parking lot just to find a spot.”
Another shopper, Kelly Crowley, who lives near Brickyard Plantation, said opening a second store will hopefully cut down on crowds.
“We come by here pretty regularly. If you come here on Sunday or even Saturday, it’s lines all the way back into the aisle," Crowley said.
Though Trader Joe’s has not disclosed where the new store will be, multiple sources have told The Post and Courier the grocery chain is considering the old Bi-Lo building at the foot of the Isle of Palms Connector — a few miles from the store on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard that opened in 2011, and not farther into northern Mount Pleasant as customers like Blomquist would hope.
The proximity to an existing store seems like a head-scratching move — why does Mount Pleasant get two stores 5 miles apart, bypassing places like Summerville or West Ashley?
Demand for a Trader Joe’s in these areas is high, as evidenced by petitions that attract thousands of signatures calling for the chain to open the shop in their towns and cities.
One such petition from 2020 that called for a store in Summerville earned nearly 5,000 signatures. Another in West Ashley gained over 6,000.
Similar efforts also crop up in Myrtle Beach regularly. The city is one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing, yet you won’t find a Trader Joe's in the coastal municipality. Former Horry County Director of Planning David Schwerd said he had that conversation over and over during his 30-year tenure.
“'We need Trader Joe's. Everybody always wants a Trader Joe's. Pretty much every time a commercial rezoning or development planning comes up, it's usually the first one that gets mentioned,” Schwerd said.
Jeff Campbell, the University of South Carolina's department of retailing chair, said grocery stores, particularly Trader Joe's, are extremely strategic in opening new locations. You won't see a Trader Joe's on every corner, and they take their time scouting areas before settling on a city.
"Typically, they would use a variety of metrics in site selection, and while location is still an important consideration, they'll look at things like projected foot traffic, the demographics of the area, where the current transportation routes are, where competitors are located," Campbell said.
Myrtle Beach being a hot spot for tourists might not be attractive to the chain either. People who visit the coastal city are looking to stock up for the week, heading to Walmart or Costco for items in bulk, rather than prepackaged, single-serve foods, Campbell said.
People can request that Trader Joe’s consider their city for a new store. Nakia Rohde, a spokesperson for Trader Joe’s, said the company receives “tons” of requests for stores nationwide.
The company doesn’t share much about how it chooses the perfect site for a new Trader Joe's. But Schwerd has a hunch. He pointed to the region’s median income, age and education level — factors the grocer is thought to consider when choosing sites for a new store.
“They have their undisclosed lists of what they're looking for in demographics,” Schwerd said. “Even though Trader Joe's does not list any specific criteria in their evaluation, that's what they're looking for. They have an upscale, educated clientele.”
An interview with Joe Coulombe, the store’s founder and namesake, published in the LA Times in 2011 demonstrates this ideology that seems to have stuck with the company: “Unless you have enough well-educated people, Trader Joe’s will not work.”
Because of these factors, Schwerd said Horry County or Myrtle Beach are unlikely to get a Trader Joe’s any time soon.
According to U.S. census data, Myrtle Beach has a median income of $57,713, a median age of 51.5 years and 28.8 percent of residents who hold bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Mount Pleasant’s median age of 41.3 years is slightly higher than the state’s 40.5 years, but in Greenville and Columbia, where the other two Trader Joe’s are located, the median ages are much younger at 35.9 and 28.4, respectively.
“They want younger consumers, they want a little bit better-income consumers," Campbell said.
Mount Pleasant, where the median income is $114,237 and 66 percent of residents hold a bachelor’s degree, is far above the state’s median income level of roughly $64,000 and where 32.6 percent of the state hold bachelor's degrees.
So, Trader Joe’s wants to open stores in higher-earning areas with higher volumes of college-educated folks, and Mount Pleasant happens to fit the bill. It fits so well that shoppers will soon find half of South Carolina's Trader Joe's in town.
Campbell, who lives in Lexington, said he’d like to welcome a store in his city, but it’s not likely — it's just not what Trader Joe’s is looking for.
“They're not trying to sell to everybody. They're trying to sell to a particular demographic, and that demographic tends to do very well,” Campbell said.
Reach Anna Sharpe at 843-806-6790.
Harbor Entrepreneur Center opens additional space in Mount Pleasant
Ross Nortonhttps://charlestonbusiness.com/harbor-entrepreneur-center-opens-additional-space-in-mount-pleasant/
has secured new space in Mount Pleasant at 11 Ewall St.With a 22,000-square-foot facility and support from the town of Mount Pleasant, the South Carolina Research Authority and Charleston County Economic Development, the location is designed to provide a collaborative space to inspire, educate and elevate entrepreneurial organizations, venture capital investment and innovation, according to a news release.Executive Directo...
has secured new space in Mount Pleasant at 11 Ewall St.
With a 22,000-square-foot facility and support from the town of Mount Pleasant, the South Carolina Research Authority and Charleston County Economic Development, the location is designed to provide a collaborative space to inspire, educate and elevate entrepreneurial organizations, venture capital investment and innovation, according to a news release.
Executive Director Grady Johnson said in an email the additional location for the center “will greatly expand our ability to house entrepreneurs and deliver services to them, like education, etc.”
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center’s objective is to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem for students, veterans, career changers and businesses to develop new enterprises and ideas to grow in the Charleston region, the news release said.
“The town’s economic development strategy specifically calls for a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation,” Mount Pleasant Economic Development Manager Matt Brady said in the news release. “Our partnership with Harbor addresses this directly, and lets the world know that Mount Pleasant is the hub of innovation for South Carolina. We are excited for the companies coming over with HEC and look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders to recruit high-growth firms and create jobs in our community and region.”
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center was recently selected to serve as the lead agent for innovation and entrepreneurship, one of the areas of focus of the One Region Roadmap, part of the strategy of a partnership among the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. The roadmap provides a broad platform for the community to address economic challenges heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as threats to our region’s prosperity and global competitiveness, according to the release.
“Naming the Harbor Entrepreneur Center as the lead agent for innovation and entrepreneurship gives us the opportunity to take the foundation the HEC has built over the past 10 years and create a high-impact resource for the region,” Johnson said in the release. “The town of Mount Pleasant’s ability to immediately recognize this opportunity and provide us with financial support allowed us to quickly propel this project from vision to reality.”
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center a 501c3 non-profit founded in 2012 by local entrepreneurs John Osborne and Patrick Bryant with support from the town of Mount Pleasant.
The center is housed in the Epic Center at the Citadel Mall, 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.