Walmart eyes Bluffton for possible Sam's Club location
Looks like Ohioans aren't the only ones who are fans of the Lowcountry. One of the world's most-recognized retailers has its eye on us, too -- big time.
As Walmart continues its expansion in Beaufort County, yet another one of its stores is potentially on the docket for Bluffton: Sam's Club.
Walmart is currently looking at a site in Bluffton for the membership-only retail warehouse club, which also has a location on Hilton Head Island.
Representatives from Walmart would not comment on a specific location of the site or a tentative timeline. When I asked Jaz Development, the developer of Bluffton Gateway shopping center, which is being built on the corner of U.S. 278 and S.C. 46, whether Sam's Club would anchor the center, a spokeswoman said "No comment."
Like most warehouse clubs, Sam's Club buys products in large quantities and sells them at a discount. Products include electronics, furniture, auto and tires, grocery items, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, toys, sporting goods, and more, according to its website. In addition, Sam's Club offers services such as free monthly health screenings, daily sampling demonstrations, and members-only discounts on gas, auto care, car purchases, and health needs.
Annual cost is $45 for Sam's Savings and Sam's Business memberships, and $100 for Sam's Plus membership. Membership is required to shop at Sam's Club.
Walmart, which has supercenters on Hilton Head, in Beaufort and in Hardeeville, has plans to expand in other parts of the Lowcountry. A Walmart Supercenter is planned for an area bounded by Sea Island Parkway and Airport Circle on Lady's Island. Walmart Neighborhood Market, a grocery store about the quarter of the size of a typical Walmart, is set to anchor a new shopping center at Bluffton Parkway and S.C. 170 in Bluffton. A Neighborhood Market is also rumored for a new shopping center at Palmetto Bay and Target roads on Hilton Head.
Follow reporter Ashley Fahey at twitter.com/IPBG_Ashley.
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This story was originally published March 19, 2015 at 6:01 PM.