Walmart Supercenter, Sam's Club heading to Bluffton shopping center in early 2017
A double dose of Walmart big-box retail is heading to Bluffton.
Walmart Supercenter and Sam's Club will anchor Bluffton Gateway, a shopping center to be built at the intersection of US 278 and SC 46. The center sits on 66 acres and is being developed by Atlanta-based Jaz Development.
Walmart senior construction manager Kevin McNelly said the two stores are planned as a combo site, and are scheduled to open in early 2017.
The addition of two Walmart stores is on trend with the recent steadfast interest in the local market from one of the world's largest retailers.
There is currently a Walmart Supercenter on Hilton Head Island, in Beaufort and in Hardeeville, and another store is planned for Lady's Island. Additionally, there is a Sam's Club on Hilton Head.
A Walmart Neighborhood Market, which is a smaller-sized Walmart grocery store, is planned for the intersection of SC 170 and Bluffton Parkway.
Bluffton Gateway, located on the site of a printing plant that closed in the 1980s, was briefly put on hold last year.
Some members of Beaufort County Council and environmental leaders expressed concerns about the center's stormwater management plans and the percentage of hard surfaces planned for the center.
After further discussion, the project was given final approval by County Council last April.
Follow reporter Ashley Fahey at twitter.com/IPBG_Ashley.
Related content:
- Walmart eyes Bluffton for possible Sam's Club location, March 19, 2015
- Beaufort County Council approves Bluffton Gateway plans, April 28, 2014
- Bluffton development on hold as County Council considers plans, April 14, 2014
This story was originally published December 22, 2015 at 3:49 PM with the headline "Walmart Supercenter, Sam's Club heading to Bluffton shopping center in early 2017."