Is Trader Joe’s really coming to Bluffton? Here’s what we found out
Rumors circulated on social media platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor on Tuesday that probed about the possibility of a Trader Joe’s coming to Okatie Crossing in between the Bluffton and Hardeeville areas.
But was it an April Fool’s joke or a serious development scoop?
At the intersection of U.S. 278 and S.C. 170, this corridor is at a prime location between highly populated areas and roadways for both Jasper County and greater Beaufort County residents.
It has long been predicted that the national grocery store chain would make its landfall in the Lowcountry, but according to local officials and store representatives, the rumor is just a rumor.
“We’re actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country, so there is a possibility we are looking at something in the area,” said Nakia Rohde, public relations manager for Trader Joe’s. “At this time, we do not have any locations confirmed in the area.”
The proposed space for the new grocer that residents and online posts pointed out is the vacant lot space behind the Wendy’s on Okatie Center Boulevard.
Back in 2019, this lot was also seen as a potential space for a Costco, which has since fallen through due to cost constraints.
“The property is not currently under contract and nothing is imminent at this point,” said Michael Patterson, president for Horne Properties, which oversees development in Okatie Crossing Center. “The property is still available at this time.”
Even though this area serves many residents of Beaufort County, the land is located within Hardeeville’s city limits.
City Manager of Hardeeville, Josh Gruber, also confirmed Wednesday that the Trader Joe’s rumor was not true.
The Island Packet also reached out to the Town of Bluffton in regards to other rumors of a Trader Joe’s opening in the area. Spokesperson for the town, Debbie Szpanka, debunked these rumors, too.
“The Town has no information that would indicate a Trader Joe’s is on its way,” she said. “However, Bluffton would welcome one with open arms. I feel certain Trader Joe’s would be very happy with us and be pleased with its decision to open its doors here.”
While this Trader Joe’s rumor made the rounds online, it turns out it was simply the product of an April Fool’s fiasco and Lowcountry residents won’t be visiting this new grocery chain anytime soon.
The Okatie Crossing Center has been a hot spot for new development, with the newest additions being a Pet Paradise Dog Daycare Center that opened in 2024 and a new Harbor Freight location on the way soon.
This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 4:24 PM.
