Carolina Forest Piggly Wiggly Closing, surrounding businesses worried

By: Michelle Carolla | SCNOW
Published: November 05, 2009

In just three days, the Piggly Wiggly in Carolina Forest will close. This puts nearly 50 people out of work. The news of more job loss on the Grand Strand wasn't welcome news. According to the South Carolina Employment Security Commission, the state unemployment rate is 11.6 percent. September saw the first increase in two months of declines. The national rate is 9.8 percent.

Surrounding businesses, which rely on foot traffic generate from the grocery store are a little concerned. Kreations Hair Design salon is next door to the Piggly Wiggly. Owner Renee Rittenberry said she expects to see a drop in business when the store closes. She, however, is looking forward to a different type business moving in to the plaza. "Honestly, I never felt Piggly Wiggly was the best anchor store,” said Rittenberry. “I think personally, their prices weren't competitive enough with the other grocery stores here. I can only think that something better will come in or we'll just relocate."

Rittenberry said she's running 7-dollar haircut specials, way off from her normal 17-38 dollar cuts.
She feels her employees will continue to bring in customers and they should make it.

Lori Rodrigues is the assistant manager for the Great Clips salon on the other side of Piggly Wiggly. She said they were disappointed to hear of the closing. "We're hoping that it doesn't affect our business,” said Rodrigues. “With the clientele we have, we hope they keep coming back. But, I have a feeling that it will somewhat affect our business."

Piggly Wiggly's Director of Marketing, Christopher Isben issued this statement about the closing. “We saw the competition landscape change in the area from one big store to four other stores with a planned fifth store. When you couple that with the roller coaster economy, we felt we should concentrate on our stores which are growing.

Ibsen said they also made every effort they could to relocate as many employees as possible. The store closes Saturday, November 7 at 6pm.