Inlet Square Mall starts on the coast
Inlet Square Mall opened in March 1990 at the border of Garden City and Murrells Inlet, carrying the name of the coastal community that surrounded it. The enclosed center was planned with space for more than 400,000 square feet of retail.
The first anchors included Belk, JCPenney, and Kmart, giving the mall a lineup that matched other regional centers of the era.
Litchfield Theatres opened its cinema within the mall, creating a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.
The project debuted with about 45 tenants, offering local shoppers a full-service complex that combined apparel, home goods, and movies under one roof.
Competition arrives, and a stalled remodel
By 2004, shoppers in Horry County gained a new choice when Coastal Grand Mall opened in Myrtle Beach.
The larger center drew many of the national chains that once favored Inlet Square Mall.
Within a few years, traffic at the older property slowed, and vacancies started to appear among the smaller tenants.
In 2007, work began on an interior remodeling project that was expected to cost $4.5 million.
Crews stripped flooring, updated ceilings, and planned new finishes for the common areas.
The project aimed to refresh the enclosed space and bring new interest back to the mall.
But as the national economy shifted, progress slowed, leaving parts of the property caught in the middle of renovation.
In January 2010, Regal Cinemas, which had taken over the Litchfield Theatres location, closed its doors.
The loss of the theater left a large vacancy just inside the mall's entrance.
Renovation work eventually resumed, and by August 2010, the remodel was complete.
In 2011, Frank Theatres opened the CineBowl & Grille in the former Regal space, adding 12 movie screens and bowling lanes.
For a time, this helped fill the gap left by departing stores.
Anchor exits reshape the mall, 2014 to 2016
Inlet Square Mall entered a new phase in 2014, when Kmart announced it would close its location.
The store shut down in late April of that year, removing one of the original anchors that had operated since opening day.
By 2015, the mall faced more losses. JCPenney confirmed its Inlet Square store would close in March.
Stein Mart also shut its doors that year, relocating operations to the South Strand Commons shopping center nearby.
As anchors left, new tenants tried to take their place. Planet Fitness opened at the property on May 28, 2015, introducing a fitness center as a new draw for daily visitors.
Books-A-Million continued to operate, holding on as one of the last national chains in the mix.
The balance of the mall, however, leaned more heavily on local stores and service businesses.
Frank Theatres CineBowl & Grille, a key entertainment venue since 2011, closed on May 14, 2016. The departure left the property without its largest attraction.
By the end of 2016, the mall was anchored by Belk and Planet Fitness, with several vacant spaces around them.
Ownership disputes and more closures, 2017 to 2020
After years of store departures, Inlet Square Mall faced new troubles in 2018 when lawsuits emerged between its owners and the company operating the property.
Court filings in August detailed claims that rent had not been paid and management duties were in dispute.
The operator responded with a countersuit later that month, leaving the mall tied up in legal wrangling while vacancies spread across the sales floor.
During this period, Belk continued as the longest-serving department store at the site. Planet Fitness also remained active after opening in 2015.
However, many smaller tenants had already departed, and the large storefronts once occupied by Kmart and JCPenney remained empty.
By May 2020, another departure added to the changes. Books-A-Million, one of the few national retailers remaining at Inlet Square Mall, has closed its store.
The enclosed concourse grew quieter, with storefront gates pulled down across stretches that once held apparel chains, gift shops, and food outlets.
What had started as a full regional mall in 1990 now stood in need of a new direction.
Sale and redevelopment plans take shape, 2023
A major change came in February 2023 when Inlet Square Mall was sold to Inlet Square Investments LLC.
The sale price was $6 million, and Paramount Development was listed as the registered agent for the new ownership entity.
The purchase cleared the way for a redevelopment effort that aimed to replace much of the existing property with a smaller, more flexible layout.
Plans called for converting the nearly 430,000-square-foot enclosed mall into a mixed-use center of approximately 250,000 square feet.
Design documents outlined new anchor pads, space for restaurants, and areas set aside for service uses.
Belk and Planet Fitness were expected to continue operating in their existing buildings during and after construction.
County records later in 2023 noted council reviews and committee approvals related to the project, signaling official movement toward redevelopment.
For shoppers who had long watched the property decline, the announced changes promised to reshape what stood along the busy US 17 Bypass.
The aging concourse, once lined with more than 40 national retailers, was now set to be replaced with a new phase of stores, dining, and possibly hotel space.
Interior closure and demolition phase, 2024
The redevelopment effort moved forward in early 2024 when tenants inside the mall were told to leave by January 15.
Notices clarified that Belk and Planet Fitness would remain open, but the rest of the concourse would be cleared in preparation for demolition.
After decades of serving as a regional shopping center, the interior halls were shuttered and locked.
On May 16, 2024, county officials issued a demolition permit for the site.
Developers indicated that the takedown of the enclosed portion could start in June. By June 13, heavy machinery was on-site and demolition work had begun.
Crews dismantled entrances, pulled apart roofing, and prepared to remove sections around the old department store wings.
By October 26, photos showed large walls being taken down near the still-operating Planet Fitness.
The Belk building was left intact, along with the former JCPenney box that had been earmarked for reuse.
The rest of the property, once filled with corridors and small shops, was reduced to rubble and cleared land.
The physical transition process had finally begun, paving the way for the next stage of the project.
Site work, permits, and first commitments, 2025
By March 2025, progress was visible across the site. Heavy equipment cleared debris while grading marked out the new layout.
Crews pushed ahead with construction work in phases, aiming to prepare parcels for new tenants.
In April 2025, demolition was nearly complete. County notices confirmed that permits had been filed for parking areas, utilities, and stormwater improvements.
These site preparations pointed to the next stage of building, shifting the focus from removal to development.
In August, Floor & Decor announced that it would open a new store at the former mall site. The company issued a release naming September as the month of opening.
Other plans included a Hobby Lobby at the former JCPenney building and a future hotel, indicating how the property was being filled in with new uses.
What stands now, late 2025
By the fall of 2025, Inlet Square Mall had ceased to exist as a traditional enclosed shopping center.
The concourse, once lined with dozens of storefronts, had been removed, replaced by cleared land and new pads under construction.
On September 25, Floor & Decor opened its new store, marking the first tenant to debut after demolition.
Its arrival shifted the site from planning and preparation to active use once again.
Hobby Lobby is set to occupy the former JCPenney building and is expected to open in 2026.
The county also coordinated with the South Carolina Department of Transportation on planned roadway improvements, including the installation of turn lanes and new signals near the mall's entrances.
For visitors, the property in late 2025 offers a limited but growing mix: Belk for department store shopping, Planet Fitness for workouts, and Floor & Decor for home improvement needs.
The rest of the site remains active with construction crews preparing space for the tenants still to come.
As one of the many thousands of local residents, I am anxious to find out what is currently happening with MI mall (who's currently there, their lease agreements, ....) and what's planned for this mall. I am very disappointed this article did not provide any new information, only the history. I have little interest in that.
I share your desire for more timely news. Knowing more about what's happening now and the future plans for the local mall is of utmost importance for all of us.
I absolutely LOVED Inlet Square Mall. It was closer to home than having to trek all the way to Grand Strand Mall (which I was very disappointed in). Both my husband and I especially loved Steinmart. I sincerely hope they can find a way to rejuvenate it. I know a lot of people in Pawleys Island who would support it. This area is growing by leaps and bounds. Maybe it's time to try something again.
It's heartening to hear your positive perspective. Your comment gives hope that Inlet Square Mall could again be a favorite local spot with the right changes.
It would be great to have the mall revitalized again. Bring in the stores and people will come! Hamerick’s would be great here! They could be an anchor store. JCPenney offered a good variety of things for the home and clothes. Things were affordable when using coupons and rewards. I’m not sure though about the future of JCP has a whole. A food court would be great not only for employees, but folks walking through. Coffee shops like Cinnabon you can sit to enjoy your coffee and a sweet. Have indoor playgrounds for the kids. A parent can shop while one watches the kids. A movie theater would be nice again. Teen clothes shops, no video games for the kids to hang because it brings trouble. They need to enjoy outside! Hey dude shop which seems popular, tshirt shop, Belk is expensive, but maybe bring in a medium priced chain like Kohls. PI, MI, Garden City, Litchfield, Socastee, Surfside, and more support this mall as well as tourists. Some local shops would be great if maybe a discounted rent could apply. Happenings in a mall always brings crowds like fashion shows, bands, even dog adoptions in the mall on occasion to help our local shelters! Pet stores are always a must and maybe a Dollar store too. Oh the possibilities! Please someone step up to help this mall thrive again! It isn’t just a Northerner who may want this, but locals too! I hear it all the way down from Georgetown! I know they would love some mall shopping. I do think though our roads must plan for this first with all the growth going on! Make it happen!
I really enjoyed reading your comment. Your enthusiasm is infectious! It's great to see someone so passionate about revitalizing the mall. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
We moved to Murrells Inlet in 1999 and visited the mall for K-Mart and the Food Court as well as the smaller stores. Can not believe what must be owed with the loss of the anchor tenants. I can see a mixed use sie with retail, restaurant and residential housing. Great location between two major highways and tremendous parking lot. Something has to give-too valuable to remail mostly vacant.
I agree with you. The area has much to offer, and it's hard to imagine it remaining vacant for long. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
When Toyrus closed it hurt lots of families with buying toys and clothes. Many families have come to live here and stores for children are gone. Kidsrus or some kind of children clothing stores would be great. It’s so nice new and clean inside parking is huge but road needs improvement. I shop at Belk which is nice and convenient. Instead of driving up to Grand strand.
But please no more HOUSING. WE are suffocating with that already. Even small stores would be great.
Thank you for telling the needs of the community. Your message about the lack of children's stores is spot-on. Insights on housing and road conditions are also very enlightening.
We loved that mall! Spinacers was the best restaurant with flowerpot bread. Shopping was fantastic. Everything you needed was in one place. Surely there are investors who can bring it back. Make it special and different. I’d love to help plan it. Don’t give up on it now.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of Inlet Square Mall! Spinacers does indeed sound like a magical place. Your enthusiasm for the mall's revival is heartening to see.
why don't they close it and tear it down. I used to shop at Inlet Mall also, but it's really gone down hill. The old mall off 501 is even worst. We need to clean up the Myrtle Beach area and it surrounding areas to bring in more revenue.
I appreciate your perspective. It's clear that you care deeply about the Myrtle Beach area. A well-planned redevelopment could potentially attract more visitors and boost the local economy.
I loved that mall. At it's prime it had everything! The only place you needed to drive was the grocery store.
I would love to see it reopen as a "locals" mall open for the area from GC to GT. I have tried Grand Strand, it isn't for locals it's for the tourist trade. The same with the bases shops. Market Commons. That area reminds me of a modern Seaboard Street!
Since we will never see the marsh and forest back there, a new design for the mall. Anything to get local business back, jobs, the atmosphere, a local gathering place.
Anything to slow the internet shopping. Sadly there is no local gathering when we order everything from Amazon and get our groceries delivered from Walmart.
I appreciate your nostalgic reflection on Inlet Square Mall and your hope for its future. Thank you for expressing your thoughts on how it could become a hub for the local community once more.
Retail, restaurants and entertainment will be great.
No more residential/ housing please!
Inlet Square Mall was a treasure, succombing to poor management. Resurrect what the residents of the south end want and need. It certainly can be done!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Inlet Square Mall holds a special place in the hearts of the community. Focusing on retail, restaurants, and entertainment could indeed breathe new life into the area, catering to residents' desires and needs.
I was in Belk’s years ago and said I would never shop that store again. It was filthy. The carpeting throughout the entire store was not only disgustingly dirty but had gum stuck in it everywhere. The whole place was dirty. I don’t know how it has stayed open because every time I go by there’s only a handful of cars in the parking lot.
The handful of cars in the parking lot tells its own story: survival without real vitality.
Waiting for Hobby Lobby. Love that store.
Your short comment says a lot: after years of decline, people are still watching for signs of life.