Massive Publix and Walmart projects signal the end of southern Brunswick’s “grocery desert” as construction enters final phases
By BC News Staff Writer
CAROLINA SHORES, NC — The landscape of southern Brunswick County is undergoing a permanent transformation as two high-profile retail developments move toward completion along the US 17 corridor. Residents in Carolina Shores and Calabash are seeing significant progress at the intersection of Highway 17 and Calabash Road, where the new shopping center known as The Commons at Carolina Shores is anchored by a 47,000-square-foot Publix. As of mid-April 2026, construction on the supermarket is well underway, with the store expected to serve as the centerpiece for a suite of new dining and service options including Dunkin’, Firehouse Subs, and River Oaks Pizzeria.
Just to the north, the massive Walmart Supercenter project is reaching key milestones on its 38-acre site near Emerson Bay Road. This 171,000-square-foot facility is designed to offer a comprehensive shopping experience, featuring a full-service grocery department, a drive-thru pharmacy, and an on-site fuel station. On April 16, 2026, corporate officials confirmed that the Carolina Shores location is a primary focus for the company’s regional growth and remains on track to open its doors later this year, bringing significant new infrastructure and employment opportunities to the immediate area.
The synergy between these two projects is expected to create a major retail hub for the northern Grand Strand and southern Brunswick County. While the Publix-anchored Commons brings a focus on specialized grocery and community dining, the neighboring Walmart provides a wide-scale retail anchor that reduces the need for local residents to travel to North Myrtle Beach or Shallotte for everyday essentials. With secondary businesses like Wawa and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers also planned for the vicinity, the US 17 corridor is rapidly evolving into a one-stop destination for the region’s growing population.
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