Inlet Square Mall’s Second Act
Remember when the mall was the hangout spot? Food court snacks, bad fashion choices, and maybe sneaking into a PG-13. For Murrells Inlet, that was Inlet Square—until it slowly slipped into retail limbo.
Now it’s getting a full-blown revival. The 500,000-square-foot mall is being reworked into a mixed-use hub with new shops, restaurants, and a hotel already in motion—and aiming for a spring 2025 debut.
What’s on the Horizon
If you used to spend weekends roaming the mall, you’ll appreciate the full-circle moment here! The mall’s shell is mostly gone, and what’s going up in its place feels a whole lot more 2025. Picture something smaller, smarter, and way more useful than the echoey indoor sprawl it used to be—about half the original size, with room for retail, restaurants, and a hotel that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
So far, here’s what’s confirmed:
- A Hobby Lobby going into the old JCPenney building
- A Home2 Suites by Hilton with 134 rooms
- El Cerro Mexican Bar & Grill, taking over the former TGI Friday’s spot
There’s also room in the mix for medical offices and new spots to eat and shop—stuff that locals might actually use, and visitors won’t just drive past. The layout’s still in progress, but it’s less “throwback mall” and more “South Strand with a pulse.”
From Dead Zone to Destination
First it’s a couple checking into the new hotel. Then a family grabbing lunch at El Cerro and wandering into a shop they didn’t plan on visiting. Before long, traffic near the mall starts to feel different—like people are here on purpose.
For nearby businesses, that kind of shift matters. More foot traffic. More unfamiliar faces turning into regulars. Some shop owners, like those at Smugglers Bay Trading Company, have already noticed a spark as construction continues. It’s the kind of energy that builds momentum and keeps it going.
More to Explore, Just Down the Road
This part of Murrells Inlet is turning a corner, and whether you’re a shopper, a business owner, or just someone who remembers the mall’s better days, it’s worth keeping an eye on what’s next.
Want to discover more local spots making moves across the state? Head to www.guidetosouthcarolina.com/shopping and check out our favorite picks for shopping, services, and all the places worth pulling over for!
