News Summary

Recent rumors regarding a new Trader Joe’s store opening in Okatie Crossing between Bluffton and Hardeeville have been debunked by local officials. The conjecture started on social media and has been confirmed as an April Fool’s joke. Trader Joe’s public relations manager stated that while the company is considering new locations nationwide, no stores in this area are planned. The prime location at the intersection of U.S. 278 and S.C. 170 remains open for development, but Trader Joe’s has no confirmed plans.

Bluffton: Trader Joe’s Rumors in Lowcountry Debunked as April Fool’s Hoax

Rumors regarding a new Trader Joe’s store opening in Okatie Crossing, positioned between Bluffton and Hardeeville, have been confirmed as false by local officials and the company itself. The buzz originated from social media discussions.

The proposed location was to be situated at the intersection of U.S. 278 and S.C. 170, a site considered prime for grocery expansion.

• Nakia Rohde, public relations manager for Trader Joe’s, clarified that while the company is exploring new neighborhoods across the nation, no specific locations in this area have been confirmed.
• The site in question is behind the Wendy’s on Okatie Center Boulevard.
• This lot had previously been considered for a Costco in 2019, but those plans were abandoned due to cost issues.
• Michael Patterson, president for Horne Properties, noted that the property remains available and is currently not under any contract.

It’s important to note that, despite the area serving many residents of Beaufort County, it falls within the city limits of Hardeeville.

Josh Gruber, Hardeeville’s City Manager, has also confirmed the Trader Joe’s rumor is untrue, which was echoed by the Town of Bluffton spokesperson, Debbie Szpanka, who stated that while there is no indication of an opening, the town would welcome a Trader Joe’s.

The circulating rumor appears to have stemmed from an April Fool’s joke, and despite its popularity online, it lacks any factual basis.

Recent developments in Okatie Crossing include:

• A new Pet Paradise Dog Daycare Center that opened in 2024.
• A Harbor Freight location set to open soon.

Trader Joe’s does have plans for future expansion, with another store slated to open in Charleston, showing continued interest in the Lowcountry area.

Additionally, there is a resurfaced petition among Bluffton residents advocating for a local Trader Joe’s, encouraging calls for a new location via the company’s website.

The nearest Trader Joe’s remains located in Mount Pleasant, near Charleston.

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Additional Resources

• Live 5 News
• Wikipedia: Trader Joe’s
• Island Packet
• Google Search: Trader Joe’s
• Bluffton Today
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
• Island Packet
• Google News: Lowcountry

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