Florence, SC and local economy? (Columbia, Myrtle Beach: appointed, sales, house)

[pinkpocketbooks]

I visited Florence yesterday for just a few hours to drive around and explore. My husband and I may possibly relocate from Charlotte for his job. I know I have to keep in mind that it was Sunday (blue laws?), but the town really seemed to be suffering as far as local economy and local small business. Is my first impression correct?
A lot of businesses seemed to be boarded up, shut down and not looking too well. I guess I was hoping to see some unique boutique areas in the downtown area, but was disappointed. I have an interest in starting a small retail business one day, so it would be important that the people of Florence enjoy small busines, not just the typical Walmart shopping.

WDYT? How is the local small business economy in Florence doing these days?

[lainykai]

You are correct about Blue Laws on Sunday. A lot of our smaller business do not open on Sundays. If they do they can open no earlier than 1:30, and most of them close at 6. Also our downtown area is not well developed. We have lots of small businesses scattered throughout the city. Downtown is probably the worst representation of our economy. Hope this helps!

[JFRRACING]

Hi, not to sound stupid or anything, But what is a blue law ?

[Woodlands]

Florence probably does not have the most robust economy when compared to most SC Cities, but it is faring better than many. Most of the growth appears to be centralized along the Interstate to the west and south of town. There is some growth mostly "infill" on hwy 52 to the northwest and the growth to the west is sporadic going out towards Francis Marion University and towards Myrtle Beach. When I lived in the area local planners often discussed how the dynamics of the City would have been different if I-20 had continued on to Myrtle Beach which was envisioned by some, but never materialized. Downtown Florence has been the subject of several recent redevelopment initiatives, but other than the new library south of downtown and a proposed "cultural arts center" that is under discussion/development with the University... I do not think a whole lot has happened. The medical industry is booming with the area's two hospitals providing a variety of jobs in addition to redeveloping portions of the eastside of town. Small businesses downtown have not succeeded as much as those that have located in suburban strip malls and centers, but if downtown planners have their way... the CBD will be transformed over the next decade into the cultural arts center for the Pee Dee Region with a variety of quaint shops and cafes.. Long story short, Florence may be down but is definately not out.....

[eureka1]

A blue law restricts the sale of liquor on Sunday. Usually on a county level.

[mrboa]

I'm going to jump into this thread about Florence because I have questions too. I'm considering a job there and am interested in finding something out in the country or in one of the small neighboring towns. Any suggestions? I keep seeing mixed messages on Darlington, Hartsville, Latta, etc. I'm looking for room for a horse.

I also need advice on schools. I have a 4 year old and will need pre-K starting in the fall - but I'm very picky. If a small town has a better school set-up than Florence, then I'm there. Does anyone know anything about the schools in Florence and surrounding areas? From what I've read on different postings - it looks like it will have to be private school.

Thanks in advance for your time -

[lainykai]

First of all the entire state of SC has blue laws, however, they are waived in certain areas. Florence is not one of those waived areas but Myrtle Beach is. It can really be a pain at first but you get used to it. You can purchase groceries and dine in restaurants prior to 1:30 but any retail stores cannot open until 1:30. For instance if you go into our Supercenter early on a Sunday you can purchase groceries but everything else is roped off (literally) until 1:30. At 1:30 the ropes come off and you can shop all over. There are no beer, liquor or wine sales on Sunday's either.

As far as smaller towns surrounding with country living there is quite a bit of country no matter which way you head out. Hartsville, Darlington, Lake City, ect all have that small town feel without being too much of drive. I do not have children but I have heard great things about schools on the West side of town (Sneed, West Florence). I never heard anything horrible about any of the schools. I do know some parents that paid for a transfer so their kids would not attend the Timmonsville district. We do have a number of private schools that have very good reputations. There is also a Montessori school that I have heard good things about.

Hope this helps. If you have any more specific questions let me know. I have lived here for the past three years and most of my family has been in the area for 30 plus years.

[Tommy1981]

There has been a recent decision in the SC House Judiciary Committee to eliminate retail blue laws state wide:
WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | House panel approves measures on blue laws

I believe there have been some impacts to Alcohol sales as well in the Columbia area, but I think thats related to a county decision, not a state wide mandate.

Judging from this, all of the retail blue laws will no longer be in affect. I think they just went into effect this Sunday, April 6.

[lainykai]

Originally Posted by Tommy1981

There has been a recent decision in the SC House Judiciary Committee to eliminate retail blue laws state wide:
WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | House panel approves measures on blue laws

I believe there have been some impacts to Alcohol sales as well in the Columbia area, but I think thats related to a county decision, not a state wide mandate.

Judging from this, all of the retail blue laws will no longer be in affect. I think they just went into effect this Sunday, April 6.

The bill still has a way to go before they lift the law. It still has to pass the full house and Senate. If it should pass I do think Florence would opt to lift the retail blue laws, even though a lot of residents would oppose it. For now though we just sleep in on Sundays.

[citygirl1972]

No booze is sold on Sunday and most stores do not open until 1:30 becuase we are ALL supposed to be in church. Persoanlly, my church gets out at 11:30 so... And if I buy beer on Saturday what diffrence does it make?? It's a stupid law from the "early days". The county Myrtle Beach, SC is in just reversed it about 3-4 years ago.