Two new large chain stores are racing to open in southern Brunswick County. However, one of the stores recently announced it will be welcoming customers first.
Walmart Supercenter and Publix Supermarket are entering the final stages of construction near the North Carolina and South Carolina line
. As the last four months of 2026 begin, residents can expect to start shopping at both stores before the year ends.Publix in April 2023 announced plans to build a new shopping center called abutting the existing CVS store along U.S. 17. Walmart submitted plans for a store and gas station on over 20 acres of property next to Publix in May 2024.
Construction workers over the last year have quickly moved forward with site work at the two grocery store locations
in the town of Carolina Shores' extraterritorial jurisdiction. The projects come with new commercial and retail businesses, large parking lots and road improvements along U.S. 17.
Walmart has three operating supercenters in Brunswick and several more in Wilmington. However, signs posted on the Carolina Shores' location windows state its fourth Brunswick location will be opening in October 2026.
Publix will serve as the anchor store for The Commons at Carolina Shores and will be the third Brunswick location, with another location in Leland on the way. As of Aug. 20, Publix has not publicly announced an opening date, as their website only states "coming soon."
Other businesses planning to set up new locations at The Commons at Carolina Shores include Cutty's Pizza, Dunkin', McDonald's, Chase Bank, Great Clips, 7-Eleven, Firehouse Subs, Eggs Up Grill and a dental office. Other retail and nearby commercial businesses, such as an urgent care, are also in the mix of growth.
Walmart and Publix representatives did not respond as of Aug. 20.
KNOW ABOUT GROWTH? Keep up with the latest in Brunswick County development by signing up for the Brunswick Today newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Savanna Tenenoff covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at stenenoff@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Walmart, Publix race to open Brunswick locations in coming months
