Family Dollar trying to locate new store in Pine Ridge

Pine Ridge, SC (Paul Kirby) – Family Dollar, a Charlotte, NC based company, has taken the first steps necessary to locate in the Town of Pine Ridge. They are looking to build on the lot at the intersection of Pine Ridge and Courtney Drives near the Palmetto Design Concepts center where Pine Ridge Pharmacy is located. There is already a Family Dollar on Main Street in South Congaree, but that is another traffic corridor, one of the things chains look at when locating.

The town council approved first reading on some of the necessary issues that would have to come together in order for the chain to build a store there. That does not mean that Family Dollar will end up in Pine Ridge. There are all sorts of reviews, approvals, and hoops that any business will have to jump through before they can build any business in the town or Lexington County. The Town of Pine Ridge has a Planning Commission and others that would need to approve some of the store’s design and plans prior to accepting those for construction. Some towns have very tight standards that dictate exterior colors, flat versus pitch roofs, and even the materials used on the exterior of the building.

In the past, neighbors have been very opposed to any commercial occupancy on that lot and there’s no indication that any of that opposition has waned. In the last several years, the town refused the necessary zoning changes for the Pitt Stop chain to build a convenience store in the town at Bachman and Fish Hatchery Roads. The issues of light and sound pollution, an increase in traffic, and even the smell of frying from the restaurant that would have been included in the store, were all complaints citizens had while speaking out against that project. Eventually, it was killed.

According to Family Dollar’s website, the discount chain offers a compelling assortment of merchandise for the whole family ranging from household cleaners to name brand foods, health and beauty aids, toys, apparel for every age, to home fashions, all for everyday low prices. While shoppers can find many items at $1 or less, most items in the store are priced below $10, which makes shopping fun without stretching the family budget.

Approvals and permits could take several more months to obtained. If approved, construction could begin. Then, the building process could take as long as six months depending on weather and other unforeseen delays.