Brunswick County economic officials push for more retail

Leland, NC (WWAY) — The Brunswick County Economic Development Commission is working on a plan to attract more big retailers to the county.

Sallye Neizmik says she wants more places to shop near her home in Leland.

“We get tired of going to Wilmington, not that we don’t like Wilmington,” said Neizmik.

Neizmik says she would love to see more big name brand shops and more things to do in general. Something she says could happen.

“Well I would think that since Brunswick County is one of the largest growing counties in the state and we have a direct corridor to South Carolina that retailers would want to come here,” said Neizmik.

Jim Bradshaw, Brunswick County Economic Development Commission says they agree with residents like Neizmik.

“Brunswick County does not have the retail that you would typically see in a community our size. With that in mind we are looking at what needs to be done to encouraging more retail development in Brunswick County,” said Bradshaw.

The Economic Development Commission will work with building inspectors this summer to map out where new homes are being built. This information will then be available to potential retailers to show them the growth in the county. Traffic counts will also being done around the same time for the same purpose.

“We like this area we would just like to see a little more shopping on this side of the bridge,” said Neizmik.