This is the third grocery store on the south side over the last several years. ► Spartanburg's south side has struggled with keeping grocery stores Spartanburg's south side community: How Spartanburg's south side is working together to grow economy, reduce inequality "Just the vibrancy the store brings to that area can help with development along that corridor." "I think it will have a direct impact and support to those existing businesses," Kennedy said. Kennedy also said the grocery store will help businesses within that shopping plaza and help to bring more businesses to the south side. The investment started before the store opened with two job fairs that were held for the grocery store.Īssistant City Manager Mitch Kennedy said Piggly Wiggly provided 30 to 40 jobs from the local job fairs. "This is an investment in their future, one that we hope will stimulate more quality of life improvements in this crucial part of Spartanburg’s community," George said. ► Community leaders say Piggly Wiggly will bring future opportunitiesĬhristopher George, Spartanburg Communications & Marketing Manager, said the opening is an investment in the future of the south side. So, it's going to fill that void," Talley said. "The Piggly Wiggly will make a big impact in the fact that it's here, it reduces the travel, they have a good product, the people that are shopping here mostly are in this area and may not have the transportation to go across town. James Talley, who was mayor of Spartanburg from 1993-2001, said the store really helps those who lack the transportation to travel outside the neighborhood to buy groceries. Rice said the store is a "top of the line grocery store." The Piggly Wiggly will later include a pharmacy and full, functioning kitchen. It's up to the residents here to utilize this facility, and we can do our parts by making sure everything is clean, welcoming and open so everyone can come into the Piggly Wiggly." "We no longer have a food desert on the south side," said Mayor Jerome Rice. In a consumer market study on households near the new Piggly Wiggly, 17.3% of residents within a 10-minutes-drive have a household income below $10,000, and many residents use public transportation. Many low-income families live in food deserts. Without the Piggly Wiggly grocery store, the south side would still be considered a "food desert," meaning an urban area where it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ►Spartanburg's south side is no longer considered a food desert They are going to be able to come right here to come shop.” Littlejohn said.Īnticipation builds on south side: Piggly Wiggly store manager says Spartanburg location will open this summer "We have seniors who have no transportation that rely on a bus or a friend to give them a ride to go shopping. Spartanburg Councilwoman Ruth Littlejohn said it was a "blessing to have the Piggly Wiggly. We drove six miles, now it's only less than one."Įdgar Lee said he and his wife will continue to support Piggly Wiggly. "The way the food is prepared, and the vegetables are prepared healthier. "I see positive feedback for the people that live here and the elderly," Anne said. South side residents Anne and Edgar Lee Jones said the new store is a benefit to the community. Before ( the Piggly Wiggly), it would take me 15 to 20 minutes just to go to the store. "We don't have to go across town, and now we can just come right down the street to go grocery shopping. "I'm so happy that they now have a store right here," Jefferies said. ►Residents say Piggly Wiggly gives a boost to the south sideĮrica Jefferies lives on the south side and said she is grateful for the convenience the new store brings to her, along with the community. 24 Here are five things to know about the opening of Piggly Wiggly Piggly Wiggly set to open: Grocery store holds job fairs. View Gallery: Piggly Wiggly store opens in Spartanburg
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