Mount Pleasant Business Magazine 2016

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Boulevard is a central hub. “
In 2008, the Mount
Pleasant Town Council came
up with a proactive solution
to the growing population and
traffic concerns. The Coleman
Boulevard Overlay District
Plan designated the Sea Island
Shopping Center as a high
density, mixed-use development
consisting of retail, office and
residential space. Hewitt plans
on making that a reality down
the road.
Consultants have said the
center should be more pedestrian-
friendly. Hewitt promptly
answered with colorful landscaping, more overhead lighting
and speed bumps around the parking lot, making it a safer
and more enjoyable place to shop.
Another concern for the future is the manner in
which people shop. These days, customers are looking for
convenience and instant gratification.
Hewitt said Harris Teeter is
a great example of adapting to
evolving retail trends. Customers
can now order their groceries
online and pick them up in a drive-
through, without having to step
foot inside the store.
Crystal Bruce, a longtime
resident of Mount Pleasant, is
pleased with the look, feel and
easy shopping experience at
Harris Teeter. She lives across the
street from the Sea Island Center
and regularly shops online for
groceries.
“It saves me a lot of time. I
hop on my bike, and my groceries
are ready to go. It’s nice to have this option within biking
distance,” she said.
“Shopping trends are changing. Habits are changing,
and you’ve got to adapt,” Hewitt commented. “You can’t
just crawl in a hole and rest on your laurels. I think that’s
probably true in any business today.”
Batson L. Hewitt has owned Sea Island Shopping
Center since his father died unexpectedly in 1962.
Photo courtesy of Batson Hewitt.
MPBM | |
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