Grocery Boom Reshapes Spartanburg County: A Look at New Stores in Boiling Springs and Duncan

A seismic shift is underway across Spartanburg County, and its epicenter can be found in the grocery aisle.

The concrete being poured and the shelves being stocked in communities like Boiling Springs and Duncan are more than just new buildings; they are powerful symbols of the region's explosive growth.

A flood of national, regional, and statewide grocery brands are planting their flags here, drawn by a booming population and a robust economy.

This isn't just about adding more options for milk and bread.

It's a fundamental reshaping of the local retail scene, promising more choices, increased competition, and a direct response to the thousands of new families calling the Upstate home.

Leading this charge are several key players, each bringing a unique flavor to the market.

La Unica Supercenter recently opened its doors in Boiling Springs, introducing a vibrant, Hispanic-themed market to a rapidly diversifying community.

Meanwhile, construction is underway for a new Aldi in Duncan, strategically positioned to serve a high-growth corridor.

These developments are part of a larger regional trend, with major players like Food Lion, Publix, and Whole Foods Market also expanding their footprints across the Upstate.

This article dives deep into the Spartanburg grocery development boom, examining what's coming, where it's located, and what it all means for the future of our community.

A New Cultural Hub in Boiling Springs

The recent grand opening of La Unica Supercenter at 3720 Boiling Springs Road was a full-blown cultural celebration.

Filled with the sounds of Mariachi music and family-friendly festivities, the event marked the arrival of the seventh store for this Palmetto State-native brand.

But this is far more than just another supermarket.

La Unica specializes in authentic groceries, spices, and proteins from Central and South America, catering to a growing Hispanic population and introducing new culinary options to the entire community.

The store features an extensive meat department and a fresh produce section, upholding the brand's reputation for quality that it has built since 2001.

Its presence in Boiling Springs is a direct reflection of the changing demographics of Spartanburg County and a welcome addition for residents seeking authentic cultural foods close to home.

Duncan's Strategic Addition: Aldi Arrives on Main Street

Further south in Duncan, the framework of another grocery powerhouse is taking shape.

A new Aldi is under construction at 1900 E. Main Street, a location that is anything but random.

Positioned near the bustling intersection of Highway 290 and Shoals Road, the store is just a stone's throw from the Tyger River Campus of Spartanburg Community College.

This placement targets not only established residents but also a steady stream of students, faculty, and commuters in one of the county's fastest-growing areas.

The German-based grocer is known for its no-frills, low-price model, which is expected to introduce a new level of price competition to the local market.

Construction bid documents show the new store will be a 21,682-square-foot facility, signaling a significant investment in the town's commercial infrastructure.

The arrival of Aldi in Duncan is a calculated move, banking on the continued residential and economic expansion of southwestern Spartanburg County.

The Wider Upstate Grocery Wars

The developments in Boiling Springs and Duncan are critical pieces of a much larger puzzle unfolding across the Upstate.

In nearby Simpsonville, construction has begun for a new Food Lion, with an anticipated opening in 2026.

The North Carolina-based chain already has a strong presence in the region, and this new location solidifies its commitment.

Just recently, a massive 48,000-square-foot Publix opened in Mauldin at The Shops at Arden Woods, complete with the brand's signature deli and pharmacy.

And in what is perhaps the most ambitious project of all, Whole Foods Market is slated to be the anchor tenant of the massive, billion-dollar County Square redevelopment project in Greenville.

This collection of high-profile grocery developments underscores a powerful reality: the Upstate is one of the most competitive and attractive retail markets in the Southeast.

Why Spartanburg County? The Forces Fueling the Boom

The surge in grocery development is not happening in a vacuum; it is a direct result of Spartanburg County's incredible growth trajectory.

The county's population has been steadily climbing, outpacing both state and national averages. Between 2010 and 2022, the population grew by over 21%, a testament to the area's economic vitality.

This growth is fueled by a thriving job market. In 2024 alone, Spartanburg County attracted $745 million in new capital investment, creating over 1,220 new jobs through projects from companies like Keurig Dr Pepper and Omron Automation.

Major employers like BMW Manufacturing Co. continue to expand, making the region a magnet for talent.

This influx of people and jobs creates a cascading effect.

More families mean more demand for housing, and residential construction, particularly in areas like Boiling Springs, is struggling to keep up.

With new homes come the need for essential services, and grocery stores are at the top of that list.

Retailers are not just building stores; they are investing in the future of a community they believe will continue to flourish.

Impact on Residents: More Choice, More Traffic

For the average shopper in Spartanburg County, this grocery boom brings a mix of undeniable benefits and potential challenges.

The most obvious advantage is choice.

Residents will soon have access to a wider variety of products, price points, and shopping experiences than ever before.

The competition between giants like Publix, discounters like Aldi, and traditional grocers like Food Lion could lead to more competitive pricing across the board.

Furthermore, these new stores are significant job creators, offering employment opportunities both during construction and in long-term retail operations.

However, this rapid development is not without its growing pains.

Increased traffic is a major concern for residents, especially along key corridors like Boiling Springs Road and Highway 290 in Duncan.

The infrastructure will need to adapt to handle the added volume of commercial and residential activity.

There is also the question of how this influx of large national chains will impact smaller, locally-owned markets that have served the community for years.

The grocery development wave is a double-edged sword, bringing convenience and variety while simultaneously testing the limits of local infrastructure and competition.

A Glimpse of the Future

The transformation of the grocery landscape in Boiling Springs, Duncan, and across Spartanburg County is a story still being written.

Each new store that opens is another chapter, reflecting a region in the midst of a profound economic and demographic evolution.

What is clear is that the Upstate is no longer a sleepy corner of the state; it is a dynamic, fast-growing hub that is attracting billions in investment.

For residents, the future promises a pantry full of options, a testament to the vibrant and expanding community they call home.

This grocery boom is more than a trend; it is the new reality for a thriving Spartanburg County.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What new grocery stores are opening in Spartanburg County?

La Unica Supercenter recently opened in Boiling Springs, and an Aldi is currently under construction in Duncan. These are part of a broader trend across the Upstate, which includes a new Food Lion in Simpsonville and other major brands expanding in the region.

Why are so many grocery stores being built in the Upstate?

The grocery development boom is driven by strong population growth and economic expansion in Spartanburg County and the surrounding Upstate area. Major investments from manufacturing companies have created thousands of jobs, attracting new residents and increasing the demand for retail services like grocery stores.

How will the new grocery development in Boiling Springs and Duncan affect traffic?

While the new stores will provide greater convenience and choice for shoppers, increased traffic is a valid concern for residents. Key transportation corridors near the new developments, such as Boiling Springs Road and Highway 290, are expected to see a higher volume of vehicles, which may require future infrastructure planning.