The number of national chains springing up in Currituck County continues to grow, while small businesses in the county are finding ways to take advantage of the excitement generated by their new neighbors.
The past two weeks has seen North Carolina’s first Royal Farms convenience store open in Grandy, while local and regional franchisee owned 7-11 and Dunkin’ opened their doors in Moyock.
Also coming soon to the same small shopping complex where Dunkin’ is located is a Great Clips salon and Little Caesars, which are also operated by franchisees based in the Greater Outer Banks region.
Just along the short stretch of Caratoke Highway, everything from Tractor Supply to Wendy’s to Care O’Lot Pet Supply to O’Reilly Auto Parts have sprouted in the last few years.
And other chains have spread up-and-down along the N.C. 168/U.S. 158 corridor from the state line to the Wright Memorial Bridge, where you can go no more than 15 minutes without passing a Dollar General.
While at the same time, many long-standing small businesses have upped their games by renovating their storefronts and adding additional services and offerings.
“I think the number of nationally known names coming to the county shows the strength of the local economy,” said Currituck Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Josh Bass.
“Currituck County is certainly a growing county in terms of population but also our citizens are experiencing greater economic prosperity,” Bass said. “I think that growth is attracting national attention.”
He notes that Currituck has long had a mix of locally-owned businesses, locally-owned national franchises, and corporate-owned businesses, and that there is plenty of customers to go around for everyone.
“I think with the growth of the county, the economic growth we’ve experienced and the growth of the tourism industry on the beach there is a great deal of business for everyone,” Bass said.
“Business is always competitive and our local businesses generally thrive by constantly innovating,” Bass said. “Our local business people are very adaptive and generally meet the challenges of the marketplace in a way that is successful.”
Reaction to this recent growth of national chains in Currituck has been mostly positive from residents. But some have decried the changes to the still rural community, and potential negative impacts to small businesses.
“We should view this influx in a positive light,” Bass said. “These chains bring with them resources, marketing power, and brand recognition that can help to elevate the overall profile of our community.”
“Additionally, it’s important to remember that local small businesses offer unique products, services, and experiences that cannot be replicated by national chains, and consumers will always seek out those special offerings,” Bass said.
“Small businesses can respond to the incoming chains by emphasizing their unique strengths and offerings,” Bass said. “Our local businesses are experts at focusing on quality, customer service, and local specialties. With that focus our businesses set themselves apart.”
Bass said that includes creating partnerships and collaborations and create networks for support and promotion, led by the Currituck Chamber.
“While we can’t predict the future, we are hearing positive rumors about additional businesses and developments coming to our area in the near future,” Bass said. “This is an exciting time for Currituck County, and we look forward to welcoming more businesses to our community.”
For more details on what the Currituck Chamber of Commerce has to offer businesses of all types looking to boost their profile, visit https://www.currituckchamber.org/.
