Talking Shop: One more development to report to you

Since starting this column in January 2007, I have met so many interesting people and learned of so many unique local businesses. And what I like best about it was I got to share community retail news with you.

Well today, I have a little development news of my own. I have accepted a buyout offer, and this is my last column as a retail reporter for The State.

Some of my favorite columns were about local entrepreneurs — such as Mae Buzhardt of Mae’s in Lexington, Harold and Gloria Rittenberg of Moe Levy’s in Columbia and Hopkin’s barbecue sauce maker James “Gene” Sumter.

I love getting scoops on redevelopment plans at Dutch Square Center and new tenants Steve & Barry’s and Burlington Coat Factory arrivals at Columbia Place mall.

In the coming months, be sure to keep the business staff abreast of any new stores, especially my replacement Neil White. (Reach Neil at (803) 771-8643 or nwhite@thestate.com.)

And I thank you for reading.

• Starbucks closures in Columbia?

It is unclear whether any of the Columbia-area Starbucks stores will be affected by the Seattle, Wash.-based retailer’s recent announcement that it will close 600 stores over the next year.

Company officials told The State that it will not disclose its store closure list.

Starbucks Corp. did share that its stores in major U.S. markets and about 70 percent of those that opened since 2006 would be targeted. Individual stores will be notified 30 days before closure.

Managers at Columbia’s two leading retail centers — the Village at Sandhill and Columbiana Centre — said as far as they know, their Starbuck stores are not slated for closure.

• A new Lowe’s in Lexington County

The new Lowe’s store being built at Platt Springs Road and S.C. 6 is slated to open fourth quarter 2008.

According to a release by the North Carolina-based home improvement retailer, the Lexington County store will bring about 120 jobs to the Red Bank area. The retailer also has a store on Sunset Boulevard in the town of Lexington.

Currently, Lowe’s has 42 stores in South Carolina.

• Post No Bills has Olympic designs

Columbia marketing firm Post No Bills is going for the gold.

Post No Bills has developed bracelets to raise money for the U.S. Olympic team.

The three bracelets — colored red, white and blue and printed with the phrases “achieve,” “dream” and believe” — are called Team Rings.

The firm will donate $1 to the U.S. Olympic Committee from each $4.95 bracelet set sold.

To get the bracelets, visit Post No Bills office at 801 Gervais St. or go online to postnobills.com.

• A Neat Find

For those who love fresh-from-the-field collard greens, homemade meatloaf and made-from-scratch banana pudding, here is a Columbia restaurant to try:

Broad River Road’s Carolina Country Cooking eatery — next to Pep Boys — is celebrating its second anniversary this month. Owners John and Karen Erinfolami take pride in serving fare “just like your mama use to cook.”

Karen Erinfolami, a Columbia native, prepares every dish at the restaurant at 1732 Broad River Road.

Each week, Delawese Fulton, retail reporter for The State, will provide the latest retail development news. The goal is to give you the skinny on the new stores in your neighborhood, as well as any businesses closing. If you have any retail news, contact Fulton at (803) 771-8659 or ddfulton@thestate.com.