News Summary
Rural King is set to open its first retail store in Spartanburg, South Carolina, filling the space formerly occupied by Sears. This new location aims to provide a unique shopping experience while creating around 60 jobs. The store will offer agricultural and outdoor products, enhancing the area’s retail landscape as part of WestGate Mall’s revitalization efforts.
Spartanburg, South Carolina Welcomes Rural King
Rural King, a retail chain specializing in agricultural and outdoor products, is set to open its first South Carolina store on October 17, 2025, at WestGate Mall in Spartanburg. This new location will fill the space left vacant by the former Sears store, which closed its doors in September 2018. The opening is part of a revitalization effort by the new owners of the mall, who acquired the property for $15 million in 2024.
The introduction of Rural King is expected to create around 60 jobs in the Spartanburg area. The store is anticipated to provide a unique shopping experience by offering a distinctive mix of products not typically found in local competitors. In addition to general retail items, Rural King will feature goods such as livestock feed, farm equipment, agricultural parts, lawn mowers, workwear, fashion clothing, and housewares.
Community Engagement and Customer Experience
As part of its tradition, Rural King will offer complimentary popcorn and coffee to customers while they shop, a time-honored practice established over the company’s 50-year history. This initiative aims to enhance the customer experience and foster a welcoming shopping environment.
Phil Reiter, vice president of marketing and e-commerce for Rural King, has highlighted Spartanburg as an optimal market for the new store. The expansion aligns with regional growth trends, marked by rising wealth levels and a stable population increase.
Background on WestGate Mall
WestGate Mall is the only enclosed shopping center in Spartanburg County, which has faced challenges in drawing foot traffic since its opening in October 1975. The mall, particularly impacted by the closure of large retailers like Sears, has seen significant vacancies over the years. The former Sears store is the first to be replaced since its closure and carries the potential to attract more visitors to the mall.
Currently, WestGate Mall has over 134,000 square feet available for lease, with additional areas remaining unleased following the 2024 acquisition. The former Sears automotive shop is also on the market, either for sale or lease, creating further opportunities for new tenants.
Rural King was originally established in 1960 and operates more than 135 locations throughout the United States. The store’s diverse product offerings include reputable brands such as Carhartt, Ariat, Henry Rifles, Walnut Creek Foods, Under Armour, and Blackstone, making it a potential one-stop shop for customers in the region seeking quality agricultural and outdoor products.
This new store opening reflects not only Rural King’s growth trajectory but also an attempt to rejuvenate the WestGate Mall, encouraging further investment and revitalization in the area. The implementation of Rural King’s services and product offerings is expected to provide a considerable boost to the local economy and shopping landscape.
Overall, the arrival of Rural King in Spartanburg is a significant development for both the mall and the surrounding community, marking an important step in addressing the retail changes experienced in the region over the past few years. As shoppers look forward to the grand opening, the focus will be on how this new store can influence the retail dynamics within the county and aid in drawing more customers to WestGate Mall.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Westgate Mall Welcomes Rural King
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Greenville Business Magazine: Greenville-Spartanburg Retail Report
- Google Search: Spartanburg retail news
- Greenville Journal: Coping with Helene’s Aftermath
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg South Carolina economy
- Upstate Business Journal: Mail Truck of the Future
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
