South Augusta, February 19, 2026
South Augusta is witnessing a surge in economic activity, highlighted by the confirmed opening of a new Five Below store at Colony Plaza. This revitalization, driven by strategic investments, reflects a growing confidence in the local retail landscape, emphasizing job creation and increased consumer choices. Other significant developments include major projects within the Augusta Corporate Park, enhancing the region’s commercial vitality. With a promising economic outlook, South Augusta is becoming a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and retail growth, benefiting both businesses and the community.
Augusta
A wave of commercial vitality is sweeping through South Augusta, signaling a robust period of economic expansion and renewed optimism for local communities. This resurgence is particularly evident in the revitalization of shopping centers, driven by the keen foresight and investment of private enterprises. The latest beacon of this progress is the announcement of a new retail establishment, underscoring the benefits of a dynamic marketplace where entrepreneurial innovation and consumer demand converge.
This positive momentum highlights the enduring strength of local economies when businesses are empowered to grow and adapt. As new retailers choose to invest in areas like South Augusta, they not only expand consumer choices but also create jobs and foster a vibrant commercial landscape. It’s a testament to the resilience and opportunity present in our regional markets, encouraging further private investment and community engagement in economic development.
A Fresh Perspective for Colony Plaza
The Colony Plaza shopping center, located at 2115 Windsor Spring Road in Augusta, Georgia, is experiencing a significant uplift with the confirmation of a new Five Below store. This addition marks a new chapter for the 216,693-square-foot grocery-anchored community center, which currently features established anchors such as Food Lion, Planet Fitness, and Roses. The arrival of a new, dynamic retailer like Five Below underscores a growing confidence in South Augusta’s retail landscape and its capacity for sustained consumer engagement.
Colony Plaza is a well-diversified center, housing a variety of tenants including Hibbett Sports, Party N Dollar, Rent-A-Center, Fashion Metro, and several local businesses, offering a broad range of services and goods to the surrounding community. The strategic placement of new businesses within such established centers can create a synergistic effect, increasing foot traffic and benefiting existing tenants through heightened visibility and customer interest.
Five Below’s Strategic Expansion and Market Impact
Five Below’s decision to establish a presence in South Augusta is indicative of its aggressive and successful nationwide expansion strategy. This retailer specializes in offering “trend-right, high-quality products” primarily priced between $1 and $5, with select “extreme value items priced beyond $5,” catering to a diverse customer base that includes tweens, teens, and beyond. The company’s business model is built on delivering exceptional value and a unique shopping experience, which has fueled its rapid growth.
The company’s financial performance highlights the success of its value-driven approach. Five Below’s net sales in fiscal year 2023 reached $3.55 billion, marking a 12.1% increase from the previous year. The company continues its robust growth trajectory, having opened 157 new stores in fiscal year 2023 and planning approximately 200 new locations in 2024, with a long-term vision to expand to over 3,500 stores nationwide. This growth is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit in identifying and fulfilling consumer needs across diverse markets. It is important to note that Five Below operates its stores directly and does not franchise, ensuring consistent brand experience and operational efficiency across its rapidly expanding footprint.
South Augusta’s Economic Ascendance
The retail growth at Colony Plaza is part of a broader economic surge transforming South Augusta. The region has witnessed substantial industrial development, with approximately $3.2 billion worth of economic development underway in the Augusta Corporate Park alone. This includes significant investments from major corporations such as Starbucks, which has doubled its facility size with a $330 million capital investment and employs around 350 individuals. Aurubis, a German company, has also made its single-largest investment in Georgia with a state-of-the-art recycling and smelting facility in the area. Additionally, PureCycle is establishing a facility with an initial investment of $440 million, projected to create over 80 manufacturing jobs. These large-scale industrial projects demonstrate the compelling environment for business and job creation in Augusta.
Beyond these industrial giants, other significant retail investments are contributing to the area’s economic vitality. A new Kroger store at Eisenhower Crossing, a $32 million investment, has also opened, addressing critical community needs. These developments collectively contribute to a positive outlook for the Augusta economy. Augusta-Richmond County has experienced a 3.5% increase in its job market over the past year, with future job growth predicted at 38.5% over the next decade, surpassing the national average of 33.5%.
A Conducive Environment for Growth
Augusta’s robust economic growth is underpinned by a diversified economic base, strategically anchored by institutions like Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), a significant presence in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and education. The city’s strategic location along the Savannah River offers exceptional access to major transportation networks, including highways and railroads, and indirectly to the deep-water Port of Savannah. This connectivity positions Augusta as an attractive hub for logistics, manufacturing, and distribution, serving both regional and national markets.
Local initiatives also play a crucial role in fostering this growth. The Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA) is actively working to enhance infrastructure, including a $25 million SPLOST funding request for industrial sewer service to the 1,150-acre McCombs Road Mega-Site. This investment is anticipated to unlock vast potential for industrial, residential, and commercial growth, attracting billions in private investment and thousands of jobs. Over 25 years, this project is projected to add over $25 million in local retail spending and $1.1 million in sales tax revenue. Such foundational investments, coupled with a supportive business environment, are vital for sustained economic prosperity and cultivate opportunities for South Carolina entrepreneurs and regional businesses alike.
Regional Linkages and Future Prospects for Midlands Economic Growth
The economic success observed in South Augusta resonates throughout the broader Augusta-Aiken Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As the second-largest metro area in Georgia, the MSA encompasses Richmond, Columbia, Burke, and McDuffie counties in Georgia, alongside Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina. This interconnectedness means that economic growth in one part of the region often creates ripple effects, benefiting neighboring communities and fostering overall Midlands economic growth.
The sustained influx of private capital and the expansion of businesses like Five Below and Kroger are not isolated incidents but rather indicators of a healthy regional economy responsive to market forces and consumer needs. This environment encourages further Aiken small business development and reinforces the importance of strategic planning and limited regulatory hurdles to facilitate continued prosperity across the Augusta-Aiken corridor. As businesses thrive and innovate, they contribute significantly to job creation, local tax bases, and a higher quality of life for residents.
The ongoing development in South Augusta, characterized by both large-scale industrial projects and new retail establishments, points to a bright economic future. This growth is a testament to the determination of entrepreneurs and the effectiveness of policies that support private investment. By fostering environments where businesses can flourish, communities across the region, including those focused on Aiken SC business, can look forward to sustained economic vitality.
Readers are encouraged to actively support local businesses in their communities and stay engaged with the ongoing economic developments shaping the future of our vibrant regional economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What new retail growth is occurring in South Augusta?
- Five Below announced a new location at Colony Plaza, a shopping center located at 2115 Windsor Spring Road in Augusta, Georgia.
- What is Five Below’s business model?
- Five Below is a retailer specializing in “trend-right, high-quality products” mostly priced between $1 and $5, with some “extreme value items priced beyond $5.”
- What is the economic outlook for Augusta-Richmond County?
- Augusta-Richmond County has seen the job market increase by 3.5% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 38.5%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.
- What other significant economic developments are happening in South Augusta?
- South Augusta is experiencing a surge of economic development, including approximately $3.2 billion worth of development in the Augusta Corporate Park. This includes investments from Starbucks, Aurubis, and PureCycle. A new Kroger store at Eisenhower Crossing, a $32 million investment, has also opened.
- How does Augusta’s economic growth impact the broader region?
- Augusta’s economic growth resonates throughout the broader Augusta-Aiken Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Augusta-Aiken, GA-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is the second largest metro area in Georgia and includes Richmond, Columbia, Burke and McDuffie counties in Georgia and Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina.
Key Features of South Augusta’s Economic Growth
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| New Retailer at Colony Plaza | Five Below announced a new location at Colony Plaza, a 216,693-square-foot grocery-anchored community center at 2115 Windsor Spring Road, Augusta, GA. | Local |
| Five Below Business Model | Offers “trend-right, high-quality products” mostly priced between $1 and $5, with some “extreme value items priced beyond $5.” | Nationwide |
| Five Below Expansion | Net sales in fiscal year 2023 reached $3.55 billion, a 12.1% increase from 2022. Plans approximately 200 new locations in 2024, with a long-term vision of over 3,500 stores. | Nationwide |
| Augusta Corporate Park Development | Approximately $3.2 billion worth of economic development, including investments from Starbucks ($330 million capital investment), Aurubis (single-largest German investment in Georgia), and PureCycle ($440 million initial investment). | Local |
| Job Growth (Augusta-Richmond County) | Increased by 3.5% over the last year. Predicted future job growth of 38.5% over the next ten years, higher than the US average of 33.5%. | Local |
| McCombs Road Mega-Site Sewer Project | Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA) requested $25 million SPLOST funding for industrial sewer service. Expected to add over $25 million in local retail spending and $1.1 million in sales tax revenue over 25 years. | Local |
| Augusta-Aiken MSA Status | Second largest metro area in Georgia. Includes Richmond, Columbia, Burke and McDuffie counties in Georgia and Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina. | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken 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 Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. 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.
