Governor moves to repeal retailer incentives

Thursday, 12 July 2007

Page 2 of 2 Lastly, Sanford cited two retail companies—Tanger Outlet Centers and Sportsman’s Warehouse—that located in South Carolina without incentives. The governor said representatives from Tanger Outlet approached the state about five years ago with a request for an incentives package, which he rejected. “I told them we’d love for them to come join us in South Carolina, but that we wouldn’t be able to help them in that way,” Sanford said. “They came here anyway.” Most recently and perhaps most significantly, Sportman’s Warehouse—a competitor of both Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops—announced plans to open a 65,000-square-foot store near Northwood’s Mall. The governor pleaded with his audience, which included owners of several local outdoors shops, to join him in speaking out against the legislation. “If enough people make their voice heard with their senators or representatives, I think that can make a difference,” Sanford said.  Steve Zobel, owner of the Bootjack in Charleston, which sells outdoor footware, said while his store can compete pricewise with Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops, he feels it is unfair for the large retailers to receive special treatment. “It is unfair for the government to give money to a business when we had to reach into our pockets to start ours,” Zobel said. “I don’t mind a level playing field, but I do mind one that isn’t level.” Echoing Zobel’s sentiments were Caroline Rhodes from Charleston Angler, Mike Able from Haddrell’s Point Tackle and Supply and Dee Meador, from Luden’s Outfitters. “I don’t mind competition,” Meador said, “but I don’t want them coming in on our tax dollars.” << Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>