The year 2024 was another good year for business in West Columbia. Several new businesses are celebrating Christmas in West Columbia this year.

“We’ve had 19 business ribbon-cuttings already this year,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles in early December at the C-WC Chamber building lighting. Miles said the number of new businesses opening in West Columbia is an indication of the city’s appeal.

“We have a wonderful community in West Columbia,” Miles said. “Our people are great and the spirit shows. There is incredible growth in the number of business licenses we issue. A lot of business owners do their homework before deciding where to locate. I’m sure they like what they see when they research West Columbia. From Kinetic Derby Day and the Fall Back Fest to the Rhythm on the River Concerts and the Meeting Street Music Fest, our streets are filled with community pride.”

Miles also said he expects the momentum to continue in 2025.

“There is no reason not to expect things to keep moving in a positive direction in the new year,” he said. “There is a lot of enthusiasm for West Columbia and that will attract a lot of interest from those who want to invest in our growth.”

Tim James, president of the C-WC Chamber, said the businesses of West Columbia are the backbone of the community. And the influx of new business is a sign of a healthy commercial district.

“At the C-WC Chamber we encourage everyone to ‘Love Local.” And in West Columbia people are coming out to support local businesses.  In 2024 we’ve had an enormous amount of new business ribbon cuttings. That  shows that there is a desire to invest and do business in West Columbia.”  

The businesses that have moved to West Columbia have thrived. Chaye Alexander, owner of Chayz Lounge, said she knew the minute she began looking on  Meeting Street for a place to house her club, she was hooked. She remodeled a building at 626 Meeting Street more than five years ago. And her business has grown over the years.

Bill and Harriet Barrett opened Southern Custom Doors and Hardware at 142 State St. in May. “We have heard you like to have a party in the streets,” Bill Barrett said when the ribbon was cut at his business two days before West Columbia’s Spring Art on State event. “The vibrant festivals are one of the reasons we chose to move our business to West Columbia.”

The West Columbia business atmosphere is vibrant. Each year there seems to be more interest from entrepreneurs. With such an exceptional year in 2024, expect more to come in the future, including some big announcements. 
Below is a list of ribbon-cuttings or new businesses in West Columbia in 2024:

• Architect firm of LS3P
• Eclectic Edge Woodworks
• Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee
• Adecco Employment Services
• East Point Academy Performing Arts Center
• Spa MD
• Signature Catering and Market
• Real Estate School of South Carolina
• Southern Custom Doors
• Steven Whetstone Fine Art
• Gretchen O. Studio
• Garden & Relic
• West Vista Realty
• June Marie Deli
• Tessera Physical Therapy
• Libra Creative Hub
• West Columbia Planet Fitness
•  Southern Luxury Transportation
• Que Bueno! Antojitos and Snack Bar
• Marked Apparel