5 Major New Businesses And $128M Projects Transforming Statesboro, GA In 2025
Statesboro, Georgia, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in commercial and industrial growth, with over $128 million in commercial development projects currently underway as of late 2025. This wave of investment is set to reshape the city's retail landscape, boost job creation, and revitalize key areas, driven by a strategic focus on a "thriving economy, built for the future," as championed by the local government.
This comprehensive overview details the most significant new businesses and major infrastructure projects confirmed or well into the approval process for a 2025 opening, promising a dynamic shift for residents, students of Georgia Southern University, and the entire Bulloch County region. From major national retailers to significant industrial employers and local downtown gems, the economic forecast for Statesboro is exceptionally bright and continues to attract major investment.
The New Retail Powerhouses: Statesboro’s Shopping Scene Gets a Major Upgrade
The most visible changes for Statesboro residents are happening in the retail sector, with two national giants anchoring major new developments. The expansion is concentrated in high-traffic areas, signaling a strong belief in the city's growing consumer base.
1. HomeGoods Confirmed for Former Kmart Site
One of the most anticipated announcements is the official confirmation of HomeGoods moving into the former Kmart location. This national home furnishings retailer is a major win for Statesboro’s shopping options, filling a long-vacant anchor spot and driving traffic to the surrounding commercial area. The store is expected to open its doors in 2025, providing residents with a substantial new option for home decor, furniture, and unique finds, eliminating the need to travel to neighboring cities for the popular brand.
2. Kroger Grocery Store and Fuel Center Development
A significant development in Statesboro's grocery market is moving forward with the proposed construction of a new Kroger grocery store and fuel center. The City of Statesboro's Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval for the necessary rezoning request, pushing this major retail project closer to reality. A new Kroger represents a substantial investment in the city's infrastructure and will provide a modern, full-service grocery option, intensifying the local competition and benefiting consumers with more choices and convenience. This project is a key component of the city's large-scale commercial development pipeline.
Industrial and Economic Development: Boosting Jobs and the Local Economy
Beyond retail, Statesboro and Bulloch County are securing major industrial projects that promise to create hundreds of new, high-quality jobs, solidifying the region's long-term economic stability.
3. Hanon Systems: A Major Automotive Supplier
Statesboro-Bulloch County has successfully attracted Hanon Systems, an international automotive supplier. This significant industrial win is projected to create 160 new jobs in the area. While the exact 2025 opening date is tied to construction timelines, the commitment from a global entity like Hanon Systems is a powerful indicator of Statesboro's growing reputation as a key manufacturing and logistics hub in Georgia. This project aligns with the city's strategic goal of building a thriving economy for the future, offering diverse employment opportunities outside of the traditional retail and service sectors.
4. The $128 Million Commercial Construction Pipeline
The Mayor of Statesboro reported that a staggering $128 million worth of commercial development is currently underway. This massive figure encompasses a wide array of projects, including:
- Large-scale retail centers (like the Kmart site redevelopment).
- New mixed-use redevelopment projects, such as the site near the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM).
- Significant student housing renovations and new construction, like the project at the former Vault Apartments, now being rebranded, which promises a complete transformation of troubled student living spaces.
- The ongoing completion of other commercial entities like Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, a second Tidal Wave carwash, and a Parker's Kitchen convenience store, which set the stage for the 2025 boom.
This unprecedented level of commercial construction highlights the confidence private developers have in Statesboro's future, fueled by the presence of Georgia Southern University and the city's strategic location.
Downtown Statesboro’s Continued Revitalization
The heart of Statesboro is also seeing targeted investment, with the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA) working to attract unique, local businesses that enhance the community's character and walkability.
5. New Local Businesses and Innovation Hubs
The downtown district continues its steady revitalization with the announcement of new local establishments, such as Coastal Plains Home. These smaller, unique businesses are crucial for creating a vibrant, walkable downtown experience for both residents and the student population. Furthermore, the city is fostering entrepreneurial growth through the Business Innovation Group (BIG) at the Innovation Incubator (I2), which is actively working to bring new, innovative businesses into the downtown area on Highway 24. This focus on small business and innovation ensures that Statesboro's economic growth is not solely reliant on national chains but also driven by local talent and emerging ventures.
The Statesboro Growth Engine: What to Expect Next
The process for new developments remains dynamic, with the Statesboro Planning Commission regularly reviewing and approving new business applications throughout 2025. The commission's public minutes indicate a continuous pipeline of rezoning and development requests, such as the application filed by VSB Development LLC, which signals ongoing interest from developers.
This sustained development is supported by the city's strategic plan and its ability to utilize tools like the Development Impact Fee Act to fund essential infrastructure, ensuring that the city can accommodate the influx of new commercial and residential growth. The combination of massive retail commitments (HomeGoods, Kroger), significant industrial job creation (Hanon Systems), and grassroots downtown revitalization (Coastal Plains Home, BIG) paints a clear picture: Statesboro, GA, is in the midst of a historic economic boom that is set to fully materialize throughout 2025 and beyond.
The focus on a diversified economy—from industrial manufacturing to big-box retail and local entrepreneurship—suggests a resilient and future-proof economic foundation for Bulloch County. Residents can look forward to enhanced shopping experiences, more local amenities, and a growing number of career opportunities in the coming year.
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