Popular Murrells Inlet consignment shop closing. Vendors offer sales. What happens next?

A popular Murrells Inlet consignment store is closing and a new shop will be taking its place.

The last day for Pluff Mud, 5142 Highway 17 Bypass, to be in its building is Nov. 30, according to owner Mary Ellen Bliss. However, Pluff Mud is “not closing its location, just the store,” Bliss said.

Instead, Pluff Mud will move online and continue to operate its Mud Hut, located along the MarshWalk, Bliss said. The Mud Hut is open from mid-March through October.

Goat Island Goods, located in Murrells Inlet, will take over the location, Bliss said. Goat Island sells painted furniture and coastal decor.

Pluff Mud has been in operation for about 11 years and Bliss took over about 9 years ago, she said.

Many of the vendors that have been with her since she took over will continue to sell items with Pluff Mud, Bliss said.

Bliss has decided to shift to online because sales have been down at the physical location since COVID-19.

“They stopped coming in,” Bliss said about customers. “The numbers every year after got worse.”

Vendors sell various items, including artwork, custom-made items, beach themed designs, vintage and antique items and jewelry. Since the store is closing, many of the vendors are offering sales on items and at their booths.

Bliss hopes to have the online store open about three weeks after the physical location closes. She currently doesn’t have an online address but said customers can watch on Facebook for the new site.