Wild West of Myrtle Beach, Inc., a boots and apparel retailer, will invest more than $2.5 million to expand operations with a 50,000 square foot distribution center in Loris, South Carolina. The company plans to create 40 jobs over the next five years in Horry County.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $100,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Horry County as an incentive to assist with costs related to the project.

“My family and I are extremely excited to bring Wild West to the Loris area and continue to grow our business in Horry County. I was born in Loris Hospital and raised in Tabor City, N.C. Before founding Wild West, my parents owned and operated Worley’s Clothing, retail clothing stores located in Tabor City and Loris through the 1980s and 1990s. Choosing the Loris Commerce Park for our expansion feels like things have come full circle. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to come home and contribute to this great community,” Wild West of Myrtle Beach, Inc. President Austin Worley said.

“The expansion of Wild West’s existing operations in Horry County signals yet another vote of confidence in the workforce and the strong business environment here in South Carolina. Congratulations to Wild West, and we look forward to the company’s continued success,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

Founded in 1996, Wild West is a family-owned and -operated company that retails and distributes men’s, women’s and children’s boots and accessories.