Large department stores continue to show interest in Columbia County, with Wal-Mart eyeing a potential new site on Lewiston Road near Interstate 20.

Amid such growth, though, officials say fewer small boutiques are opening in the county, causing some already built sites to sit vacant.

"We certainly would like to see more boutique-style, upscale developments come in," said county planner Justin Snyder.

He said he would prefer to see some of the empty retail spaces in Evans fill in before developers recruit more big-box stores.

County officials estimate the population at 107,000, and some wonder whether there are too many large department stores already.

"There are some things we need," county commission Chairman Ron Cross said. "Big boxes? I don't know."

Once the economy recovers from its downturn, and a new census occurs, Mr. Cross said he believes more specialty shops will come to Columbia County.

"We need some upper-scale restaurants," he said. "We need a Bonefish, a Red Lobster, an Outback and a Carrabba's. They look at population and rooftops, and I think when we're officially over 100,000 we'll get a lot more attention by those people."

The 2000 census showed a county population of 89,288.

After an initial surge, Red Robin restaurant General Manager Brian Ratliffe saw some drop-off in customers, but a recent ad campaign has renewed interest, he said.

From his restaurant, Mr. Ratliffe can nearly see a vacant retail strip owned by Blanchard and Calhoun on Washington Road. He wonders about all the empty spaces but chalks it up to a sluggish economy.

"The cost of living here is low, but there is something that has upset the balance," the Maryland native said. "I think once the economy improves, gas prices go down, things will get better."

Phone messages left for Blanchard and Calhoun Commercial Properties Chief Executive Officer Vic Mills were not immediately returned last week.

Mr. Snyder said he wouldn't be surprised if more large retail outlets continue to show interest.

"With as much commercial property as we have available, you're bound to get some big-box retail," he said. "We'd just like to improve the mix."

Anna Goeppinger, a corporate spokeswoman for Target, said Columbia County possesses much of the qualities retailers look for in a community -- easily accessible, good demographics and growth potential.

"What is the retail environment of the area? Do we have an opportunity to grow with the community?" Ms. Goeppinger asked. "Those are questions we ask when considering building in a new place. It's not uncommon, if a community has a sustained growth, to have one Target within five miles of another Target."

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.