Harris Teeter, a supermarket chain owned by Kroger, is set to expand significantly with the opening of five new locations in the Southeastern United States. The new supermarkets will be established in Jacksonville, Florida, and Clemson, Kannapolis, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill, all in South Carolina. This expansion comes at a time when Kroger is closing several stores nationwide, highlighting a strategic shift towards growth in specific markets.
Details of the New Store Openings
The five new Harris Teeter supermarkets are part of the company’s long-term growth strategy. They are scheduled to open over the next couple of years, with construction set to begin soon in Lake Wylie and Fort Mill, while the Clemson and Kannapolis locations are expected to start in 2026. Each store will feature modern amenities, including a drive-thru pharmacy, a gas station, and a more contemporary design compared to older locations.
The new stores will also emphasize fresh food offerings, featuring dedicated areas for Murry’s Cheese, fresh pizza, and an Asian hot bar. Notably, the Jacksonville, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill locations will include full-service wine and beer bars, enhancing the shopping experience for customers.
The store sizes will vary, with those in Clemson and Kannapolis measuring approximately 53,000 square feet, while the Jacksonville, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill locations will be around 61,000 square feet. This expansion will mark the first Harris Teeter locations in Jacksonville, Clemson, Lake Wylie, and Kannapolis. In Fort Mill, the new store will extend the existing Harris Teeter presence.
Impact on Employment and Services
According to Danna Robinson, the director of corporate affairs and customer relations at Harris Teeter, the company has witnessed significant support from its customers. “This growth allows us to meet rising demand while continuing to deliver the exceptional experience our brand is known for,” Robinson stated.
Each new supermarket is expected to create between 100 and 200 jobs, spanning various roles including customer service, pharmacy, fresh foods, and management. This job creation is particularly important in local communities, providing new employment opportunities as the economy continues to recover.
Additionally, Harris Teeter and its parent company Kroger are promoting online shopping and delivery options. Customers can utilize same-day delivery services through Instacart for a fee of $6.95, with some orders eligible for delivery within 30 minutes if they exceed $10. New customers can also benefit from a $15 discount on their first delivery order of $75 or more.
As the company moves forward with its expansion, the new locations will enhance the shopping options available to consumers in the Southeast, further solidifying Harris Teeter’s presence in the region.
Strategic Realignment Amid Store Closures
This announcement aligns with Kroger’s broader strategy of restructuring its operations. Over the next 18 months, Kroger plans to close around 60 locations across several states, including Georgia, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia. The closures are part of a corporate decision to redirect resources from underperforming stores to areas with growth potential.
According to Kroger executives, the company aims to save approximately $3.6 billion through these changes, which will be reinvested into new or improved stores, including the five new Harris Teeter locations. As a result, consumers may experience a mixed impact, with some gaining access to new supermarkets while others may lose nearby locations.
This expansion by Harris Teeter highlights a commitment to meeting customer needs and adapting to market demands, even as its parent company navigates the complexities of retail operations in a changing economic landscape.
