Harris Teeter, a supermarket chain owned by Kroger, has officially announced its plans to expand with the opening of five new stores across Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. This decision comes as Kroger restructures its operations, closing other locations nationwide. The new supermarkets will be situated in Jacksonville, Florida; Kannapolis, North Carolina; and Clemson, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill in South Carolina.
Construction for the new stores is set to begin soon, with the locations in Lake Wylie and Fort Mill expected to break ground shortly. The Jacksonville and Clemson stores are scheduled for construction to commence in 2026. According to the company, these openings are part of a long-term strategy to enhance its market presence in the Southeast.
Modern Features and Job Opportunities
Each of the new Harris Teeter locations will feature modern amenities, including a drive-thru pharmacy and a gas station. The stores will be designed with contemporary decor, offering expanded fresh food sections, a dedicated Murry’s Cheese island, fresh pizza, and an Asian hot bar. Notably, three of the locations—Jacksonville, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill—will include a full-service wine and beer bar, providing a unique shopping experience that goes beyond typical grocery offerings.
The stores in Kannapolis and Clemson are expected to cover approximately 53,000 square feet, while the Jacksonville, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill locations will be larger, at around 61,000 square feet. This expansion will introduce Harris Teeter to new communities, including its first stores in Jacksonville and Kannapolis, while reinforcing its presence in Fort Mill.
These new supermarkets are projected to create between 100 and 200 jobs at each location. Positions will range across various departments, including customer service, pharmacy, and management roles.
Online Services and Competitive Market Position
In addition to in-store shopping, Harris Teeter continues to promote online ordering and delivery services. Customers can access same-day delivery through Instacart for a fee of $6.95, with options for expedited delivery available for orders over $10. New customers can also benefit from a $15 discount on their first order of $75 or more.
The expansion reflects a broader strategy within Kroger’s operations, which plans to close approximately 60 locations in various states, including Georgia and Virginia, over the next 18 months. Executives indicate that the anticipated $3.6 billion in savings from these closures will be reinvested into new or remodeled stores, aligning resources with areas where growth is more feasible.
As Harris Teeter continues to grow, the impact on local consumers will vary; some areas will welcome new stores, while others will experience closures as Kroger adjusts its footprint. Danna Robinson, the director of corporate affairs and customer relations at Harris Teeter, stated, “We’ve seen incredible support from our customers, and this growth allows us to meet rising demand while continuing to deliver the exceptional experience our brand is known for.”
This expansion is not just about numbers; it represents Harris Teeter’s commitment to enhancing the shopping experience and catering to the evolving needs of its customer base across the Southeast.
