Harris Teeter, a supermarket chain owned by Kroger, has officially announced plans to open five new stores across the Southeastern United States, specifically in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. This expansion comes as Kroger continues to restructure its operations, closing other locations nationwide. The new supermarkets are set to be situated in **Clemson**, **Lake Wylie**, and **Fort Mill** in South Carolina, as well as **Jacksonville** in Florida and **Kannapolis** in North Carolina.
The company indicated that these stores will open “over the next couple of years,” as part of a broader long-term strategy aimed at meeting increasing customer demand. Earlier this year, Harris Teeter revealed it would close two stores in **Arlington, Virginia**, attributing the decision to corporate restructuring and the need to focus on business viability.
New Store Features and Customer Experience
Each of the five new Harris Teeter locations will feature modern amenities aimed at enhancing the shopping experience. All stores will include a drive-thru pharmacy and a gas station, along with updated décor. Notably, there will be expanded fresh food sections, a dedicated Murry’s Cheese island, fresh pizza options, and an Asian hot bar.
Three of the locations—**Jacksonville**, **Lake Wylie**, and **Fort Mill**—will also include a full-service wine and beer bar, setting them apart from traditional grocery stores. The new establishments in **Kannapolis** and **Clemson** will be approximately **53,000 square feet**, while the stores in **Jacksonville**, **Lake Wylie**, and **Fort Mill** will offer around **61,000 square feet** of space. These will mark the first Harris Teeter stores in Jacksonville, Clemson, Lake Wylie, and Kannapolis, while Fort Mill will see an expansion of its existing presence.
Danna Robinson, the chain’s director of corporate affairs and customer relations, 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.”
Job Creation and Online Services
The expansion is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities. According to Harris Teeter, each new store will create between **100 and 200 jobs**, covering various roles in customer service, pharmacy, fresh foods, fuel stations, and store management.
Kroger and Harris Teeter continue to promote online shopping and delivery options. Customers can utilize the same-day delivery service for **$6.95** through Instacart, with some orders eligible for delivery within **30 minutes** if the total exceeds **$10**. New customers can benefit from a **$15 discount** on their first delivery order of **$75 or more**.
The chain has a loyal customer base, and many consumers have expressed strong opinions about its offerings, with some even claiming Harris Teeter surpasses other grocery stores like Aldi in quality and service.
Context of Expansion Amid Corporate Changes
The announcement of new store openings coincides with Kroger’s ongoing restructuring efforts. Over the next **18 months**, Kroger plans to close approximately **60 locations** across states including **Georgia**, **Kentucky**, **Texas**, **Tennessee**, and **Virginia**, as part of a strategy to save **$3.6 billion**. This capital will be redirected toward new and improved stores, including the planned Harris Teeter locations.
For consumers in the affected areas, this expansion represents a shift in their grocery shopping landscape, offering new options while some may face closures of other familiar locations. The growth of Harris Teeter is indicative of a strategic pivot toward markets where the company sees potential for further development and customer engagement.
