Food Lion will open four stores across North and South Carolina in the first quarter, extending the Ahold Delhaize banner’s footprint in its core Southeast market.
The Salisbury, North Carolina-based grocer announced the expansion Jan. 15, with the first location opening six days later in Pontiac, South Carolina.
The openings mark continued growth for the 1,100-store chain, which operates across 10 states in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Food Lion did not disclose investment totals or square footage for the new locations.
“This growth is part of Food Lion’s commitment to nourish our neighbors and set them up for success in life by being a trusted neighborhood grocer in existing and new towns and cities across our footprint,” said Food Lion President Greg Finchum.
“Each new store strengthens our ability to deliver an easy, fresh and affordable omnichannel grocery shopping experience while supporting the communities where our neighbors live, work and raise their families.”
Opening schedule
The four stores will launch on the following timeline:
- Jan. 21: Pontiac, South Carolina
- Jan. 28: Statesville, North Carolina
- February: Greensboro, North Carolina
- March: Simpsonville, South Carolina
Food Lion said the first-quarter openings build momentum for additional growth throughout 2026, though additional specifics weren’t shared.
Store format, features
Each location will follow Food Lion’s current prototype, featuring an easy-to-shop layout with expanded assortment and modern décor based on customer feedback. All stores will offer Food Lion To Go pickup and home delivery.
Fresh departments will include walk-in garden coolers for produce, in-store prepared fresh-cut fruit, freshly made sushi and self-service wing and hot favorites bars. The stores will carry ready-to-eat, -cook and -heat meal solutions alongside meats and organic, gluten-free and plant-based items.
They will have self-checkout lanes alongside traditional cashier-assisted lanes. Energy-efficient features include LED lighting, refrigerated cases with doors and CO₂ refrigeration systems designed to reduce the environmental footprint.
The stores will carry Nature’s Promise, Food Lion’s affordable organic and natural brand offering products made without artificial flavors, preservatives or synthetic colors.
Through Food Lion’s Local Goodness program, each location will stock items sourced from North Carolina and South Carolina growers and manufacturers.
Community partnerships
Food Lion said each new store will partner with area food banks and community organizations to support hunger-relief efforts. The retailer’s Food Lion Feeds platform has donated more than 1.5 billion meals since 2014. The company has committed to donating 3 billion meals by 2032.
Food Lion has more than 82,000 employees across its 1,100-plus stores.
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