Harris Teeter will invest approximately $253 million over the next three years to refresh and modernize select stores throughout the Charlotte, North Carolina, area and develop three new stores, a defense-of-home-turf commitment in one of the Southeast’s most contested grocery markets.
The Matthews, North Carolina-based Kroger subsidiary plans renovations at locations including Fort Mill and Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Matthews, Waxhaw, Concord and Huntersville, North Carolina, along with other communities in the region.
The three new stores will rise in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and Kannapolis, North Carolina.
“For generations, Charlotte families have made us a part of their neighborhoods and this investment reflects our long-term commitment to the customers and communities we serve,” said Tammy DeBoer, president of Harris Teeter.
She continued, “These investments reflect areas where we believe we can better support our customers and communities, from select department and service enhancements to updates that improve convenience in stores.”
Product, structure upgrades
The refresh initiative varies by location and may include expanded fresh, bakery and prepared food offerings; layout and fixture updates for easier navigation; shopping cart, exterior and parking improvements; faster pickup and delivery services; and updated decor and signage. Updates will roll out in phases over three years, with completed renovations celebrated this fall through grand reopenings featuring the grocer’s signature Taste of Teeter sampling events.
Deep roots
The investment lands in a market where the grocer’s roots run deepest, and where competition has intensified as rivals pour capital into the region. Harris Teeter’s Charlotte history dates to 1936, when co-founder W.T. Harris opened his first grocery store, before combining with Willis L. Teeter’s operation in 1960 to form the hometown banner.
The company paired the store announcement with a community commitment, noting it has contributed more than $27.4 million in food and funds to Charlotte-region hunger relief over the past decade through food rescue, Round Up campaigns and nonprofit partnerships.
“As Charlotte’s hometown retailer, we are proud to continue investing in the communities that have supported Harris Teeter for generations,” said Danna Robinson, director of corporate affairs and customer relations. “These enhancements reflect our commitment to our customers, our associates and the future of the region we call home.”
Harris Teeter, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co., employs 36,000 associates at more than 250 stores and 85 fuel centers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and the District of Columbia.
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