Wegmans announced that it welcomed more than 25,000 customers on Oct. 14 at its new Ballantyne store, the grocer’s largest weekday opening to date. Record sales continued throughout opening week as the company celebrated its entrance into the Charlotte, North Carolina, region, the Rochester, New York-based grocer said.
Hundreds of customers gathered outside in the early morning hours before doors opened, with the line stretching around the corner of the store. The energy continued through the weekend as what the company calls faithful “Wegmaniacs” and curious Charlotteans explored the location, the chain’s 115th store overall and first in the Charlotte market.
“After years of preparation, it was incredibly meaningful to finally open our doors and feel such an enthusiastic welcome from the Charlotte community,” said Patrick McGuinness, Ballantyne store manager. “Seeing customers experience Wegmans for the first time and sharing that excitement with them is something our team will never forget. We’re so grateful to our customers for welcoming us and incredibly proud of our employees, whose dedication and hard work brought this special day to life.”
Opening-week highlights from Oct. 14-17, per the company:
- The in-store bakery dominated sales, with Cookieland items including Wegmans Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies and cut-out cookies among the top sellers.
- Restaurant foods led as well, with high sales from the hot bars, sushi, subs and pizza.
- Meat and seafood proved popular, especially Wegmans Gold Pan items and beef, including strip steaks.
- Easy appetizers, charcuterie and Parmigiano Reggiano were top Old World Cheese and deli selections, while berries, cut fruit and greenhouse-grown greens led produce.
- Western New York favorites found Southern fans, including Bison French Onion Dip, Zweigle’s Hot Dogs, Rootie’s Blue Cheese, Boss Sauce, sponge candy and hot bar chicken wings.
All of Wegmans’ 115 stores operate on the East Coast.