Harris Teeter Expands with Five New Supermarkets in the Southeast

The supermarket chain Harris Teeter, owned by Kroger, has announced plans to open five new locations across the Southeast United States. The new stores will be established in Jacksonville, Florida; Clemson, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill in South Carolina; and Kannapolis, North Carolina. This expansion comes as Kroger is closing several locations nationwide, indicating a strategic shift in its operations.

According to Harris Teeter, the new supermarkets will open over the next couple of years, aligning with the company’s long-term growth strategy. Specifically, construction is set to begin soon in Lake Wylie and Fort Mill, while the other locations are scheduled to start construction in 2026.

Store Features and Employment Opportunities

Each of the new Harris Teeter stores will be designed to enhance the shopping experience. The locations in Kannapolis and Clemson will each span approximately 53,000 square feet, while the Jacksonville, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill stores will be larger, at around 61,000 square feet. All five supermarkets will include modern facilities such as a drive-thru pharmacy, a gas station, and expanded fresh food sections. Notable features will include a dedicated Murry’s Cheese island, fresh pizza offerings, and an Asian hot bar.

Additionally, three of the new sites—Jacksonville, Lake Wylie, and Fort Mill—will introduce a full-service wine and beer bar, providing customers with a unique shopping experience.

The expansion is also expected to create significant employment opportunities. Each store will generate between 100 and 200 jobs, covering various positions from customer service to pharmacy and management roles.

Online Services and Corporate Strategy

As part of its ongoing commitment to customer convenience, Harris Teeter will continue to promote online shopping and delivery services. Customers will have access to same-day delivery through Instacart for a fee of $6.95. Orders totaling at least $10 can be delivered within 30 minutes or less, with new customers eligible for a $15 discount on their first delivery order of $75 or more.

The expansion aligns with Kroger’s broader strategy of restructuring its operations. Over the next 18 months, the company plans to close approximately 60 locations across states including Georgia, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia. The $3.6 billion in savings derived from these closures will be reinvested into new and improved stores, reflecting a focus on areas with growth potential.

This dual approach of closing underperforming locations while expanding in promising markets demonstrates Kroger’s intent to adapt to changing consumer demands. Depending on their location, customers may find themselves either benefiting from new Harris Teeter stores or facing closures.

In summary, the opening of these five new supermarkets marks a significant step for Harris Teeter as it aims to enhance its market presence in the Southeast while responding to evolving consumer preferences.