Lowes Foods

Lowes Foods is a regional supermarket chain serving communities since 1954. It has a strong presence in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The company grew from a single store in North Wilkesboro, NC, to a major grocery industry player.

In 1984, Lowes Foods was acquired by Merchants Distributors, Inc. (MDI), a wholesale distributor based in Hickory, North Carolina. This acquisition enabled aggressive expansion, with 19 stores opening in the following four years.

In 1997, Lowes Foods expanded further by acquiring Byrds Food Stores in eastern North Carolina. The growth continued with innovative initiatives.

Innovative Concepts and Shopping Experience

In 2013, Lowes Foods embarked on a transformation to redefine the supermarket experience. Through consumer research and collaborative workshops, it introduced:

• Chicken Kitchen
• SausageWorks
• Pick & Prep
• Community Table

These initiatives aimed to bring the community back to the table, reflecting the company's Carolina roots and offering a distinctive shopping experience.

Operations and Services

Today, Lowes Foods operates close to 100 stores and continues to open new locations, primarily in North and South Carolina. The company is committed to quality, value, and service, focusing on community-oriented shopping experiences.

Besides supermarkets, Lowes Foods has expanded to include:

• Fuel stations
• A value format called Just$ave for budget-conscious shoppers
• Online shopping options through Lowes Foods to Go, allowing customers to order groceries online and pick them up conveniently

Corporate Structure

Lowes Foods is a subsidiary of Alex Lee Inc., an American holding company specializing in food retail and wholesale distribution.

Alex Lee Inc. operates several divisions, including Merchants Distributors, which supplies more than 600 stores across eleven states, primarily in the Southeast.

Locations

The company is headquartered in North Carolina and has a significant presence in these areas:

• Charlotte, NC, USA
• Raleigh, NC, USA
• Greensboro, NC, USA
• Cary, NC, USA
• Durham, NC, USA
• High Point, NC, USA
• Jamestown, NC, USA
• Chapel Hill, NC, USA
• Winston-Salem, NC, USA
• North Charleston, SC, USA
• Charleston, SC, USA
• Columbia, SC, USA
• Hanahan, SC, USA

Community Commitment

With its rich history and focus on community engagement, Lowes Foods remains a trusted and beloved supermarket chain in the Carolinas. It offers a wide range of products and services to meet the diverse needs of its customers.