Grocer retailer Harris Teeter expresses affection for the Lowcountry region
In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, Harris Teeter, a beloved grocery chain known for its commitment to community impact and exceptional customer service, is embarking on a significant transformation. This year-long project, set to be completed by the end of 2025, will see all 12 of its stores in the area undergo a comprehensive makeover.
The refresh includes a series of physical improvements designed to enhance the shopping experience. New signage, visible as early as July 2025, will showcase local products and their suppliers, telling the stories behind them. The interiors will boast unique design elements that celebrate local culture and hospitality traditions. Custom mosaic tiles with the Hawaiian phrase "E Komo Mai" (welcome), sweetgrass baskets by a local Gullah Geechee artist, lei-inspired artwork, pineapple motifs, Haint Blue painted ceilings, and custom wallpaper blending Charleston and Hawaiian imagery are just a few examples of the aesthetic upgrades.
Harris Teeter is also focusing on customer service initiatives as part of this refresh. This includes staff hiring and training improvements at specific stores like Johns Island, aimed at enhancing the customer experience and supporting store operations.
Community engagement is another key aspect of this project. Taste of Teeter events, historically part of Harris Teeter’s community strategy, are likely to be part of this refresh. These events would serve to showcase local products and flavors, further strengthening customer ties to the store.
The refresh also encompasses improved local product signage intended to highlight regional offerings, reinforcing community ties and shopper connection to Charleston’s cultural heritage. Harris Teeter is doubling down on its fresh assortment, particularly in produce and other fresh departments.
This multimillion-dollar investment in the Charleston area stores is a testament to Harris Teeter's commitment to the Lowcountry community. The company, which has served the Charleston community for 48 years, is celebrating its anniversary with birthday parties at its stores.
Harris Teeter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co., the fourth-largest food and consumables retailer in North America. The refresh includes a commitment to local products, such as leaning in on local produce, seafood, and bakery programs.
The first grand-reopening Taste of Teeter event will take place at Six Mile Marketplace Harris Teeter in Mt. Pleasant on June 18. These events are celebrations to welcome the community back into Harris Teeter stores and celebrate their brand-new stores. They will feature regional favorites such as Palmetto Cheese, local seafood, Charleston Coffee Roasters, and other Southern cuisines.
The specific purpose of the Taste of Teeter events is to say thank-you to customers for their patience during the remodeling process and to celebrate their brand-new Harris Teeter stores. Harris Teeter employs 36,000 associates and operates more than 250 stores and 70 fuel centers in multiple states.
In 2021, Harris Teeter gave back over $6 million to the community through donations, fundraising, roundup campaigns, and vendor support. This ongoing commitment to the community is a testament to Harris Teeter's enduring dedication to the Charleston area.
- Harris Teeter's transformation will incorporate local products and their suppliers in new signage, promoting a stronger connection between the store and the community.
- The refresh includes an emphasis on regional offerings, with a focus on increasing local produce, seafood, and bakery programs, reflecting the company's commitment to the Lowcountry community.
- Additionally, Harris Teeter will continue its community engagement initiatives, such as Taste of Teeter events, showcasing local flavors and strengthening customer ties to the store and Charleston's cultural heritage.
