Wegmans Food Markets is poised to establish its first store in Charlotte, North Carolina, with construction expected to commence shortly after the new year. Dan Aken, Wegmans’ vice president of real estate, informed The Charlotte Observer that demolition of four office buildings and extensive land preparation at the Ballantyne location on North Community House Road will kick off around January 1. The necessary land disturbance permit was obtained from the city last month, and Wegmans anticipates receiving its building permit approval by the end of 2023, finalizing the acquisition of 14 acres from Northwood Investors. As part of Northwood’s larger $1 billion Ballantyne Reimagined project, Wegmans aims to have construction underway by late summer 2025, with store openings targeted for fall 2026. Aken emphasized the significant investment, which he estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars, although the specific figure remains undisclosed.
This new store in Charlotte will be notable for its size, spanning 110,000 square feet, making it one of Wegmans’ larger locations in the U.S. Aken highlighted that the Charlotte store would be approximately 5,000 square feet larger than any of the existing Wegmans stores in the Raleigh-Durham area. Not only will the store provide a similar layout and product mix seen in other Wegmans locations—combining Upstate New York and local offerings—it will also feature outdoor patio seating for its market café. The increased space will allow Wegmans to offer expanded sections, particularly in produce and dining options. In line with its approach to hiring, the store anticipates employing up to 500 full- and part-time staff, with recruitment efforts beginning about six months before the store’s grand opening.
Wegmans’ decision to open in Charlotte comes after years of demand from both local residents and transplants from the Northeastern U.S. Since confirming plans in April, a significant number of requests for a next-generation grocery experience have flooded in. The company sees Charlotte as an attractive market, fueled by its booming population and growing interest in diverse grocery options. As Wegmans prepares to enter this market, it also has its sights set on future expansions, considering three to five additional locations throughout the Charlotte area. Various sites, particularly in neighborhoods such as SouthPark and near Huntersville and Cornelius, are being evaluated for potential Wegmans stores, adhering to a strategy of maintaining sufficient distances—typically at least ten miles—between new locations.
Competing in a flourishing grocery landscape, Wegmans will face stiff rivalry from over 760 grocery stores in Charlotte. Dominating this market are established players like Walmart, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion. Last year alone, the grocery sector recorded impressive sales totaling $10.2 billion. The ongoing expansion of competitors like Publix and Lowes Foods adds to the competitive intensity, making Wegmans’ entry both challenging and promising in equal measures. Aken is confident that Charlotte’s vibrant food culture aligns with Wegmans’ strengths and suggests that markets with a dedicated culinary enthusiasm tend to perform well for the brand.
Wegmans, a family-owned chain that has been operating for 108 years, has a robust presence with 110 stores across several states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. With a workforce of around 5,400 employees, the company has shown resilience and growth even amid fierce competition. Aken’s commitment to sustaining Wegmans’ tradition of quality service and premium products while entering the Charlotte market highlights the chain’s focus on creating a unique shopping experience tailored to local tastes. The company’s strategy includes blending its upstate New York heritage with local flavors, which is expected to resonate well in Charlotte’s diverse culinary scene.
As Wegmans gears up for its debut in Charlotte, it embodies a forward-looking vision supported by strategic planning and community engagement. The anticipated new store will not only add to the culinary diversity of the Ballantyne area but also contribute to local job creation and economic growth. The excitement surrounding Wegmans’ entry reflects broader trends in grocery retail that favor innovative experiences and upscale offerings. By establishing itself in such a competitive locale, Wegmans is set to leverage its well-known brand reputation while adapting to the specific demands of Charlotte’s consumer base, setting the stage for a potentially successful and long-term presence in the region.
