Harris Teeter will spend $253 million over three years to renovate Charlotte-area stores and build three new locations. The announcement came Tuesday, Sept. 15, as Wegmans prepares to open its first Charlotte store in Ballantyne on Oct. 14.

The Matthews-based grocer said in a Tuesday, Sept. 15, press release that renovations will target stores in Matthews, Waxhaw, Concord, Huntersville, Fort Mill and Rock Hill, S.C. The plan also includes new stores in Kannapolis, Fort Mill and Lake Wylie, with construction on all three expected to begin in 2026.

No Ballantyne-area stores were named in the announcement.

Harris Teeter president Tammy DeBoer said in the release that the investments reflect areas where the company believes it can better support customers. Planned upgrades include expanded fresh food, bakery and prepared meal sections, updated store layouts and faster pickup and delivery service.

The Charlotte Observer reported that the regional grocery market is valued at $10.8 billion. Harris Teeter posted $1.7 billion in regional sales last year and held 15.7% market share, according to sales tracking firm Chain Store Guide. Walmart has led the market since 2019 with 23% share.

Wegmans will open its 110,000-square-foot Ballantyne store at 11550 North Community House Road at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, according to GoBallantyne. The Rochester, N.Y.-based chain's first Charlotte location sits less than half a mile from The Bowl at Ballantyne.

The store will include a market café with indoor and outdoor seating, according to a joint announcement from Wegmans and Northwood Investors in April 2024.

Northwood Office president John Barton told The Charlotte Ledger in late July that "the frenzy around Wegmans just continues."

Other grocers are also investing. Salisbury-based Food Lion has spent $500 million on local store upgrades since about 2024, the Observer reported. Competitors including Publix and Sprouts Farmers Market continue expanding in the region, and Walmart and Target have also put money into store improvements.

Opening dates for the three new Harris Teeter stores have not been announced. Store renovations will roll out in phases, with the company planning grand reopening celebrations as each location is completed.