New Grocery Store And Shopping Center In Aiken – Progress Update
Update as of 07/08/2024: We now have an opening date for the new Lowes Foods in Aiken!
According to a post made by Lowes Foods Aiken on July 5th, the new store will be opening on Thursday, July 25th!
Update as of 05/16/2024: The sign has gone up at the new Lowes Foods in Aiken!
About a week ago, McKnight Engler shared some photos from inside the Lowes Foods showing they had installed specialty cases. They plan to have the store open this Summer!
Previous News On Lowes Foods In Aiken
The news of a Lowes Foods in Aiken was announced over a year ago. But now, we’re seeing some progress on the shopping center construction. According to McKnight Engler, the new development will be the Junction Shopping Center. It’s located at the corner of Whiskey and Powerhouse Roads. Take a look at the construction progress below!
New Locations of Lowes Foods
The “anchor” of the new shopping center in Aiken will be Lowes Foods. This is a Carolinas-based grocery store headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The supermarket brand has been recently expanding, adding new locations across North and South Carolina.
In addition to adding Lowes Foods in Aiken, they also announced plans for new stores in Lexington and Summerville, South Carolina. The grocery chain is also expanding into Georgia. Their first store in Georgia is set to open this summer. The company acquired an IGA Market in Marble Hill, Georgia, and will transition into Lowes Foods sometime in the coming months.
Here’s a bird’s eye view of the construction of the Lowes Foods in Aiken:
History Of Lowes Foods
In 1954, Lowes Foods was a single grocery store located in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Over the next few decades, the company experienced major growth before being acquired by Merchants Distributors, Inc. in 1984. From there, they continued growth and acquired even more stores across North and South Carolina. Currently, the company has 80 stores throughout the Carolinas.
Lowes Foods started with strong community connections and support and continues to carry that legacy in all of its stores. They work to bring in food from local farmers and vendors from the Carolinas. Also, the company is always working to make grocery shopping a better experience for all of its customers. Their goal is to break the mold from your standard supermarket experience, and continually look at research to find out what works and to help develop new concepts to set them apart.
The supermarket’s motto is:
“Lowes Foods sets out to break the mold of the standard supermarket and create a distinctive grocery shopping experience worthy of our Carolina roots.”
Learn more about Lowes Foods HERE.
Steer Clear: 8 Grocery Store Behaviors to Avoid
Disrespecting Employees
This should be common sense, but one of the fundamental rules of grocery store etiquette is to treat employees with respect and kindness. While it’s understandable to occasionally have moments of price shock or policy gripes. But don’t take it out on the people working at the grocery store. They’re not the ones setting the prices. Venting your frustration on employees is never the right approach. Refrain from raising your voice or engaging in arguments with cashiers and staff members on the sales floor.
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Packing Out the Express Checkout
We all love the quick in-and-out experience of using self-checkout for those small hauls. But the self-service lane loses its charm when people with massive shopping carts, loaded with groceries decide to set up camp there. It’s even worse when they have items needing special codes. So, think of self-checkout as the express lane, where it’s best to stick to around ten items or less. Using the express checkout lane with more items than the posted limit can hold up the line for others who are following the rules. It’s worth mentioning that many grocery stores are opting for more self-checkout lanes in their stores.
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Aisle Bites
You’ve probably seen people snacking on food they haven’t paid for yet at the grocery store. Some even take half-eaten items to the cashier to scan. This is not only rude but also unhygienic. It’s like treating the store as your personal buffet and it makes others uncomfortable. While satisfying your cravings is perfectly fine, there are better ways to go about it.
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Grocery Blocker
You’re bound to bump into a friend or neighbor while grocery shopping, but consider where you stop for a chat. If you see someone eyeing the produce behind you, it’s a good sign to wrap up and find a quieter spot. Keep in mind that grocery store catch-ups should be relatively short. It’s not the ideal time for lengthy reunions, especially if others are waiting to shop. The same courtesy applies to your shopping cart. Don’t park your cart smack in the middle and block the way for everyone else.
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Stashing Unwanted Groceries and Trash
If you change your mind about something while shopping, do everyone a favor and return it to where it belongs. Dumping unwanted items in random aisles instead of returning them to their proper creates frustration for both store employees and fellow shoppers. Nobody wants to discover a rogue carton of buttermilk sitting next to the potato chips. It makes the store messy, confuses people, and turns a simple grocery trip into a weird scavenger hunt. In some grocery stores, you might find cafes where you can stroll the aisles with a coffee or beverage in hand. Chances are you’ve come across half-empty Starbucks cups or abandoned water bottles among the store shelves. When you’ve finished your drink, it’s best to dispose of the cup or bottle properly.
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Leaving Your Grocery Cart Wherever
Bringing back your shopping cart is the most basic form of grocery store courtesy. Returning your shopping cart is a quick task and it’s a huge help for the store staff. Additionally, left-behind carts can lead to more significant problems. A deserted cart in the parking area may potentially cause damage to vehicles. A cart left behind inside can cause a roadblock in the store.
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Lack of Personal Space
When we’re shopping at the grocery store, give people their personal space. Whether browsing the aisles for your favorite snacks or waiting in line at the checkout, respecting personal space is key. No one likes feeling crowded or rushed while making their selections, and we all appreciate a bit of privacy when completing our transactions.
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Rude Cellphone Usage
When you’re at the store, try not to use your phone too much. It’s okay to make a quick call to roomie to ask about ketchup, but keep it quiet and brief. Save the catching up for later. Also, don’t text and push your cart at the same time because you might bump into something or someone. Lastly, unless you’re using your phone for digital coupons or rewards, it’s best to put it away during checkout.
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