Lowe’s Foods

Lowe’s Foods is a regional grocery chain based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with a presence across North Carolina, South Carolina, and southern Virginia. The company was founded in 1954 by Jim Lowe, who opened the first store in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Over the decades, Lowe’s Foods grew steadily, becoming a familiar supermarket name throughout its home state. In 1984, the company joined the Alex Lee, Inc. family through an acquisition by Merchants Distributors, Inc., a relationship that continues today.

As of November 2025, Lowe’s Foods operates 80 stores, with most locations concentrated in North Carolina and South Carolina and a smaller footprint in southern Virginia. In recent years, the company has focused on updating its stores and opening new sites in select suburban and high-growth markets. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, Lowe’s Foods has prioritized creating a distinct in-store experience through concepts like the Beer Den, Chicken Kitchen, SausageWorks, and the Community Table. These features highlight fresh, prepared foods and local partnerships, giving each store a strong community feel and setting the brand apart from national competitors.

During the past five years, Lowe’s Foods has continued to evolve by investing in store remodels and enhancing its signature experiential retail approach. The company’s strategy emphasizes community engagement and tailored offerings for local shoppers, which has helped maintain a loyal customer base and a strong reputation in the region. Lowe’s Foods is privately held by Alex Lee, Inc., which also owns Merchants Distributors, Inc. The company employs more than 8,000 people and generates annual revenues exceeding $1.5 billion, reflecting its scale and stability within the Southeastern grocery sector.

Lowe’s Foods is not affiliated with Lowe’s Home Improvement. Its focus on innovative store formats, ongoing investment in its core markets, and commitment to local partnerships make it a reliable and attractive anchor for shopping centers in the Carolinas and Virginia.