MARYLAND - For years, Maryland shoppers—especially those in the Washington, D.C. suburbs—have watched from the sidelines as certain grocery chains took over other parts of the country. But with grocery prices remaining high and inflation continuing to pinch wallets, one of the fastest-growing discount chains in America is finally making a major push into the region.
Get your reusable bags ready: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market is accelerating its expansion in Maryland. While the California-based chain has already dipped its toe into the state with locations in areas like Owings Mills and Eldersburg, recent announcements indicate a much more aggressive expansion into the heart of Maryland's busiest suburbs, including a potential flagship location in Montgomery County.
Here is what you need to know about the chain often called the "TJ Maxx of Supermarkets" and why its expansion is a big deal for Maryland shoppers this year.
The "Treasure Hunt" Model
Unlike traditional grocery stores like Giant or Safeway, Grocery Outlet operates on an "opportunistic" buying model. They purchase overstock, packaging changes, and surplus inventory from major brands and sell them at a deep discount—typically 40% to 70% less than conventional stores.
This means you won't always find the exact same brand of cereal or pasta sauce every week. Instead, the shopping experience is described as a "treasure hunt," where you might find high-end organic cheeses, premium wines, and name-brand frozen goods for a fraction of the regular price.
The New Targets: Bethesda and Beyond
The big news for 2026 is the chain's move toward the D.C. beltway. Reports from early January indicate that Grocery Outlet is actively recruiting operators for a new location in Bethesda, signaling its intent to enter the competitive Montgomery County market.
This move comes simultaneously with the chain’s entry into Northern Virginia (with a store opening in Falls Church this February), creating a "DMV" cluster that will make the brand a household name in the region.
Why Now?
The timing couldn't be better. With food prices up significantly over the last few years, Maryland residents are increasingly swapping brand loyalty for better value. Grocery Outlet fills a unique niche: it offers the "natural and organic" products popular in affluent suburbs like Bethesda and Silver Spring, but at prices that compete with Aldi and Lidl.
What Shoppers Can Expect
- Deep Discounts: Significant savings on name brands, particularly in the dairy, frozen, and pantry aisles.
- NOSH: The chain is famous for its "Natural, Organic, Specialty, Healthy" (NOSH) section, which often features items found at Whole Foods but at steep markdowns.
- Independent Owners: Each store is independently owned and operated by a local family, meaning the inventory often caters specifically to the local neighborhood's tastes.
Next Steps
If you are in Montgomery County or the surrounding areas, keep an eye out for "Coming Soon" banners. The chain is moving quickly, and if the success of their initial Maryland locations is any indicator, these new stores will likely see lines around the block on opening day.
