SOUTH CAROLINA - South Carolina's grocery landscape is heating up this year, with major retailers announcing significant expansions from the Upstate to the Lowcountry. As population growth continues to surge in suburbs around Greenville, Columbia, and Charlotte's southern borders, supermarkets are racing to claim prime real estate.
Whether you are looking for high-end prepared foods, discount staples, or a neighborhood favorite, here is a look at the grocery chains growing their footprint in the Palmetto State in 2026.
Harris Teeter: A Massive Upstate Push
Matthews-based Harris Teeter is making a calculated push into South Carolina this year, targeting fast-growing college towns and state-line suburbs.
- Clemson: In a major move for the Upstate, Harris Teeter is constructing its first-ever store in Clemson. Located at 501 Old Greenville Highway, this 53,000-square-foot location will feature a fuel center and pharmacy, finally bringing the "Harry Teeter" experience to Tiger Town.
- York County Expansion: The chain is also densifying its presence just south of the NC border with new locations planned for Lake Wylie (WestLake Village) and Fort Mill (Dobys Bridge Road). Both stores are designed to be larger format (approx. 61,000 sq. ft.) featuring full-service wine bars and expanded prepared food sections.
Food Lion: Fresh Locations for Early 2026
While some chains are just breaking ground, Food Lion is cutting ribbons. The regional heavyweight is kicking off the year with immediate openings to serve growing residential hubs.
- Pontiac: A new store is set to open its doors on January 21, 2026, bringing the chain's modern "omnichannel" format to the Columbia suburb.
- Simpsonville: A new location is scheduled to open in March 2026, following closely behind, reinforcing Food Lion's stronghold in the Greenville metro area.
Publix: Breaking New Ground in Florence
Publix continues its steady march across the state. While they have recently opened stores in Mauldin and Columbia, 2026 brings a new project to the Pee Dee region.
- Florence: Publix has officially signed a lease to anchor Palmetto Place, a new shopping center at West Palmetto Street and South Ebenezer Road.
- Timeline: While this is a longer-term project, construction is slated to begin this year with an anticipated opening in late 2026. This will be a flagship location for the Florence area, featuring their signature "Publ subs" and premium bakery.
Aldi: The Great Conversion
For budget-conscious shoppers, the biggest news of 2026 involves a change of signage rather than new construction. Following its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, Aldi is in the process of converting select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations into the Aldi format.
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What to Expect: Throughout 2026, South Carolinians in areas formerly served by Winn-Dixie may see their local stores close temporarily to reopen as fully modernized Aldis, bringing the chain's exclusive brands and "quarter-cart" system to more neighborhoods.
Lowes Foods: Charleston Market Growth
The uniquely Carolinian grocer Lowes Foods is expanding its reach in the Lowcountry by taking over existing retail space.
- John's Island: The company is converting the KJ’s Market on John's Island into a full-service Lowe's Foods.
- The Experience: This remodel will introduce Lowe's Foods' signature "originals" to the island, including the Beer Den (craft beer on tap), the Cakery, and the SausageWorks, offering a more experiential shopping trip for local residents.
2026 in South Carolina is defined by variety. From the college-town excitement of Harris Teeter's arrival in Clemson to the rapid modernization of Food Lion and the strategic conversions by Aldi, shoppers across the state will have more options than ever to fill their pantries.
