SALISBURY, NC - Ahold Delhaize banner Food Lion is buckling up for accelerated expansion plans in the Southeast. The retailer announced that it agreed to purchase 62 BI-LO/Harveys Supermarket stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia from Southeastern Grocers.

“We are so excited to add these new locations to our more than 630 stores across Georgia and the Carolinas,” said Food Lion President Meg Ham. “We’ve been serving customers in these larger regions for almost 60 years. We’re thrilled to add these locations and serve even more towns and cities across these three states with fresh, quality products at affordable prices every day with the caring, friendly service customers expect from their local Food Lion.”

Food Lion noted in a press release that it expects to hire more than 4,650 associates to serve customers at the 62 new stores. Until the transaction is complete in January–April of next year, the stores will remain open as BI-LO and Harveys Supermarket.

“Caring for families and communities is at the heart of our brand. We believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent and gas and groceries,” Ham said. “That’s why Food Lion recently announced a goal of providing 1 billion more meals through our hunger-relief platform, Food Lion Feeds, to feed our neighbors in need. As part of that commitment to the most vulnerable in our communities, these new stores will also be paired with local food bank partners. Caring is who we are and what we do at Food Lion.”

Ahold’s banner will be served by ADUSA Distribution through the Mauldin, South Carolina, distribution center, which helps support the additional needs of 62 new operations.

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