Food Lion Unveiled New, Easier Shopping Experience with $40 Million Investment

Food Lion recently unveiled a new, easier shopping experience for consumers in 14 towns and cities throughout the greater Charlottesville and Harrisonburg, Va. 

The company made a significant $40 million capital investment in its 23 area stores earlier this year, which included remodeling the stores, hiring 400 additional associates and giving back to local communities.

“Food Lion has nourished our neighbors in the greater Charlottesville and Harrisonburg communities for 37 years, and we’re excited to bring these improvements to our 23 local stores,” said Meg Ham, President of Food Lion. “We’ve created a new grocery shopping experience through the significant investments in our stores, associates and communities. From our expanded variety and product assortment, newly reorganized stores, to a more efficient check-out experience, every change we’ve made will make it easier for our customers to find the quality products they have come to expect from Food Lion. When coupled with our weekly sales and promotions, consumers will see that we have made it easier for them to nourish their families with healthy foods on a budget.”

Each store opened at 8 a.m. on July 31, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony. As part of the celebration, the first 100 shoppers in line received a Food Lion reusable grocery bag, a Food Lion branded apron and a $10 gift card. One shopper was said to receive a $250 card, and later in the day, the grocers handed out an additional 100 $10 gift cards.

The changes to the store include:

• Expanded variety and assortment across all departments, such as more local produce, craft beer options, limited reserve wines and more local, natural, organic and gluten-free items.
• An abundant selection of fresh produce and meat backed by Food Lion’s double-your-money-back guarantee and a larger selection of Nature’s Promise beef, pork, poultry, milk, eggs, bottled water, cereal, coffee and other items. Nature’s Promise if Food Lion’s brand of wholesome and organic products made with no artificial flavors, preservatives or synthetic colors.
• Two stores (Ruckersville and Charlottesville, Va.) will have walk-in produce coolers designed to keep produce fresher, longer.
• Hand-battered chicken as well as a greater selection of easy and affordable complete meals for families and a wider variety of grab-and-go items and pre-sliced deli meats and cheeses, which are sliced daily and available for consumers to pick up without waiting in line.
• A more efficient checkout process, making it easier to get in and out of the store.

Food Lion is also partnering with Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and its agencies to announce a $23,000 commitment to improve capacity for local agencies so they can assist more hungry families. Food Lion has remodeled 80 percent of its network of more than 1,000 stores across its 10-state operating area.