Wegmans wades in.

AuthorLea, Amanda
PositionNC TREND: Triangle Region

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After being attacked from the South by Florida-based Publix Super Markets, Tar Heel grocery chains including Food Lion and Harris Teeter are now facing pressure from a new Northern entrant. Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans Food Markets will open its first North Carolina store in Cary, with three additional Triangle locations planned.

Wegmans is beloved by shoppers because it blends a fresh produce selection that has been compared to Whole Foods and low prices that make it competitive with Wal-Mart. Wegmans topped Consumer Reports 2016 survey of U.S. supermarkets, edging out Publix and California-based Trader Joe's. Founded in 1916 by brothers Walter and John Wegman, the chain trumpets a "European open-air market feel" that includes several small restaurants. Stores run 75,000 to 140,000 square feet, compared with a typical Harris Teeter or Publix, which are about 40,000 to 60,000 square feet.

Led by CEO Danny Wegman, Walter's grandson, the chain had annual sales of $7.9 billion in 2015 and employs 47,000 people at 92 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts and Virginia.

Reflecting Wegmans' allure, Chapel Hill and Orange County in October approved an incentives package of $4 million...

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