Food Lion Expands Guilford County Footprint with Fifth 2026 Store Opening — Food Lion, LLC

Event summary

Food Lion opens its 24th store in Guilford County, NC, on September 23, 2026, marking its fifth new location this year.
The Summerfield store features omnichannel capabilities including pickup and delivery via Food Lion To Go, Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.
Food Lion has donated the equivalent of 30,000 meals to three local hunger relief organizations through its Food Lion Feeds program.
The retailer plans to open a total of 10 new stores by the end of 2026, building on strong performance and its commitment to affordable fresh food.

The big picture

Food Lion's continued expansion in North Carolina reflects broader trends in grocery retail, where omnichannel capabilities and community-focused initiatives are key differentiators. The retailer's strategic focus on affordable fresh food and hunger relief aligns with growing consumer demand for both convenience and social responsibility. With 1,100+ stores across 10 states, Food Lion's growth trajectory positions it as a formidable player in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic grocery markets.

What we're watching

Omnichannel Execution: How Food Lion's integration of pickup and delivery services will impact customer retention and basket sizes in newly opened stores.
Community Impact: Whether Food Lion's hunger relief initiatives will drive meaningful engagement and loyalty in the Summerfield market.
Expansion Pace: The pace at which Food Lion can sustain its 2026 store opening target while maintaining operational efficiency.