Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Lowes Foods opened their first location in the Upstate of South Carolina in late September. I finally visited a couple of weeks ago and boy, was I amazed.
Visiting a Lowes Foods is not a normal trip to the grocery store, be prepared to spend most of the afternoon pursuing isles and isles of typical grocery store chain fair, but the additional amenities are what makes this supermarket stand out from the rest.
Extra Amenities at Lowes Foods
I usually only cook for two people and my husband hates leftovers, which proves to be difficult when buying produce. Many produce options at Lowes Foods can be purchased in small quantities such as, mushrooms, herbs, carrots and peppers. Stations have containers, you pick out what you want and items are sold by weight.
A moderate wine selection is available, however, it is not as large as some other supermarket chains.
The meat case is impressive, but on two different visits I have made, both times, they were completely out of flank steak.
Also, they do not carry one of my favorite fish, Chilean Sea Bass. I have to get that at The Fresh Market.
Full Grocery Store
Besides the special kiosks, Lowes Foods is a full-size normal grocery store. Similar to Kroger or Ingles, a variety of brands for each product are offered.
I found two refrigeration units full of Applegate natural and organic meats.
They also have “buy one, get one,” specials and a weekly sale advertisement.
With over 50,000 square feet and 120 employees, Lowes Food President Tim Lowe told the Greenville News, “Our Greer store will be very focused on supporting local, while providing exceptional attention to our guests.”
Hungry Customers Beware
The finale of my Lowes Foods journey, meandered through the aroma of fresh bread baking in the bakery, as well as custom cakes being prepared.
The Chicken Kitchen offers freshly prepared chicken including wings, fried and rotisserie.
Sammy’s Sub Shop prepares fresh sandwiches to order and an in store coffee roaster prepares fresh cups.
The Beer Den
Finally, the APEX of the experience – THE BEER DEN. With eight craft beers on tap and a variety of growlers or bottles ready to serve, The Beer Den provides shoppers with an unusual option. Select a beer and sit at the spacious bar or sample while you shop.
Although I did not sample while I was there, this is an excellent place for husbands to hang out, while foodie’s shop.
Overall Impression
I was very impressed with Lowes Foods, founded by the same man who started Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse.
The spacious atmosphere and cleanliness of the new store made me feel very comfortable buying food here.
I love the produce department options, especially the “locally produced” section.
Having a traditional grocery store in the middle of everything makes shopping for household staples, toilet paper, toothpaste, etc convenient (cannot buy those items at The Fresh Market).
Checkout was speedy and easy. Check out staff unloads your cart as they ring you up and curb pick it is available.
Lowes Foods has a frequent shopper rewards program, gas discounts and hands out S & H Greenpoints. Accumulating these stamps can be applied towards purchasing kitchen gadgets or food discounts.
Lowes Foods plans to open 3-4 more locations in the Upstate, I am hoping one will be close to my house.
Location I visited is: 850 East Suber Rd. Greer, SC 29650
Tell me YOUR FAVORITE supermarket in the comments!
