Bi-Lo to Open Limited-Frills Format

ELLIOT ZWIEBACH

MAULDIN, S.C. — Bi-Lo Supermarkets here said yesterday it plans to introduce a new limited-frills format next week — called Food$mart — at a converted store in Lenoir, N.C. The company said it is also looking at other locations for future conversions but has not made any final plans. The Lenoir Bi-Lo was scheduled to be closed today prior to re-opening next Monday under the new name and format. The company said Food$mart will cater to customers "who want and need very low prices and are willing to accept limited frills in their shopping experience." According to Rich Ramey, director of new business development, the store will have select national and regional brands, along with its Southern Home private-label line, in addition to offering "exceptional values from manufacturers" for a limited time or in limited quantities. He said Food$mart will be able to offer lower prices by trimming back services, with shorter hours (8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays); few sizes of certain items; a lack of uniform sizes in bags of potatoes and apples; and self-serve-only in deli and bakery products. However, the store will offer free bags and bagging service at the front end, Ramey said. Bi-Lo operates 222 supermarkets in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.

Bi-Lo to Open Limited-Frills Format