Harris Teeter to Unveil 201central Concept

CHARLOTTE — Harris Teeter Supermarkets on Monday said it would convert two of its stores to a new specialty banner to be known as 201central.

The stores in Huntersville, N.C., and Wesley Chapel, N.C., will open next month, the retailer said. The 201central name refers to one of the original Harris Food Stores, known as store #201 in Charlotte, which Harris Teeter said was Charlotte’s first full-service supermarket.

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The new stores are focused around party planning, with more than 3,100 varieties of wine and 680 varieties of beer, in addition to wide selections of cigars; specialty cheese and olives; artisan breads; bulk foods including coffee, tea, nuts, grains and rice; and other specialty and common beverages and snack items.

Harris Teeter is also planning for expanded international foods and local and regional products such as barbecue sauce, dips, salad dressings from local producers. The stores will also carry wine and bar accessories, party goods, appliances, kitchen gadgets and seasonal products, Harris Teeter said. Specialty services include in-store wine consultants, event coordination and catering as well as party rentals and educational classes focused on wine, beer and food pairings, the retailer said.

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“We believe that 201central will become your central place to find everything you need to make all your celebrations the best,” Harris Teeter said in a statement.

The two 201central stores were among the former Lowe’s Foods locations Harris Teeter obtained in a swap with Lowe’s earlier this year. Both stores measure around 30,000 square feet. Harris Teeter said the new stores would honor advertised items or promotions that are active within the Harris Teeter chain, and that its Very Important Customer (VIC) cards will be valid at 201central.