Weis rapidly completing Food Lion conversions

Weis Markets has completed its fourth round of conversions of acquired Food Lion stores and is on track to reopen all 38 locations under the Weis name by early November, according to a company spokesperson.

The Sunbury, Pa.-based retailer announced that the latest conversions — in Millsboro, Lewes, Millville and Rehoboth Beach, Del., and Easton, Md. — reopened on Friday.

To date, Weis has finished converting 21 former Food Lion stores in Maryland and four in Delaware, spokesperson Dennis Curtin told SN. The retailer plans to tackle 13 stores in the Culpeper and Fredericksburg, Va., area over the next three weeks.

Weis has hired most of the Food Lion employees at the converted stores, Curtin said. The goal is to give customers continuity in their shopping experience.

“Obviously there are some changes. We’re putting in our private brand program, best in class private brand products. And we’ve also increased variety in produce,” said Curtin.

The latest group of reopened stores feature 300 additional produce items such as fresh-cut fruit and organic produce, according to a company press release. Stores will also offer double coupons; more organic, natural and gluten free items; Certified Angus Beef; and additional deli salads and takeout meals.

“Our store teams converted these locations in less than one week to minimize the inconvenience to our new customers. Our new stores will offer an enhanced shopping experience with a strong focus on service and freshness,” Kurt Schertle, Weis’s COO, said in a release. “We are also pleased to welcome more than 300 former Food Lion associates to our company.”

Weis acquired the 38 Food Lion stores this summer as part of divestures associated with the merger of former owner Delhaize Group and Ahold. The retailer has been converting four to five stores a week, Curtin said.

“And to date, customer response has been extremely positive,” he said.