Food Lion Earmarks $168M for Norfolk Upgrades

Food Lion is embarking on a $168 million capital investment to upgrade 105 locations in the greater Norfolk, Va., market,  including remodeling the stores, lowering prices and expanding its product assortment. The regional grocery chain said it will also hire approximately 5,000 new associates in the market to enhance service.

“Food Lion has been nourishing our neighbors in the greater Norfolk market for nearly 40 years, and we are excited to bring our newest shopping experience to this community,” Food Lion President Meg Ham said in a statement. “With every change, we have kept our customers at the forefront because we want to ensure they can easily find fresh, quality products to nourish their families at affordable prices every day, delivered with caring, friendly service every time they shop.”

The remodeled stores will feature refreshed layouts designed for quick and easy navigation; an expanded variety of local, natural, organic and gluten-free products; and new registers. The retailer will also introduce a new training program for store associates to offer enhanced customer service.

Each store will remain open during the remodel process, which is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. A complete list of the Norfolk-area stores can be found here.

Related:Food Lion to Buy 4 South Carolina Bi-Lo Stores

A new walk-in garden cooler concept designed to keep produce fresher for longer will be introduced at 12 of the stores, and all locations will feature more organic produce options, as well as fresh-cut fruits and vegetables prepared in-house daily. The retailer will also expand the deli departments at six of the locations, featuring handmade artisan pizza, a wing bar, premium coffee and a soda station.

In addition to the new hires, the retailer plans to promote current associates and partner with new community organizations through Food Lion’s hunger-relief initiative, Food Lion Feeds.

Food Lion has remodeled 544 of its more than 1,000 stores across its 10-state operating area in the last four years as part of its "Easy, Fresh and Affordable...You Can Count on Food Lion Every Day!" strategy.

The Norfolk upgrades follow Food Lion’s recent announcement to acquire four South Carolina Bi-Lo leases from Southeastern Grocers, expanding its network of nearly 70 stores in the greater Myrtle Beach, Florence and Columbia areas. The deal is expected to close in late May.