Food Lion renovations coming to Charlotte

Food Lion said Wednesday that it would begin "Easy, Fresh & Affordable" renovations in the Charlotte, N.C., market beginning in May, with a goal of completing changes at 142 stores there by October.

The $215 million investment — about $1.5 million per location — includes remodeling the stores, making additional price investments, new training for staff and investments in the community through its Food Lion Feeds initiative.

Food Lion previously completed similar marketwide renovations in Raleigh last year, and in the Wilmington and Greensboro, N.C., markets in 2014.

The Raleigh renovations included new checkout lanes.

The changes are designed to increase store visits and basket size through lower prices, a more customer-centric assortment and improved service. The company said it goal is " to own the easiest full shop grocery experience in the Southeast."

"We're proud to have been a part of the greater Charlotte community since 1957, and are excited to bring our newest format to our hometown market," Food Lion president Meg Ham said in a statement.

"As we near our 60th anniversary in this market, we look forward to making significant investments in our stores, our customers, our associates and our communities to offer a new grocery shopping experience. We want to ensure our customers can easily find fresh, quality products to nourish their families at affordable prices every day, delivered with caring, friendly service every time they shop."