Walmart Holds Top Spot in Charlotte Grocery Market for Seventh Straight Year
The giant claimed 23% of market share in 2025, pulling $2.4 billion in revenue from a market that smashed records with over $10.8 billion in total sales last year.
Walmart raked in more cash from Charlotte-area shoppers than any other grocer for the seventh year running. The giant claimed 23% of market share in 2025, pulling $2.4 billion in revenue from a market that smashed records with over $10.8 billion in total sales last year, according to Chain Store Guide.
Charlotte's grocery market swelled 4% from $10.4 billion in 2024 to $10.8 billion in 2025. Eight new stores popped up across the region, bringing the count of grocery stores in the area to 737.
Harris Teeter clung to second for the seventh consecutive year. Sales hit $1.7 billion, but its grip weakened — market share slipped from 15.9% to 15.7%. Food Lion snagged third with 15.5% of the market, climbing from 15% the year before. Its sales jumped from $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion.
These three chains control roughly 60% of all local grocery spending. The Arkansas-based behemoth has ruled since 2019, when it shoved Harris Teeter off the throne.
"We've continued investing in our stores through remodels and upgrades, including seven in the market last year alone," the retail giant said, according to the Charlotte Observer. "We're focused on helping customers save time and money with a wide grocery assortment at everyday low prices, plus fast pickup and delivery in as little as an hour."
Food Lion announced in November that it is investing nearly $500 million in store remodels across its Charlotte stores. "These remodels reflect our continued commitment to investing in the community and making shopping convenient for our customers," the company said.
Publix clawed upward. Market share rose to 11.1% from 10.8% in 2024. The Florida-based chain watched sales climb to $1.2 billion, up from $1.1 billion.
Dollar General operates more locations than anyone — 149 scattered throughout the region. Food Lion and Family Dollar trail behind. The report covers Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Union counties, plus Chester, Lancaster, and York counties across the border in South Carolina.
The rest of the top 10: Sam's Club grabbed 5.7%, Costco Wholesale and Super Target each took 4.3%, Lidl captured 2.8%, Dollar General held 2.3%, and Aldi rounded things out at 2.2%.
