Some MD Harris Teeter Stores To Be Sold To Piggly Wiggly Owner

MARYLAND — Could Piggly Wiggly be on its way to Maryland? Possibly, according to Kroger Co.'s plans to sell several Harris Teeter locations ahead of its merger with Albertsons Companies Inc.

In an announcement posted to Kroger's website last week, the company said it plans to sell 10 Harris Teeter stores in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a chain that operates Grand Union grocery stores and the Piggly Wiggly franchise.

When contacted by the Baltimore Banner, a Kroger spokesperson did not say which of Maryland's 18 Harris Teeter locations might be sold.

“Because we are still in the regulatory process, we are not in a position at this time to share the specific locations that will be divested to continue serving the community under a different owner,” the statement read.

According to Kroger, the sale is part of a more extensive agreement to sell 413 stores, eight distribution centers, two offices and five private-label brands across 17 states and the District of Columbia to C&S.

The sale would allow Kroger and Albertsons to introduce a competitor in several regions ahead of the proposed merger between the two companies, easing regulatory concerns and making approval by the Federal Trade Commission more likely.

The company said the sale would also ensure no stores close and no employees lose their jobs.

If approved by the FTC, C&S would pay Kroger approximately $1.9 billion for all properties.

"C&S is an industry leader in wholesale grocery supply and supply chain solutions, with a strong track record as a successful grocery retailer," Kroger said in the announcement. "C&S is deeply invested in the communities where it operates, and this retail expansion will continue its long-standing mission to keep communities fed."