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Harris Teeter shoppers vent about possible sale

By Faye Prosser

Posted: February 13
Updated: February 14

Tags: Deals, Restaurant, Freebies

The Wall Street Journal and Reuters reported that Harris Teeter is considering putting itself up for sale. What will this mean for all of the loyal Harris Teeter shoppers out there? Well that depends on who buys the chain.

Reuters reported that Kroger and Publix would likely be interested in the Matthews, NC-based grocer. Publix has just entered the Charlotte market with stores in South Carolina and Kroger has stores throughout North Carolina.

According to the reports, Harris Teeter shares increased 6.6% with the news of a possible sale. At this point, they have retained the financial company J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Until there is an actual buyer, there is no telling what will happen to Harris Teeter, double coupons and Super Double coupons.

As many of you posted on the blog this morning, it would be a shame to see Harris Teeter stores bought by a company that does not offer the kinds of deals we see now. But if that does happen, we'll just work that much harder to find the best deals and make ends meet.

Feel free to vent your sadness, frustration, utter hopelessness (just kidding) and general thoughts on the possible sale of Harris Teeter.

Copyright 2013 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Harris Teeter Super Doubles list: Updated with tons of deals! Posted: 11:24 a.m. yesterday

120 Comments

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HT is my fifth choice for groceries. I usually just go there for coupon deals and sales. I buy more from Costco, Trader Joe's, Aldi's, and Kroger.

geoherb1
February 14, 2013 12:06 p.m.

HT offers a great variety of non-GMO foods. I hate to see this change. I hope that these products will expand versus disappear whenever the new company takes the reigns.

Unslaved
February 14, 2013 11:31 a.m.

That is a real shame .. I love HT .... sister just moved up from GA and she also loves HT.. Really hope they decide to keep the chain.

calsnana6
February 14, 2013 11:25 a.m.

drcyndimd, Lol, I have horses and I wouldn't shop at Walmart via one of them or my steel horse.

Whoever ends up acquiring the company, it will not be the same and it will most likely not improve, like everything else in this country lately.

Unslaved
February 14, 2013 11:06 a.m.

I am in a second generation business w/other family members. While most of the time things go well, it is hard when some want to work hard and continue the business while others would just soon sell and take the money "now".

chipper4800
February 14, 2013 10:38 a.m.

kaybrooksok- "I used to Hate them, but since I get so much stuff for little or nothing, it would really hurt my feelings if they sale."

If every single person thought like you did, we wouldn't sit and wonder why HT was possibly selling now would we?

Secondly, why would you come here on a couponing blog and hawk your own personal blog?? That is just plain tacky.

Faye works so hard to bring us information and you are going to come on here with your Blogspot page? Really?

stephanies321
February 14, 2013 10:15 a.m.

I've tried shopping at Wal-Mart and Food Lion and the stores were not clean and the selection was limited. Can't do fancy cooking and buy ingredients at Wal-Mart. Also, the produce was not very nice. I really like HT and their store brands are always good. I had worried about all of the new stores the past couple of years. I wonder if they'll still build one near Ninth Street now.

RallyJean
February 14, 2013 10:14 a.m.

".but have you considered that the constant increase in couponing may be hurting their business model?"

Apparently, by looking at the year over year growth in revenue and in stock value, no, their coupon policy did not impact their ability to thrive.

On the story here on WRAL news about it, a poster who is cousins with the owners stated that one of the elders died last year and it's the next generation that wants to sell. This happened with the Steelers at one time too. The 4 brothers were not on the same page, two wanted out and the other two had to figure out a way to buy them out or sell the franchise. It didn't happen but this is how families operate.

Nancy
February 14, 2013 10:06 a.m.

I spent 21 years with HT running the Creedmoor and Edwards Mill store. Great company, I just went out on my own. I can tell you from running my own company the culture at HT comes from the top so it will be ashame to see the company loose that. If it has to be Publix or Kroger, please let it be Publix. They are a privetly owned company and do not have to answer to a board of looser directors.

rlwieland
February 14, 2013 10:02 a.m.

common tater - many of us would have to be dragged by wild horses into Wallyworld!

drcyndimd
February 14, 2013 9:58 a.m.

It would be great if it were Publix. Even though I love HT, Publix has proved to be a better shopping experience over the years with more food selections.

dick4sanchez
February 14, 2013 9:53 a.m.

We shop at HT almost exclusively for 12 yrs now. Every time we went to Kroger, prices were wrong at checkout. At Food Lion, items on sale were always sold out. Will really miss them. I know most on this blog won't agree...but have you considered that the constant increase in couponing may be hurting their business model? If you're going there only for the stuff that's ridiculously cheap and going across the street to Wally-world for non-sale stuff, it's hard for them to compete.

common tater
February 14, 2013 9:49 a.m.

I suspected this much. For the past few years, HT began deleting high-end and organic products with the excuse that they weren't moving. HT has always been the place to shop for gourmet, organic, international and European selections, so I wasn't buying their excuse for deleting certain items. If I want to shop at a limited selection/variety store, I'll go to Food Lion or the WalMart; lord knows ther's umpteen million of them on every corner. If we lose HT or if they continue to shift to run-of-the-mill-nothing special (usually the gumbo that is traded on the stock market the greatest), I am going somewhere else.

Unslaved
February 14, 2013 9:44 a.m.

Seriously, if HT is sold and folded into another chain as this plays out - I'll be doing whatever shopping I can at Aldi's first then pick out specials at Lowe's and possibly Kroger in that order.

Nancy
February 14, 2013 9:32 a.m.

No No No No No. No sale. No. Please No. Harris Teeter is the grocery store of the South. This is still the South. No. No to Kroger, No to Publix. No.

prazgod3
February 14, 2013 9:30 a.m.

I visited my first Publix in Florida back in October. I went again in January. What an ugly, ugly store. I would never go into one if they come here. HT is the best grocery store in the area. If they go, I have no idea what I will do.

Gucci Hippy Piggy
February 14, 2013 9:23 a.m.

Jma47~never once did i say that i did not like HT I love my HT. I was simply answering the question that nakabi posted which was "what is anyones 'opinion' on save a lot and aldi". Also if you were to read the all of the previous posts (as i always do before i comment on anyones post) you would've seen that i agreed with chipper4800 on starting a petition AND i sent an email to corporate letting them know how much I love and appreciate my HT. So before you go passing judgement or being rude and telling me to shop at *my store* and could *care less* if i shopped their, read something and as momma always said...if you don't have something nice to say.....don't say it!!!! Happy Valentines Day EVERYONE :-)

juanitasmith2
February 14, 2013 9:21 a.m.

What I can't seem to fathom is HT just finished remodeling a lot of the stores in the area, plus there are 5 within 20 miles of me, and they are building one at Hwy. 98/50 to open this summer. Why all the expansions if they aren't doing great just like they are?? This is not the only area they are expanding in either, more new stores in other places also.

jma47
February 14, 2013 9:06 a.m.

I just can't see Publix coming in and buying the entire HT chain. The stocks are restricted to the former and current associates of the chain. I'm not so sure they have that much buying power.

Wegman's are huge. I think the biggest HT is ~ 70K square feet. HT doesn't really fit their business model either.

If- and that's a big IF- HT sells I see a firm taking over and selling the chain in bits.

But let's be honest here, while we would be sad to see HT go (present party included) we will all find something else and while it is sad, realize that this is a business decision and move on.

Keep your emails going and if you own stock in HT, let them know what you think because you technically "own" the business. They have to hear you out.

stephanies321
February 14, 2013 8:54 a.m.

To all of that think you have to be an *extreme* couponer to save at HT you are very mistaken. I use coupons, match them to sales, plus my e-vics, and save a bundle. I am *not* an extreme couponer!

Some people complain, but are too lazy to clip and save. It requires a little thinking and planning. Anything that saves is worth a little time and work to me. And yes, if you would, you too would see their prices are better than Publix, Kroger, Lowes, Walmart. I could show you my receipts!!!

Also, have actually seen some that are *above* couponing, when they could benefit from the savings more than me. My *pride* would never stop me from getting the most from my $$$'s.

HT has the cleanest, well stocked stores in the whole area. I don't know how I'll shop without them. I doubt anyone that would buy them would keep the same policies and great customer service. They'll just lose my business.

jma47
February 14, 2013 8:51 a.m.

juanitasmith2, so you don't like HT, nor do you like Aldis. Fine, like everyone else that doesn't want to shop there, go to *your* stores that you save so much at. Doesn't mean that there aren't a lot of us that really enjoy our savings and excellent produce, etc. and could care less if you don't shop there.

The $.25 for a cart is returned, not charged - just helps keep carts where they belong, not hitting our cars. More stores with carts should follow their example. The produce is the best anywhere.

jma47
February 14, 2013 8:25 a.m.

In Rocky Mount, the HT is from 15-25% higher in cost than any other grocery store. There aisles are wider, shelves better stocked, cleaner stores, and more variety. Still, it does not offset the much higher prices. So, if another chain came in and the quality stayed the same, but the prices went down, it would be a good thing.

cbuckyoung
February 14, 2013 7:31 a.m.

BTW, the BOGO (1/2off if you only buy one) is part of NC law (I think) so Publix would have to operate that way.

PeopleWatcher
February 14, 2013 7:28 a.m.

A Publix buy-out would be amazing! Publix has better quality, customer service and choices than Harris Teeter has ever had. Publix also has a good coupon acceptance policy. While Publix may not have a VIC-type program, they have overall WAY lower prices to begin with. There is no "jacking up" prices so you can turn around and lower them (which is how I view the VIC program). And if you've never had a Publix sub...

PeopleWatcher
February 14, 2013 7:24 a.m.

The HT Pharmacy generic program matches Target/Walmart (except for the long lines and poor service) -- Publix generic meds are something like $40 for a 30 day supply.

cushioncritter
February 14, 2013 7:24 a.m.

I sent them an email immediately, letting them know that I value them and that I do not want them to sell out. While I am just one person, I just felt that I had to tell them that.

computer trainer
February 14, 2013 6:07 a.m.

I don't know what we'll do if they sell out...we seriously depend on the money we now save at HT..I became disabled the last couple of years and my monthly medication bills and doctors bills have been offset some with the great savings we earn there. They also provide the best customer service, they're much cleaner and have a significantly higher standard of foods not to mention the wonderful selection! Please, please don't sell out HT..we all need you!

3boys3
February 14, 2013 12:01 a.m.

quemaster - I shop at Walmart about once every 1-2 weeks. I buy the walmart brand 100% whole wheat bread (no high fruc corn syrup) for $1.58 per loaf when I cannot find a similar product elsewhere for less. I also price match the Aldi produce prices, as I did today with the .99 pineapple, .99 cantaloupe and .99/lb gala apples (Food Lion price). They also have some reasonable prices on veggie burgers and packaged lunch meat after coupons. Sometimes I will buy Lenders bagels or larger containers of yogurt, if not on sale for a better price elsewhere. That's about it for me at walmart. The rest I can get at better prices elsewhere. If HT closes, WM will not be where I turn. Still better prices with sale & coupons at LF & Kroger & produce prices at Aldi if you have one near you. My non-food shopping is mostly done at CVS already using coupons, ECB's & gift cards (from swagbucks, credit card rewards & prescription transfer promos every once in a while). Also growing bigger garden for 2013.

Faye Prosser - Smart Shopper
February 13, 2013 11:54 p.m.

Quemaster,

For the items I buy there is still significant difference. It is not just doubling the coupons but the combinations of paper with digital (which no other grocery does) and the sales (which Walmart also does not do. That doesn't even take into consideration the evic specials or the super doubles.

scoutmomof2
February 13, 2013 11:35 p.m.

Has anyone compared shopping at Walmart with HT and adding in coupons at Walmart? I know that HT has great deals with doubling coupons, etc but that is off of a price that is higher than others to begin with. I'm NOT bashing HT. I love them, they are great and I do NOT want to see them go. They are my favorite store. But if we HAVE to make a change I guess I'm asking is this a viable alternative.

quemaster
February 13, 2013 10:37 p.m.

Hope HT is here to stay! Please don't sell! HT is the only store that sells our favorite "Organic Smart" chicken (best chicken we have ever tasted); we don't have to worry about it containing unhealthy GMOs like most conventionally-raised chickens that are fed GMO grains. Have tried organic chicken from many health food stores in the Triangle, but can't compete with the superior taste of the Organic Smart chicken only sold at HT. And we have tried numerous brands of organic basmati rice from other stores too, but none can match the delish HT Naturals brand organic basmati rice; it's awesome! I recently purchased from HT an organic wheat bread (brand name is "LaBrea Bakery") that is hands down the tastiest bread I've gotten at a grocery store in years.

swoodley
February 13, 2013 10:01 p.m.

HT has the best customer service of any store around, I sure hope they are not bought...

newtoncus
February 13, 2013 9:51 p.m.

Eagleland...have you tried Aldi's or Trader Joes? My husband and I have started to go there more the last couple of weeks because I've gone gluten free due to autoimmune issues. Aldi's is great and Trader Joes can be kind of expensive, but they have some decent deals, espeically on gluten free products for me. We are also trying to get away from packaged foods.

nceducator79
February 13, 2013 9:29 p.m.

nymamiyankee...I used to think the same way. I thought I was saving tons of money shopping at Walmart. If you hit sales and use coupons, HT and Lowes can offer much better deals. I haven't grocery shopped at Walmart in over a year. Last time we shopped there, I was easily spending $150 a week there, plus another $200 at BJ's, for a total of $800 on groceries. Now, I spend no more than $600...that includes going out to eat a couple of times for a family of 4......and we eat healthy too!

nceducator79
February 13, 2013 9:25 p.m.

PLEASE,PLEASE, tell me it's only a rumor.... i drive 30 minutes to shop @ HT because FL and walmart can't beat the sales/coupons. wonderful customer service. SAD,SAD.... that would mean back to walmart/FL.... all i have in henderson....

hummerjojo
February 13, 2013 7:46 p.m.

When it comes to a decent grocery store, Faye, you weren't so far off when you mentioned "utter hopelessness". There are only two stores in NC that I'm not afraid to buy meat from: HT and Whole Foods, and there is not much I can afford at WF. Once in a GREAT while, I may take a chance on something from Lowes, but only since they changed to Angus.

All joking aside, there is not much keeping us here in NC aside from mild winters and HT. I don't know that even mild winters will convince my diehard-carnivore DW to become vegetarian. :(

jdouglas13
February 13, 2013 7:25 p.m.

In my town, HT has the best, customer service, which helps. I shop the super dbles, and weekly the sales, I save, and the quality !! Our Lowes' is alwys higher, and although close by I go to HT

I would certainly miss it, hope it doesn't happen.

acoolcat
February 13, 2013 7:23 p.m.

If you knew how to coupon you would be ridiculously upset at this news. I can get everything cheaper with a coupon at HT than at Walmart. I compare prices every week and usually end up with 1-2 items at Walmart and a cart full from HT because they are cheaper there between sales and coupons.

stephlw
February 13, 2013 7:02 p.m.

i cant afford to shop at HT, although I like their stores. the only time i will go is if i have a lot of coupons. i often wonder why you can get something at walmart for say $4.00 and it will be sold at HT for $7.00. I will often times go to HT when my e-vic coupons make it worth my while or to get a deli sub, but thats it. i wont miss it or their high prices.

nymamiyankee
February 13, 2013 6:39 p.m.

I hope HT realizes how much they are valued in our community. Their employees have always been kind,considerate and respectful to me as a customer. What a great company!

spaldingcoupon
February 13, 2013 6:08 p.m.

I would LOVE to see a Wegman's come into town. That is a fabulous grocer and they carry an amazing variety of items! They'd get my vote any day of the week. I've called them several times in the past and asked them to come to the Raleigh area. I even have a Wegman's keychain loyalty card for when I visit area that they serve.

pennysuzanne
February 13, 2013 5:41 p.m.

HT is my favorite...you just have to coupon. I grew up in Charlotte where HT is king, and I've known it all my life...say it isn't so !

astamper
February 13, 2013 5:27 p.m.

truthBknown2 & itsmyownopinion -

Although HT may not have the lowest prices around, the average consumer can come away with some great deals there (yes, many times even free deals) just by matching up available coupons with HT sales (and even their digital coupons that they allow customers to combine with manufacturer coupons.)

In doing so, HT many times ends up being cheaper to shop at than Kroger, Food Lion, and even Walmart (contrary to their commercials.)

(And for whatever it's worth, I find that Lowes Foods is even more expensive than HT. Although they have a similar coupon policy, have terrible sales, in my opinion.)

DianeNC
February 13, 2013 5:21 p.m.

For the last several years I WAS an avid and dedicated HT shopper. I'm an extreme coupon shopper but lately I've not taken advantage of the last few double sales because I've chosen not eat or feed my family from packages and boxes as much as I did in the past. I will go to HT for staples and toiletries when I can match with coupon and a good sale. I've been shopping more at wholesale stores like BJs, Sam's and Costco. I can also find good deals at Target with sale, coupons and saving addl 5% with Target card that I come home and pay the same day. I treat the Target card like cash and pay it IMMEDIATELY. Yes, I have all 3 memberships at our local wholesale stores (my card is free through my mom's business). I frequent the Farmer's Market weekly for fresh veggies. I can literally walked to HT from our home and no matter what store it may become, I will be in there from time to time.

Eagleland
February 13, 2013 5:01 p.m.

"I agree. The only way you come out ahead there is if you're an extreme coupon shopper. To everyone weeping, please tell us where do you buy the items you don't ever get coupons for?"

I've shopped HT without 'extreme coupon shopping' and still come away with 50% savings by taking advantage of sales and their e-vic (load to your card) coupons too, but with coupons of course really clean up very well.

I buy filet mignon several times a year, fresh veggies etc at HT but because I save so much year round with their specials and coupons too (because it's free money to use coupons), I can afford top shelf items and STILL beat shopping anywhere else.

Nancy
February 13, 2013 4:44 p.m.

Nakabi, I my opinion Aldi's is much better than save-a-lot. I really don't like the quality of save-a-lot, and the quality of aldi's fruit and veg is awesome.

watchhillgirl
February 13, 2013 4:08 p.m.

itsmyownopinion,

I shop almost exclusively at HT, and supplement at Target, the Farmer's market and Aldi's. I do go to Kroger occassionally (when they had their mega sale for instance) and Lowe's Foods (but it has to be a really really good sale). I do not consider myself to be an extreme couponer but do on a regular (not super doubles) week save at least 50% off the refular price. Most of my paper goods (paper towels, toilet paper) I get at CVS or Walgreens unless HT has it as an evic. Shampoo and the like are also mainly at the drugstores unless as recently there was a $3/2 digital and paper coupon for Pantene at HT.

scoutmomof2
February 13, 2013 4:08 p.m.

Well, I never shop there because I don't have one near me. (Pine Level area)I was looking forward to the one opening in Clayton right down the road from my parent's house. I had hoped to be able to start making the trip when I visit them. Maybe it will still happen. Keeping my fingers crossed.

kcastleberry
February 13, 2013 4:07 p.m.

Dont understand the uproar...highest grocery prices around?

truthBknown2

I agree. The only way you come out ahead there is if you're an extreme coupon shopper. To everyone weeping, please tell us where do you buy the items you don't ever get coupons for?

itsmyownopinion
February 13, 2013 3:55 p.m.

quemaster, the tax is normally applied before coupons.

watchhillgirl
February 13, 2013 3:54 p.m.

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