Harris Teeter

For residents of North Carolina, particularly those in the vibrant city of Asheville, a reliable and well-stocked grocery store is more than just a place to pick up essentials; it's a hub for community, convenience, and quality ingredients. Harris Teeter, located on Merrimon Avenue, stands as a prime example of a grocery store that aims to fulfill these roles for its local clientele. This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of this Harris Teeter location, highlighting what makes it a suitable and often-preferred choice for locals seeking a superior grocery shopping experience.

Harris Teeter, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co., boasts a rich history rooted in North Carolina. Founded in 1960 by W.T. Harris and Willis L. Teeter, who each had their own successful grocery ventures, the company merged to form Harris Teeter Super Markets, Inc. From its early days, Harris Teeter has been a pioneer in the grocery industry, being among the first in North Carolina to allow customers to select their own groceries off the shelves (rather than relying on clerks) and to offer amenities like air conditioning. This history of innovation and customer focus has shaped the brand into what it is today: a neighborhood food and pharmacy chain primarily serving the Southeastern United States.

The Harris Teeter experience is often characterized by a commitment to fresh, high-quality products, a wide selection, and a focus on customer service. While some might consider it "a little pricey" compared to extreme discount options, many locals find the quality of produce, meats, and prepared foods to be well worth it. The store on Merrimon Avenue, in particular, cultivates an atmosphere that is consistently praised by patrons for its cleanliness, organization, and the friendly demeanor of its employees.

This dedication extends beyond just groceries, with many locations offering additional services that enhance convenience, from a full-service deli and bakery to a pharmacy and even a Starbucks. For the Asheville community, Harris Teeter aims to be more than just a place to shop; it's a reliable and welcoming part of their daily routine, providing the ingredients for meals and the convenience for busy lives.

The Harris Teeter in Asheville, North Carolina, is conveniently situated at 136 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA. This address places it squarely on Merrimon Avenue, one of Asheville's main thoroughfares, ensuring excellent accessibility for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas of Buncombe County.

Merrimon Avenue is a key route that connects various neighborhoods, making this Harris Teeter location a central and easy-to-reach spot for daily grocery runs or larger weekly shopping trips. For those driving, the store typically offers ample parking, a significant advantage in a bustling area like Asheville where parking can sometimes be a challenge. The availability of sufficient parking helps ensure a stress-free experience, allowing shoppers to take their time without worrying about finding a spot.

The store's placement on a main road also means it's highly visible and straightforward to navigate to, whether coming from downtown Asheville, the university, or residential areas further north. This prime location contributes significantly to its suitability for locals, minimizing travel time and maximizing convenience, especially for those integrating grocery shopping into their daily commutes or errands.

Harris Teeter in Asheville offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to meet diverse grocery and household needs, providing a full-service supermarket experience for the local community.

• Extensive Grocery Selection: The store boasts a large selection of staple groceries, including fresh produce (fruits, vegetables), a wide variety of meats (beef, poultry, pork), fresh fish and seafood, dairy products, frozen foods, and pantry staples from numerous brands. One customer specifically noted the "Large selection of brands, veggies, meats, fish."
• Full-Service Deli: The deli department provides a variety of sliced meats and cheeses, made-to-order sandwiches (often a local favorite), salads, and other prepared foods.
• Bakery Department: A fresh bakery offers store-made breads, pastries, cakes, and other baked goods. Free cookie samples are often available for children.
• Prepared Meals and Hot Bar: For convenient meal solutions, Harris Teeter typically offers a range of prepared meals, including "store-made... pizza, chicken and meals," perfect for busy weeknights. Some locations also feature an Asian bar or other hot food options.
• Pharmacy Services: The store often includes a full-service pharmacy where customers can fill prescriptions, get refills, and inquire about various health services, including flu vaccines.
• Floral Department: A dedicated florist offers fresh-cut flowers and custom floral arrangements for any occasion, allowing customers to easily pick up a bouquet or order something special.
• In-Store Starbucks: Many Harris Teeter locations, including potentially this one, feature a Starbucks Coffee, providing a convenient spot for shoppers to grab a coffee or specialty drink while they shop.
• Online Ordering & Pickup/Delivery: Harris Teeter offers online grocery ordering through its website or app, with options for curbside pickup or home delivery, adding a layer of convenience for customers.
• In-Store Services: Additional conveniences include money services (money orders, check cashing, bill pay), gift card malls, Coinstar machines, Rug Doctor rentals, Blue Rhino propane tank exchange, ATMs, postage stamps, lottery tickets, and free in-store Wi-Fi. They also offer up to $200 cash back with debit card purchases.

The Harris Teeter on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a favored grocery destination for North Carolina locals.

• Exceptional Cleanliness and Organization: A recurring theme in customer reviews is the store's immaculate condition. "This store is always clean," and "The store is always clean and well organized" are common sentiments. This commitment to a tidy environment significantly enhances the shopping experience, making it pleasant and easy to navigate.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: The customer service receives high praise. Reviews mention "employees always smiling always very kind" and that "No one acts like it's an inconvenience to show you where something is or answer a question." Specific mentions of "Cindy and Ali are great at the checkout" highlight the positive personal interactions that contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Wide Selection of Quality Products: Beyond standard groceries, Harris Teeter offers a "Large selection of brands, veggies, meats, fish, and store-made breads, pizza, chicken and meals." This breadth of fresh and prepared items, including local North Carolina grown products, ensures that customers can find high-quality ingredients for any meal or occasion.
• Community Hub and Atmosphere: The store fosters a sense of community. One reviewer noted it's a place where "lots of people I like to run into go there." The presence of a "nice little dining area" and free Wi-Fi further encourages a leisurely and social shopping experience. The positive role it played "during the hurricane" also underscores its community value.
• Clean and Functional Carts: Even small details contribute to a good experience. The observation that "All the shopping carts are clean and in good working order" reflects the store's attention to overall customer comfort and convenience.
• Prepared Foods and Deli Offerings: The availability of freshly made items like pizza, chicken, and other meals from the deli and bakery provides convenient solutions for busy individuals and families, showcasing a commitment beyond just raw ingredients.

Harris Teeter, as a prominent grocery chain in North Carolina, is known for its robust promotions and special offers, primarily facilitated through its loyalty program, e-VIC, and various in-store deals. These promotions are designed to provide significant savings to their customers in Asheville and beyond.

Key promotions and ways to save at Harris Teeter typically include:

• e-VIC Digital Coupons: The e-VIC program is central to Harris Teeter's promotional strategy. Customers can sign up for free to become e-VIC members and gain access to digital coupons that can be loaded directly onto their loyalty card. These coupons offer discounts on specific products and are updated weekly. You can "clip your coupons once and use them up to 5 times" on certain items, and there are often "Weekly Digital Deals FREE-bees" or significant savings on categories like "Natural & Organic" items.
• "Buy One Get One Free" (BOGO) Deals: Harris Teeter is famous for its BOGO offers, where purchasing one item allows customers to get a second identical item for free. These deals are frequently applied to popular products across the store, from cereals to snacks and pantry staples.
• "Save X When You Buy Y" Promotions: The store often runs promotions where customers save a certain amount when they purchase a specific number of participating products (e.g., "Save $1 Each When You Buy 5").
• Fuel Points: Through the VIC card, customers can earn fuel points on their grocery purchases, which can then be redeemed for discounts on fuel at participating Harris Teeter Fuel Centers or partner gas stations. Some promotions offer "10X Fuel Points" on certain product categories.
• Weekly Ads/Circulars: Harris Teeter publishes weekly ads that highlight current sales, featured products, and special deals. These can be found in-store, online, or through the Harris Teeter app, allowing customers to plan their shopping trips around the best savings.
• "Deals That Are Lower Than Low": Look for yellow-tag prices throughout the store, indicating items that are on special sale beyond the regular pricing.
• Personalized Coupons: When using your VIC card at checkout, you might receive personalized coupons printed with your receipt, tailored to your past purchases, offering discounts on items you frequently buy or might be interested in.

For Asheville locals, leveraging the e-VIC program and staying updated with the weekly ads are the best ways to maximize savings at Harris Teeter. The staff, as noted in reviews, can also be helpful in guiding customers towards valuable savings.

For residents of North Carolina, particularly those in Asheville, connecting with Harris Teeter is straightforward. Here is the essential contact information for the Merrimon Avenue location:

• Address: 136 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
• Phone: (828) 255-1817 (This is the primary local number for direct inquiries to the store.)

While a mobile phone number (+1 828-255-1817) is also provided, the listed landline is typically the most direct way to reach the store for questions about specific product availability, pharmacy services, store hours, or any other inquiries. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are generally ready to assist with your questions, making your visit as smooth and informed as possible.

For the vibrant community of Asheville, North Carolina, Harris Teeter on Merrimon Avenue stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly valued grocery store. Its comprehensive offerings, dedication to quality, and strong focus on customer experience make it a cornerstone for local residents' culinary and household needs.

The primary reason for its suitability lies in its commitment to providing fresh and diverse products. Asheville locals appreciate access to a "Large selection of brands, veggies, meats, fish, and store-made breads, pizza, chicken and meals." This ensures that whether you're planning a gourmet dinner, grabbing a quick prepared meal, or stocking up on everyday essentials, Harris Teeter has the quality and variety you need. The inclusion of an in-store bakery, deli, and potentially a Starbucks further enhances convenience, allowing for a multifaceted shopping experience in one location.

Beyond the products, the atmosphere and staff contribute significantly to its appeal. Reviews consistently highlight the store's cleanliness and organization, which creates a pleasant and efficient shopping environment. More importantly, the "employees always smiling, always very kind," and their willingness to "show you where something is or answer a question" demonstrate a genuine commitment to customer service. This friendly and helpful approach, as praised by customers who mentioned "Cindy and Ali are great at the checkout," fosters a welcoming community feel, making grocery shopping less of a chore and more of an enjoyable interaction.

While some reviewers noted that the store might be "a little pricey" compared to extreme discount options, the perceived value from the quality of fresh items and the superior shopping experience often justifies the cost for many. The availability of loyalty programs like e-VIC and frequent promotions also provides ample opportunities for savvy shoppers to mitigate costs.

Finally, the excellent location on Merrimon Avenue, coupled with ample parking, makes it incredibly accessible for residents across Asheville, solidifying its role as a convenient and essential part of daily life. For North Carolina locals seeking a grocery store that combines high-quality products, a wide selection, friendly service, and a pleasant shopping environment, Harris Teeter on Merrimon Avenue is a truly suitable and reliable choice that consistently serves the community well, even stepping up "during the hurricane."