Two Bi-Lo stores will convert to Piggly Wiggly banner

Two independent Piggly Wiggly store owners are acquiring one Bi-Lo store location each.

The agreement is part of a series of transactions Bi-Lo parent Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG) is undertaking as part of its June 2020 strategic decision to divest of the Bi-Lo banner. A Bi-Lo store located in Pooler, Ga., is being purchased by Ashley and Missy Thompson, current owners of four Piggly Wiggly locations in Southeast Georgia. A Bi-Lo store located in Lexington, S.C., is being purchased by Charles Starbuck, a new owner for Piggly Wiggly stores in the Southeast.

Piggly Wiggly stores in South Carolina and Southeast Georgia, which are independently owned and operated, are supported and supplied by C&S Wholesale Grocers. These purchases are being made with the support of C&S Wholesale Grocers.

"Our independent owners are excited to grow their existing store footprint and expand the Piggly Wiggly brand in the Southeast," said John Owens, VP and Southeast GM for C&S Wholesale Grocers. "We look forward to serving our new customers with the high-quality products and exceptional service that Piggly Wiggly stores are known for."

The transactions are expected to close in mid-January 2021, and are subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Upon completion of the transaction, the acquired stores will be rebranded under the Piggly Wiggly banner name. With the additional stores converting to the Piggly Wiggly banner, C&S Wholesale Grocers will service a total of 55 Piggly Wiggly locations in South Carolina and Southeast Georgia.

There are over 600 independently-owned and operated Piggly Wiggly supermarkets in several states, including 53 located in South Carolina and coastal Georgia. C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. supplies more than 7,700 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions with over 137,000 different products.