Local grocery chain absorbing Edwards stores in Four Oaks and Smithfield
Carlie C’s IGA, the local grocery chain that has been a staple in Harnett and Johnston counties since the early 1960s, has expanded its operation by two stores this week.
Carlie C’s president Mack McLamb said Monday that the purchase of Edwards IGA locations in Four Oaks and Smithfield has been completed — but things will mostly stay the same. Even the “Edwards” name will stay on the stores for the time being.
“We took over today, but the store will continue to operate as Edwards,” he said, adding only minor changes would take place in the coming weeks. Former owner Bill Joe Edwards will also stay on to work for Carlie C’s IGA, running both locations until an unspecified date. The stores will also continue to make their own purchasing decisions.
The Edwards stores operate in a similar fashion and in similar market, explained Mr. McLamb.
“We’ve been talking with them for several weeks,” said Mr. McLamb about the purchase. “I think some of them (in the Edwards family) wanted to retire. We have been family friends for years and I think we were both comfortable with the decision.”
No additional services from Carlie C’s IGA locations, like the pharmacy, will be installed in the Four Oaks or Smithfield stores.
The purchase will add two stores to Carlie C’s existing 17 locations in the area, including Dunn, Erwin, Angier, Coats, Lillington and Benson stores. Story courtesy The Daily Record
