From Tabor City to Leland to Sunset Beach, families are rethinking how and where they buy food
By BC News Staff Writer
Rising grocery prices aren’t just tightening budgets across Columbus and Brunswick counties – they’re reshaping the way people shop. From the aisles of Walmart and Aldi’s to the pickup lanes at Lowes Foods and Food Lion, local families are adjusting their routines to stretch every dollar a little further.
For many shoppers, in‑person trips remain the most trusted option. People want to see what they’re buying, especially when it comes to produce and meats. One of the most common frustrations we hear is simple: shoppers don’t like not being able to pick out their own produce and meats. Ripeness, freshness, and expiration dates matter, and those are details they say an app can’t judge.
In‑store shoppers also like comparing prices on the shelf, chasing weekly MVP deals, and switching stores when something is out of stock, a strategy that has become more common as prices shift week to week.
Online pickup has grown steadily across the region. Walmart pickup stays busy, and both Lowes Foods and Aldi have become reliable options for parents juggling school schedules, shift work, and long commutes. Pickup helps shoppers stick to a budget by showing the total before checkout, and it saves time on crowded weekends. Still, readers point out drawbacks: inconsistent produce quality, out‑of‑stocks, and pickup slots that fill quickly before storms or holidays.
Delivery services have become a lifeline for some households, especially older adults, people without transportation, and families dealing with illness. Instacart and DoorDash drivers are now a familiar sight from Tabor City to Leland to Sunset Beach, covering long stretches of rural and coastal communities.
The added fees, delivery charges, service fees, and tips stack up fast. And in the more rural parts of the county, delivery windows can be limited or unavailable altogether.
Online shipping fills a different need. Many locals order bulk items, pet food, paper goods, and cleaning supplies from Amazon, Sam’s Club, or Walmart.com. It saves a trip, especially for heavier items, and prices tend to be more predictable than what shoppers see on local shelves. Still, shipping delays and the hassle of returns keep some families from relying on it for anything beyond pantry staples.
Across Columbus and Brunswick counties, the same factors shape every grocery decision: price, convenience, quality control, availability, and trust.
Local families are adapting in real time, mixing old habits with new tools. Some shop in person for meats and produce, then use pickup for everything else. Others rely on delivery during hectic weeks but still make a Saturday morning run for the best deals.
No matter the method, one thing is clear: shoppers across our region are doing whatever it takes to make their grocery dollars go further.
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