5 Surprising Secrets Behind Carlie C's IGA's Success: Why This North Carolina Grocer Is Still Thriving In 2025

Carlie C's IGA remains a cornerstone of the North Carolina and South Carolina grocery landscape, a testament to its deep-rooted family values and a steadfast commitment to community service. As of December 15, 2025, the largest family-owned IGA grocery store chain in North Carolina is navigating a period of strategic change, balancing recent store closures with exciting plans for expansion and acquisition in the Carolinas. This in-depth look uncovers the unique business model, historical foundation, and specialty offerings that allow this regional powerhouse to compete successfully against national chains.

Founded on a principle of quality meats and fair prices, Carlie C's IGA has evolved from a single country store into a chain of over 30 locations, headquartered in Dunn, North Carolina. The company's resilience lies in its ability to blend the personalized service of a hometown market with the competitive pricing of a major supermarket, making it a favorite for generations of shoppers seeking fresh, local, and specialty Southern products.

The McLamb Family Legacy: A Brief Biography of Carlie C's IGA's Founders and Leaders

The story of Carlie C's IGA is inextricably linked to the McLamb family, whose dedication laid the groundwork for one of the region's most successful independent grocers.

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• Founder: Carlie C. McLamb Sr.
  • Role: Co-Founder of Carlie C's IGA.
  • Founding Date: Opened the first small country store in February 1961.
  • Location: Johnston County, North Carolina, on Highway 242.
  • Legacy: Known for establishing the store's reputation for quality meats, fair prices, and exceptional customer service.
  • Note: Carlie C. McLamb Sr. has passed away, but his business philosophy endures.
• Co-Founder: Joyce McLamb
  • Role: Co-Founder alongside her husband, Carlie C. McLamb Sr.
  • Contribution: Instrumental in building the business from its humble beginnings.
• Current President: Carlie "Mack" McLamb Jr.
  • Role: President and Owner of Carlie C's IGA.
  • Vision: Continues the family legacy by focusing on expansion, community involvement, and maintaining the chain's unique identity as the largest IGA franchise in North Carolina.
  • Other Ventures: Served as a founding director of Computer World, Inc.

The 2025 Landscape: Closures, Expansions, and Strategic Growth

Unlike many regional chains that struggle to maintain momentum, Carlie C's IGA demonstrates a strategic, focused approach to growth. The company is actively adjusting its footprint to ensure long-term viability and profitability across its service area.

Recent Developments and Footprint Adjustments (2024-2025)

The grocery chain, which operates approximately 33 locations, is not immune to the pressures of the modern retail environment, including rising costs and shifting demographics.

• Strategic Closures: In early 2024, Carlie C's IGA announced the closure of a location in the Raleigh/Garner area. This decision, though disappointing for local customers who praised the store’s "best meat prices," reflects a necessary focus on optimizing their existing portfolio.
• Acquisitions and Expansions: Despite closures, the chain remains in an expansion mode. In a significant move for 2025, an IGA store in Beulaville, North Carolina, is set to change ownership and reopen under the Carlie C's IGA banner. Furthermore, company owner Mack McLamb Jr. has publicly stated plans to open two more new locations, signaling a robust confidence in the brand's ability to thrive in new markets.
• The IGA Advantage: As the largest IGA franchise in North Carolina, Carlie C's benefits from the International Grocers Alliance (IGA) network while retaining its independent, family-owned operational agility, a key differentiator from large corporate chains.

The Carlie C's IGA Difference: Specialty Products and Unbeatable Value

What truly sets Carlie C's apart and fosters fierce customer loyalty is its dedication to specific, high-quality departments that cater directly to Southern tastes and value-conscious shoppers. This focus on specialty items and unique offerings is where the store builds its topical authority and competitive edge.

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The Legendary Meat Market and Meat Bundles

The store's reputation was built on its meat department, a legacy that continues today. Carlie C's is renowned for its quality meats and specialty Southern meats, a selection that many customers feel surpasses that of competitors.

• Specialty Southern Meats: Shoppers seek out unique items and cuts that are a staple of regional cuisine. The meat department is arguably the store's most significant draw.
• The Value Proposition: Meat Bundles: To deliver maximum value, Carlie C's IGA offers various "Meat Bundles." These bundles, such as the popular Fresh Chicken Bundle or the extensive Super Bundle, provide a variety of top-quality cuts—including T-bone steaks and ground beef—at a significant savings. This strategy drives bulk sales and positions them as the go-to for family meal planning.

Deli, Bakery, and Homemade Jellies

Beyond the meat counter, the store’s other departments contribute to its "hometown grocery store" feel.

• "Low Key Good" Deli/Bakery: The deli and bakery areas are highly praised by locals for offering quality products and fresh, prepared foods. Carlie C's IGA also features its own line of Specialty Products, which often include homemade jellies and other regional favorites that are unavailable at rival supermarkets.
• Customer Convenience: The stores, such as the locations in Smithfield, Angier, and Fayetteville, offer essential services like the FAM Rewards program, weekly deals, and a robust online presence for customers to check the store locator and shopping services.

A Commitment to Community: More Than Just a Grocery Store

For Carlie C's IGA, community involvement is not a marketing tactic—it's an integral part of their operating philosophy, echoing the values of founders Carlie C. and Joyce McLamb.

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• Local Support: The company strongly supports numerous community-based organizations through donations, discounts, and sponsorships. This focus on giving back helps solidify their status as a true community partner, rather than just a retailer.
• Fighting Hunger: Carlie C's IGA is a key partner in addressing food insecurity in the region. They are a sponsor for major initiatives, including the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, and participate in charity drives to provide essentials like sugar and other staples to those in need.
• Donation Requests: To manage their extensive community support, the company has a formal Community Request Form for organizations seeking donations or sponsorships, ensuring a structured and fair process for giving back.

Carlie C's IGA in the Future: Continuing the Hometown Tradition

Looking ahead, Carlie C's IGA appears poised for continued success. By focusing on its core strengths—superior meat quality, value-driven meat bundles, unique Southern specialty products, and an unwavering commitment to the local community—the chain effectively carves out a niche in a highly competitive industry. The strategic expansion and acquisition plans for 2025, particularly the new Beulaville location, demonstrate a proactive strategy to grow the brand while maintaining the "hometown grocery store" feel that customers have cherished since 1961. For shoppers in North Carolina and the surrounding areas, Carlie C's IGA remains the trusted destination for quality, value, and a truly local shopping experience.