Whole Foods Plans Third Cary Location at Preston Corners Shopping Center

Whole Foods Market has confirmed plans to open a third Cary store at Preston Corners shopping center, moving into the former Lowes Foods space at 930 High House Road at the corner of High House Road and Cary Parkway. No estimated opening date has been provided.

Lowes Foods closed the Preston Corners location in mid-May 2025, deciding not to renew its lease and leaving the anchor space vacant. Whole Foods confirmed the expansion in an emailed statement to The News & Observer: "We look forward to continuing to serve the Cary community with high-quality natural and organic products and an unparalleled grocery shopping experience."

Triangle Business Journal first reported the news. The announcement also put to rest speculation that had circulated on Facebook and Reddit suggesting Sprouts Farmers Market would take over the empty Lowes Foods space.

The new store will sit geographically between Whole Foods' two existing Cary locations, on Arco Street and at New Waverly Place, each roughly 6 to 7 miles from Preston Corners. Combined with stores in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, the Preston Corners opening would give Cary three Whole Foods locations to Raleigh's one.

The competition at Preston Corners is already dense. Harris Teeter, Trader Joe's, H Mart, Publix, Wegmans and The Fresh Market all operate within a few miles of the site. Western Wake County has also seen newer entrants, including IndiFresh and Apna Bazar, reflecting broader growth in the area's grocery market.

Preston Corners is described by Preston Development Company as a long-established neighborhood shopping hub anchored by grocers and small chains, making it a natural fit for a full-format grocer. Whole Foods, founded in Austin, Texas in 1980, is known for its hot bar and salad bar offerings alongside its natural and organic grocery selection.