<P> Starting in the 2000s, Harris Teeter attempted to differentiate itself from its competitors by providing exceptional customer service and newly "branded" departments . The first department to be "branded" was the meat department, which in June 2002 began offering "Harris Teeter Rancher" beef . This was followed by the introductions of the Farmers' Market (produce department, October 2003), the Fisherman's Market (seafood department, April 2004), and the Fresh Foods Market (deli / bakery, January 2005). Gourmet imported items are sold under the "H.T. Traders" brand . </P> <P> Harris Teeter stores are now separated into 3 regions and 18 districts . The Northern Region, based in Fairfax, Virginia, encompasses all stores in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the northern coastal area of North Carolina . The Central Region, based in Raleigh, encompasses stores from Greensboro / High Point to Wilmington and Albemarle . The Southern Region, based in Charlotte, contains stores in southwestern North Carolina (from Winston - Salem to Asheville), as well as South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida . </P> <P> As of August 2007, Harris Teeter had over 18,000 employees, and is the largest supermarket chain in North Carolina (Food Lion being number two). </P> <P> By the mid to late 2000s, expansion to the Outer Banks of North Carolina had begun with stores in Corolla (May 2006), Kill Devil Hills (July 2006), and Morehead City (February 2009). The first store in Maryland opened in Darnestown on October 31, 2006; the second opened in May 2008 in Columbia's Village of Kings Contrivance, replacing the closed Safeway . The first store in Washington, D.C., opened in 2008 . </P>

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