About Ingles Markets Hours

Ingles Markets is a regional supermarket chain headquartered in Black Mountain, North Carolina, operating around 200 stores across six southeastern states. Founded in 1963 by Robert Ingle, the company has grown from a single location in Asheville into one of the most recognized grocery brands in the Appalachian region. Ingles stores are found throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and Alabama - primarily in smaller cities and mountain communities where national chains have less presence.

What Time Does Ingles Open? Most Ingles Markets locations open at 6:00 AM seven days a week. This early opening time caters to the rural and suburban communities Ingles serves, where many shoppers prefer to get their errands done first thing in the morning. A handful of stores in busier areas may open at 5:00 AM, but 6:00 AM is the standard across the chain. Unlike some competitors that adjust weekend opening times, Ingles keeps a consistent schedule all week long.

What Time Does Ingles Close? Closing time at Ingles Markets is typically 11:00 PM, though some locations close at 10:00 PM or midnight depending on the market. Stores in more rural areas tend to close closer to 10:00 PM, while locations near larger towns may stay open later. Before the pandemic, a small number of Ingles stores operated 24 hours, but nearly all have shifted to set closing times since then. You can verify your local store's hours on the Ingles store locator.

Ingles Weekend Hours Saturday and Sunday hours at Ingles generally match the weekday schedule. Most stores keep the same 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM window on weekends, making it convenient for people who do most of their shopping on Saturday or Sunday. There is no reduced Sunday schedule at the majority of locations, which sets Ingles apart from some smaller regional grocers that cut Sunday hours short.

Ingles Holiday Hours Ingles Markets stays open on most holidays throughout the year. The one guaranteed closure is Christmas Day (December 25), when all locations are closed. On other major holidays like Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, stores are typically open but may operate on reduced hours. Thanksgiving Day hours often run from 6:00 AM to around 3:00 PM so employees can spend the evening with family. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve usually see earlier closing times around 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check the Ingles website before heading out on a holiday.

Ingles Pharmacy Hours Many Ingles stores include an in-store pharmacy. Pharmacy hours are shorter than the main store, with most opening at 9:00 AM Monday through Friday and closing at 7:00 PM. Saturday pharmacy hours are commonly 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, and Sunday hours tend to run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. Some pharmacies close briefly for lunch between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. If you need a pharmacy outside these windows, nearby options like Walgreens or CVS may have extended hours.

Ingles Gas Express Ingles operates Gas Express fuel stations at many of its store locations across the Southeast. These stations usually open around 6:00 AM and close by 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM, roughly matching the main store hours. Ingles offers a fuel rewards program through their Ingles Advantage Card - shoppers earn points on qualifying grocery purchases that translate into cents-off-per-gallon discounts at the pump. This is one of the better fuel programs among regional grocers and a solid reason to consolidate your shopping at Ingles if gas savings matter to you.

Ingles Deli and Bakery Most Ingles stores feature a full-service deli counter and bakery. The deli typically opens when the store opens at 6:00 AM and winds down an hour or two before the store closes - so expect deli service until roughly 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. The bakery bakes fresh bread, cakes, and pastries daily, with the best selection available in the morning hours. Ingles is known for their made-in-store rotisserie chickens and fried chicken, which are popular grab-and-go items throughout the day.

What Makes Ingles Different? Ingles occupies a unique space in the grocery world. The company is employee-friendly (they own their own milk processing plant and distribution center in Western North Carolina) and focuses heavily on sourcing local produce when possible. Unlike national chains, Ingles builds most of its stores from the ground up rather than moving into existing buildings, which means their locations tend to have a consistent modern layout. The company also owns its own real estate through Ingles' subsidiary, which gives it financial stability that some competitors lack. For shoppers in the Appalachian region, Ingles is often the most convenient and affordable full-service grocery option available.

Ingles vs. Other Southeast Grocers If you are comparing Ingles to other stores in the region, Publix is the biggest competitor in the overlap areas of Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Publix tends to have a more upscale feel and is known for premium deli service, while Ingles focuses more on everyday low prices and a no-frills shopping experience. Kroger also overlaps with Ingles territory in parts of Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. Kroger stores are generally larger with a wider product selection, but Ingles wins on convenience in mountain and rural communities where Kroger has fewer locations. For budget-focused shoppers, Aldi has been expanding into many of the same markets and offers lower prices on a smaller product range.

Tips for Shopping at Ingles Sign up for the free Ingles Advantage Card to unlock sale prices, earn fuel rewards, and access digital coupons through the Ingles app. Wednesday is typically the day new weekly ads start, so shopping mid-week can get you the freshest deals. Ingles also runs a popular "Buy One Get One Free" program on select items that rotates weekly. For the best produce selection, shop in the morning when shelves are freshly stocked. And if you are new to the area, do not overlook the Ingles deli - their fried chicken and sub sandwiches are a local favorite that rivals dedicated delis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ingles Markets open today?

Yes, Ingles Markets is open today (Friday). Ingles Markets is open every day of the week.

Is Ingles Markets open on Sunday?

Yes, Ingles Markets is open on Sundays. They are open on both Saturday and Sunday.

What days is Ingles Markets open?

Ingles Markets is open seven days a week - Monday through Sunday. There are no regular weekly closures.

Is Ingles Markets open on weekends?

Yes, Ingles Markets is open on both Saturday and Sunday. Weekend hours may vary slightly from weekday hours at some locations.