According to Forbes, H-E-B is the 12th largest private company in the US. Running successfully since 1905, H-E-B sells everything under the sun (almost!) in its hundreds of stores in Texas. H-E-B fans are curious to know where else they can find this San Antonio-based chain.
H-E-B stores are located not only in Texas but also in Louisiana, Florida and in Mexico. The company has more than 420 stores in these locations where over 45,000 employees, or partners, work.
H-E-B is a global chain, and its first international store opened in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1997.
H-E-B proudly claims on its website that it is committed to serving the specific needs of every community each of its stores are located in. Read on to find out more about the H-E-B stores in Texas and Mexico, what products H-E-B’s various retail formats offer, and how to find a store that meets your needs.
Does H-E-B Operate Outside Texas?
Outside Texas, H-E-B operates only in Louisiana, Florida and Mexico where it has more than 60 stores. H-E-B opened its first store outside Texas in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in 1996. It was the H-E-B Pantry Store format. However, it closed in 2003.
H-E-B had a Ship-to-Home service that allowed people from states other than Texas, such as Florida and Alabama, to order online and have the goods delivered to their homes. However, this service is temporarily suspended.
How Many H-E-B Stores Are There in Texas?
There are more than 360 H-E-B stores in Texas. In the United States, the H-E-B retail formats include H-E-B, H-E-B Plus!®, Mi Tienda, Central Market, and Joe V’s Smart Shop. H-E-B also runs several dining establishments.
H-E-B stores carry many items produced in their plants. These items include:
- Bread
- Milk
- Ice cream
- Snacks
- Readymade meats and meals
H-E-B stores in Texas have more on offer than just food items. The company has partnered with several retailers to bring the store-within-a-store experience to its customers.
For instance, it has collaborated with James Avery Artisan Jewelry to stock and sell jewelry at H-E-B stores. It has also partnered with the nail salon chain The W Nail Bar and will soon feature fitness equipment showrooms in its stores.
Many H-E-B stores have leased spaces to other tenants through third-party lease agreements. You can find bank branches, ATM kiosks, and cellular service kiosks inside H-E-B stores.
In Texas, H-E-B’s primary markets include the following areas:
- San Antonio
- Austin
- Houston
- Corpus Christi
- Laredo
The largest H-E-B store on the planet is in San Antonio, Texas. This H-E-B plus!® store at Bandera Road and Loop 1604 measures 182,000 square feet (16,908.35 square meters) and has more than 1,180 parking slots.
Read on as I describe the various retail formats of H-E-B.
H-E-B plus!® Stores
H-E-B plus!® stores offer more than groceries. These stores sell
- Domestic electrical appliances
- Toys
- Houseware
- Apparel
- Grills and grilling gear
- Lawn furniture
- Party supplies
- Fresh flowers
- Beauty products
These stores also carry baby products like bouncers, strollers, and high chairs.
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H-E-B Convenience Stores
H-E-B Convenience stores are open 24 hours and stock fresh food, baked goodies, and on-the-go food. You can also refuel your car and wash it in one of these stores.
Some H-E-B Convenience stores house Bissell Green Carpet Cleaner.
You can also fill your prescriptions at some H-E-B stores.
Central Market
Select H-E-B stores operate the Central Market that stocks organic and global food. The offerings include extensive wine and beer selections and a European-style bakery.
The store staff includes classically-trained chefs and sommeliers.
Mi Tienda
Mi Tienda is H-E-B’s Latino-themed store. It stocks Mexican baked food, tortillas, and pan dulces prepared by the employees at the in-store bakery, and a carniceria that sells marinated cuts of beef, chicken, and pork.
Mi Tienda is also home to the Cocina restaurant that serves authentic Mexican food, beverages, and drinks.
Joe V’s Smart Shop
Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B is inspired by the business model of discount grocers like Lidl and Aldi.
You can find here discounted items like:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Dairy items
- Fresh-cut meats
- Seafood
- Packaged goods
They also sell baked goods, general merchandise, and health and beauty products. These products are offered at prices 15-20% lower than those charged by H-E-B’s competitors.
These stores are smaller than the full-service H-E-B stores and sell fewer items.
However, not all Joe V’s Smart Shops carry similar items. The offerings are selected based on the top 20 most-purchased items in the neighborhood where the store is located.
Other H-E-B Businesses
Besides selling groceries and other products through its branded outlets, H-E-B operates several dining establishments inside select stores.
H-E-B’s dining operations include the following eateries:
- Flaming Bird
- Main Street Food Hall & Bar
- True Texas BBQ
- True Texas Boil House
- True Texas Tacos
- South Flo Pizza
H-E-B has also acquired and integrated Favor Delivery’s food delivery service into its e-commerce network.
How Many Stores Does H-E-B Have in Mexico?
H-E-B has more than 60 stores in Mexico. The stores are concentrated in the northeastern and central parts of Mexico, primarily in the regions of Coahuila, Guanajuato, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas. The first H-E-B store in Mexico was opened in 1997 near Monterrey.
The H-E-B stores in Mexico are typically smaller than those in the US. Nonetheless, they carry a wide assortment of grocery items, fresh produce, meats, wines and beers, dairy products, seafood, and general merchandise.
How To Find a H-E-B Store
H-E-B is present in hundreds of locations in Texas and Mexico. Besides offering grocery, fresh produce, meat, and dairy produce, many stores stock electrical appliances, furniture, baby products, and grilling gear. Several other stores provide access to car washing, carpet cleaning, banking, and cellular services.
How do you know which store to visit to buy what you need?
H-E-B’s website has a store locator application. You can search for H-E-B stores near you by entering your zip code.
You can also search by the specific services or goods you want.
The filtered search results list the store hours, phone number, and the distance of the store from your location and specify whether the store offers curbside pickup services.
Conclusion
H-E-B stores offer convenient and comfortable shopping options while taking care of your wallet. They sell goods from all over the world and cater to a vast clientele ranging from the budget shopper to the gourmet cook who doesn’t mind shelling out a fortune for truffles.
If you live in Texas, use the store locator application on H-E-B’s website to find a store that carries what you need.