The Fresh Market offers expanded selections as grocery war heats up

The grocery store wars are heating up again in metro Atlanta.

In June, Amazon announced it would purchase Whole Foods setting up a head-to-head battle with Wal-Mart, the largest grocery retailer in the U.S. Also in June, German grocer Lidl announced the opening of a distribution center in Cartersville , which means plans to open grocery stores in Georgia can't be far behind. Aldi, another low-cost grocer, has doubled its U.S. sales in the last two years.

Read More: Who will win the low-price grocery war, Aldi or Wal-Mart?

So it comes as little surprise that other grocery chains -- even those outside of the low-price category -- are feeling the heat and fighting to secure a position in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

This month, specialty grocer the Fresh Market will re-launch its 10 stores in metro-Atlanta (and one location Athens). The updated stores will feature expanded food selections including increased offerings of produce and other items from local farmers, while continuing to offer international foods and the brand's private label selections.

The store is also adding more everyday essentials to the mix -- a larger grocery selection, household items, and items for babies and pets -- to round out the shopping experience.

Read more: A comparison of specialty supermarkets in the metro area

"The refresh of our Atlanta-area stores helps redefine the shopping experience for our guests," said Brian Nicholson, interim chief executive officer of the Fresh Market. " A commitment to fresh has always been a priority, and our guests' love of food remains at the heard of what we do," he said in a statement.

For the past three years, the chain has offered its signature Little Big Meal program to help on-the-go families prepare nightly dinners at an affordable price. The addition of an interactive sampling station will now give shoppers a taste of these weekly selections.

The store has also added new signage in the shopping aisles to help guide shoppers who with specific dietary needs or food allergies.

The re-launch kicks-off on Wed., Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. with events such as sampling, demonstrations and deals continuing through Sunday, Aug. 13.  On Wednesday, the first 50 guests at each location will receive a reusable shopping bag filled with a selection of signature items from the Fresh Market.

Visit one of the following locations to participate in the events: