BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (August 10, 2006) – Southern Family Markets here said yesterday it intends to completely exit the state of North Carolina, closing nine stores and exploring the sale of eight others. ìThere is never a good time to do this. However, we must act quickly to streamline our operations in these very competitive markets,î Bill White, president, said in a statement. Southern Family, a division of Keene, N.H.-based C&S Wholesale Grocers, was founded a year ago when C&S agreed to purchase 104 stores in five states formerly belonging to Bi-Lo. The company earlier this month said it would close 13 locations in Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. North Carolina stores scheduled to close are located in Eden, Lexington, Jamestown, Greensboro, Spindale, Mooresville, High Point, Burlington and Clemmons. Going out of business sales are to begin next week and continue through Aug. 26.