What High's Dairy Store Is
High's Dairy Store is a regional convenience store chain found mostly in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast United States. It operates as a smaller, neighborhood-focused alternative to large national chains. High's locations typically stock dairy products, beverages, snacks, and grab-and-go food items, along with basic household supplies and sometimes lottery tickets or money services.
The chain has been operating since the 1950s and maintains a local presence in communities where it operates. Each location functions as a traditional convenience store — you walk in, select items, and pay at a counter. High's is not a full grocery store, so the selection is limited compared to supermarkets, but the store is usually closer to home and faster for quick purchases.
Key Takeaways
- High's Dairy Store locations carry dairy products, beverages, snacks, and prepared foods, but not the full range of a grocery store.
- Most High's stores are open early morning through late evening, though hours vary by location.
- You can pay with cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the register, and some locations offer money services like money orders.
- High's is a regional chain, so availability depends on whether a store operates in your area — check their website or call ahead to confirm location hours.
What Products High's Carries
High's stocks the items you would expect at a convenience store focused on dairy and beverages. This includes milk, yogurt, cheese, and other refrigerated dairy products. The chain also carries soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, tea, and juice. You will find snacks like chips, candy, cookies, and nuts in the aisles.
Prepared and grab-and-go food varies by location but often includes sandwiches, hot dogs, roller grill items, and sometimes fresh coffee or fountain drinks. Many High's locations also carry basic household items like paper towels, cleaning supplies, and personal care products. Some stores sell lottery tickets, phone cards, or offer money order services, though this depends on the individual location.
High's does not carry a full range of groceries like a supermarket does. If you need fresh produce, meat from a butcher counter, or a wide selection of frozen foods, you will need to visit a larger grocery store. High's is designed for quick trips to grab specific items you need right away.
How to Pay and What Payment Methods Work
At High's, you select your items, bring them to the register, and pay before leaving. The store accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Most locations have a standard checkout counter where a cashier rings up your purchase and processes payment.
If you are using a card, the cashier will either swipe it, insert it into a chip reader, or ask you to tap it for contactless payment — the method depends on what your card supports and what the register accepts. You will be asked to sign or enter a PIN depending on the transaction type and amount.
Some High's locations offer money order services at the register. If you need a money order, ask the cashier whether that location provides them. Availability and fees vary by store, so confirm before you assume the service is available at your nearest location.
Finding a High's Location Near You
High's Dairy Store operates in a limited geographic area, primarily in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and parts of the Carolinas. The chain is not nationwide, so whether you have a High's nearby depends on your state and region.
To find a location, visit the High's website and use their store locator tool. You can enter your zip code or city and see which stores are in your area, along with their addresses and hours. If you do not see a High's near you, the chain may not operate in your region, and you would need to use another convenience store or grocery store instead.
Store hours typically run from early morning (often 6 a.m. or earlier) through late evening (often 10 p.m. or later), but hours vary by location. Some stores may have different hours on weekends. Call ahead or check the website before making a trip, especially if you are visiting an unfamiliar location or need the store at an unusual time.
Comparing High's to Other Convenience Stores
High's competes with national chains like 7-Eleven, Wawa, Sheetz, and Circle K, as well as local independent convenience stores. The main difference is geography — High's operates only in certain regions, while national chains are spread across the country. If you live in a High's service area, you may find it more convenient than driving to a national chain location.
Product selection is similar across most convenience stores: dairy, beverages, snacks, and grab-and-go food. The specific brands and prepared food options may differ. Some convenience stores emphasize hot food (like Wawa and Sheetz), while others focus more on packaged goods. High's leans toward dairy and beverages as its core offering, which is reflected in its name and product mix.
Pricing at convenience stores is generally higher than at supermarkets because you are paying for convenience and location. If you are buying a single item or need something quickly, the higher price is often worth it. If you are doing a large shopping trip, a supermarket will usually be cheaper overall.
Money Services and Special Offerings
Some High's locations offer money orders, which are a safe way to send money by mail or in person. A money order is a paper document that acts like a check — you pay the store a small fee (usually a few dollars), and they issue a money order in the amount you specify. You then give it to the person you are paying, and they can cash it at a bank or another money services location.
Not every High's location offers money orders, and fees vary. Before you count on this service, call the store or check the website to confirm it is available. If the location does not offer money orders, you can get one at a bank, post office, or Walmart.
High's may also sell lottery tickets in states where they operate, though this depends on state law and individual store policies. Ask the cashier if you are interested in purchasing lottery tickets at your local High's.
Tips for Shopping at High's
Because High's is a convenience store, not a full grocery store, plan your shopping accordingly. If you need multiple items or are doing a full grocery run, you may not find everything you want in one High's location. It is better to use High's for quick trips — grabbing milk, a snack, a drink, or a prepared meal on your way somewhere.
Bring a reusable bag if you want to, though High's will provide bags at checkout. Many convenience stores now charge a small fee for plastic bags or encourage customers to bring their own. Check your local High's policy.
If you are looking for a specific product and are not sure whether High's carries it, call the store directly. The staff can tell you whether they have what you need in stock, which saves you a trip if they do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every High's location have the same products?
No. While all High's stores carry core items like dairy and beverages, the specific brands, prepared foods, and additional services vary by location. Larger stores may have more selection, and some locations offer services like money orders that others do not. Call ahead if you are looking for something specific.
Can I use my phone to pay at High's?
Most High's locations accept contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay if your phone supports them and the register has a contactless reader. Ask the cashier or look for a contactless symbol on the payment terminal. Not all registers may have this technology yet.
What time does High's open and close?
Hours vary by location, but most High's stores open between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and close between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Some locations may have different weekend hours. Check the store locator on the High's website or call your nearest location to confirm exact hours.
Does High's accept WIC or SNAP benefits?
Many High's locations accept SNAP (food stamps), though not all products in the store are may be able to access — only food items that meet SNAP rules. WIC acceptance varies by location. Call your nearest High's to ask whether they accept these benefits and which products may have access to.
Can I return items to High's?
Return policies vary by location. Most convenience stores have limited return policies compared to supermarkets. If you need to return something, bring your receipt and ask the manager. They can tell you whether the item is returnable and what the store's policy is.