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The new store concept, which is currently under construction, will measure about 9,500 square feet and offer “an inspiring selection of high‐quality, fresh, seasonal, and flavor‐focused foods and everyday essentials.
CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant Food Stores announced plans for a new store format and brand designed for urban neighborhoods. The first of the new stores will be located in Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood, and will be called Giant Heirloom Market.
The new store concept, which is currently under construction, will measure about 9,500 square feet and offer “an inspiring selection of high‐quality, fresh, seasonal, and flavor‐focused foods and everyday essentials,” according to the retailer, which noted that the store will featuring a produce chef who will prepare veggies and fruit on demand, local artisanal breads, and a vast array of plant‐based foods. To encourage shoppers to explore new food options, the store will offer sampling and demonstration. Despite its compact size, the store will strive for an “endless aisles” approach; if customers need something that is not carried in‐store, associates will help them use in‐store iPads to order online with Peapod Pickup or Delivery.
The announcement of the new format was made as part of Giant’s 95th anniversary celebration in Philadelphia’s Dilworth Park. To mark the occasion, Giant Food Stores president Nicholas Bertram was joined by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, local elected officials, community partners and Giant
associates and presented a $1 million donation to Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest
hunger relief organization, on behalf of the company’s associates, vendor partners and customers.
“As we celebrate our 95th anniversary, we can’t help thinking about the next chapter in Giant’s
story,” Bertram said. “Philadelphia is a natural choice for us to debut our new Giant Heirloom Market format, as we’re able to draw upon our passion for food and our fondness for local purveyors, all while leveraging innovation to bring something special to our new Graduate Hospital neighbors.”
Though Giant Food has had a presence in Philadelphia since 2011 with its Grant Avenue store, the Heirloom Market store will be the chain’s first downtown location. Set to open later this year, the store will be the first of several stores planned for Philadelphia.
“More and more companies are looking to do business in Philadelphia due to our abundant resources, welcoming spirit and diverse neighborhoods,” said Mayor Kenney. “The city of Philadelphia is honored to have been selected by Giant to debut its new store format, Giant Heirloom Market. We are thankful for Giant’s significant investment in our region as they contribute hundreds of jobs to our economy, and we look forward to giving them a true City of
Brotherly Love welcome later this year.”
Giant has long been a supporter of Philabundance, and most recently partnered with the food bank to help fund their KidsBites’ LunchBox program with a three‐year Fighting Child Hunger grant. Philabundance used the grant to increase access to healthy food for children, providing 1,400 nutritious lunch boxes per week over 11 weeks during the summer at eight sites in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Through its “Bag Hunger” and “Meat the Needs” programs,
Giant also partners with Philabundance to bring much‐needed protein to families throughout the area.
“There’s no better time than our 95th anniversary to reflect on our company’s success and express thanks to our associates, vendor partners, customers and communities, all of whom have made it possible for us to be here today,” Bertram said. “It’s our privilege to present this donation to
Philabundance for all they do to serve the Philadelphia region, and we look forward to reaching even deeper to help end hunger together.”
