Concept announced at 95th anniversary celebration

CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant Food Stores on Thursday announced plans for a new store format and brand designed for urban neighborhoods. The first of the new Giant Heirloom Market stores is set to open later this year in in Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood.

The new store, 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’s offerings will include a wide range of plant-based foods, and a produce chef will be on hand prepare veggies and fruit on demand.  Sampling and demonstrations will help encourage shoppers to explore new food options. Despite its compact size, the store will strive for an “endless aisles” offering — if customers need something that is not carried at the store, associates will direct them to in‐store iPads that they can use 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.

“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.”

As part of the 95th anniversary celebration, Bertram presented a $1 million donation to Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, on behalf of Giant’s associates, vendor partners and customers.

Bertram noted that Giant has long been a supporter of Philabundance. The chain most recently partnered with the food bank to help fund its 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.”