Store is expected to open in the fall of 2020

CARLISLE, Pa. — GIANT Food Stores revealed plans for a flagship supermarket in a mixed-use urban development under construction on the banks of the Schuylkill River in downtown Philadelphia.

The 65,000-square-foot GIANT store is expected to open by fall of 2020, the company said.

“Like the city of Philadelphia, GIANT continues to grow and innovate — becoming part of this new incredible Riverwalk project helps cement our commitment to Philadelphia,” said Nicholas Bertram, president of GIANT Food Stores.

The company earlier this month opened its second of four GIANT Heirloom Market stores in Philadelphia, in the city’s University City neighborhood. Ahold Delhaize’s GIANT Food Stores unit has developed the small-format concept to bolster its presence in urban neighborhoods.

The full-size store in the Riverwalk project will occupy the first of two towers being developed at 60 N. 23rd St. by PMC Property Group. The two-level store will feature an outdoor terrace. The project is in the Logan Square neighborhood, within walking distance to Center City.

“Dramatic, high, open ceilings will welcome customers into the first-floor glass lobby. Natural light and city views will enhance the shopping experience while an outdoor terrace will give customers a picturesque place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer and food,” according to GIANT. “A dedicated onsite parking garage will be available exclusively to GIANT customers.”

Store designers have planned a “breathtaking” produce marketplace, with more than 600 varieties of fresh produce, with local product being spotlighted, GIANT said. The store will borrow from the Heirloom Market concept in featuring community vendor partnerships with Philadelphia-area food purveyors.

GIANT Food Stores helped mark its 95th anniversary with a ceremony at Philadelphia’s City Hall in January to introduce the first GIANT Heirloom Market, in the city’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood. Others are coming to the city’s Northern Liberties and Queen Village neighborhoods.

“GIANT has become an integral part of the Philadelphia region, both as a business serving our communities and as a tremendous partner to our area’s nonprofits. Not only has GIANT done a great deal to improve the health and wellbeing of Philadelphians over the years, its recent growth has also brought hundreds of high-quality jobs to our neighborhoods. The announcement of GIANT’S new flagship store is an exciting development for the city,” Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement released by the retailer.