On May 10, The Giant Company (TGC) announced plans for five new stores in Philadelphia, accelerating its omnichannel growth in the city, the Carlisle, PA-based Ahold Delhaize brand noted.
Building on the momentum of its Giant Heirloom Market format, the company plans to open a new 32,000 square foot store in the Fashion District at 801 Market Street. In addition, the retailer will open three new Giant stores in the city including a 46,000 square foot unit on Columbus Boulevard at the corner of Reed Street; a 50,000 square foot supermarket on North Broad Street at the corner of Spring Garden Street; and a 40,000 square foot store on South Broad Street at the corner of Washington Avenue. The fast-growing merchant said store amenities as well as opening dates for each new store will be shared at a later date. Earlier, TGC also announced that it would build a new 67,000 square foot store on Cottman Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia which is slated to open later this year.
The Columbus Boulevard., S. Broad & Washington and Cottman Avenue locations were previously reported in Food Trade News.
“The Giant Company is committed to Philadelphia and this expansion across our family of brands exemplifies our strategy in action,” said Nicholas Bertram, president TGC. “True to its reputation of being the City of Brotherly Love, Philly families have wholeheartedly embraced Giant, Giant Heirloom Market and Giant Direct and that has only fueled our team to dream bigger and more boldly as we shape our plans for tomorrow. We’re excited about our future in Philadelphia and to be expanding across the city, with stores designed for both families and commuters that meet the needs of each unique neighborhood.”
On March 19, TGC opened its flagship Philadelphia store on North 23rd Street, a 65,000 square foot two-level store in the Logan Square neighborhood of Center City.
Renovations are also currently underway at the company’s new Giant Direct e-commerce fulfillment center located on Island Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. The new depot will provide more capacity, faster order fulfillment and room to grow home grocery delivery, in response to the increasing number of customers who want to order online.
“The Giant brand has long been a trusted partner for families in the suburbs,” added Bertram. “As we deepen our presence in the city, no matter how our customers choose to shop, in store or online, The Giant Company will be there, offering the grocery solutions they’re counting on to help them spend more time gathered with family around the table.”
Including Giant and Giant Heirloom Market, the company currently operates five stores in the city of Philadelphia. These locations, along with the Cottman Avenue project and its Giant Direct e-commerce fulfillment center, which is slated to open in November, will bring TGC’s total cap-ex investment in the city to more than $135 million.
As the second largest private employer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. TGC currently employs more than 27,000 team members statewide, including approximately 600 associates in Philadelphia. The company anticipates hiring approximately 700 team members in total across these four new Center City locations. The regional chain noted that with the help of its customers and supplier partners, and through strategic partnerships with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philabundance, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Urban League of Philadelphia, and Please Touch Museum, since 1998, the retailer has contributed more than $35 million in support of its purpose of connecting families for a better future.