Giant Food Stores is planning to develop a new, two-level urban flagship Giant store in downtown Philadelphia overlooking the Schuylkill River, furthering the company’s investments and commitment to the Philadelphia market. Coming on the heels of the company’s launch of Giant Heirloom Market, the new plan accelerates the company’s aggressive growth plan while investing in innovative customer experiences.
Giant Food Stores President Nicholas Bertram, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and PMC Property Group President Ron Caplan formally announced the project Aug. 14 and held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Riverwalk development project, which will house Giant’s new Philadelphia store.
“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,” Bertram said. “We’ve always been dedicated to bringing quality groceries to the people of our home state of Pennsylvania, but this new Philadelphia store—as well as our new Giant Heirloom Markets throughout the city—represent the future of Giant: fresh solutions for the way families live now.”
New flagship store tailored to downtown shoppers
Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based Giant will accelerate its Philadelphia market growth with a 65,000-s.f. store in the new Riverwalk mixed-use development on the banks of the Schuylkill River. Incorporating an innovative two-level format, the store will be located in the first of two towers under development at 60 North 23rd Street by PMC Property Group. The store is anticipated to open by fall of 2020 and will create more than 200 new jobs for the city.
“Giant’s investment in Philadelphia and our many communities across Pennsylvania will not only enhance the quality of life for residents, it will also add quality jobs to the commonwealth’s economy. It’s great to see a company that started here in Pennsylvania continuing to grow and invest in our commonwealth and our workers,” Davin said.
Located in the Logan Square neighborhood within walking distance to Center City, the new Giant will be in Riverwalk’s Tower 1. 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 place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer and food. A dedicated onsite parking garage will be available exclusively to Giant customers.
“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 well-being of Philadelphians over the years, its recent growth also has brought hundreds of high-quality jobs to our neighborhoods. The announcement of Giant’s new flagship store is an exciting development for the city,” Kenney said.
Store designers have planned a produce marketplace with more than 600 varieties of fresh produce, with local product being spotlighted. Inspired by Giant Heirloom Market, the store also will feature community vendor partnerships. The store will boast the largest plant-based department in the company.
Busy customers can choose to order their groceries online for easy curbside pick-up with Giant Direct, powered by Peapod, the company’s online grocery service that offers pick-up and delivery. Available through the Giant app or at giantdirect.com, Giant recently announced more than 100 of its stores offer Giant Direct.
“The features planned for the new Riverwalk Giant speak directly to the needs and desires of our city demographic. We’re thrilled to offer our future residents and customers such an incredible and innovative amenity,” said Caplan.
Plans for the Riverwalk store highlight Philadelphia’s central role in the company’s recent growth strategy and is in addition to a $70 million investment Giant announced in April 2018 to grow its store network across the Commonwealth by constructing six new stores, remodeling two locations and opening four new fuel stations through the end of this year. Giant soon will open a new store in East Stroudsburg and has plans to open two more Giant Heirloom Markets in the Philadelphia neighborhoods of Northern Liberties and Queen’s Village.
In 2018, Giant celebrated its 95th Anniversary at Philadelphia City Hall with the unveiling of the first Giant Heirloom Market in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood and more than $1 million in donations to Philabundance, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the USO. Since then, the company has kicked off its second season as the Official Grocer of the Philadelphia Phillies and opened its second Giant Heirloom Market in the University City neighborhood of West Philadelphia.
Giant has 158 stores in the state of Pennsylvania and employs nearly 29,000 associates in the state.
