The Giant Co. plans to open its urban flagship store, the Riverwalk Giant, in Philadelphia on Friday, March 19. Located at 60 N. 23rd St., the two-level store is the company’s latest to open in the city. With its innovative design and curated offering, the new store celebrates the company’s love for feeding families and the Philadelphians it serves.
“Philadelphia’s grocery scene is experiencing a major renaissance and The Giant Co. has been at the forefront, introducing new formats, opening new stores and expanding grocery delivery services. Our Riverwalk store celebrates this transformation, offering an elevated omnichannel grocery experience unlike anything Philadelphia has ever seen,” said Nicholas Bertram, president of Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based The Giant Co. “Expertly designed to meet the needs of urban dwellers, our Riverwalk store is the perfect blend of modern sophistication and surprise, and of course, pays homage to the city’s fantastic food scene. We can’t wait for opening day and to finally let the community discover what we’ve created for them – a one stop destination for all things food.”
The company also named Jessica Fischer, a 22-year veteran of The Giant Co., as manager of the Riverwalk store. Most recently, she served as manager of the company’s University City Giant Heirloom Market.
“Having been with the company for more than 20 years, I can confidently say that in everything we do, we aspire to deliver a grocery experience that inspires and excites our customers and to be a community partner that lifts up the families and neighborhoods we serve in every sense of the word – Riverwalk will be no different,” said Fischer. “I know I speak for the whole team when I say we can’t wait to return the warm welcome we’ve received and show our neighbors that we aren’t just another grocery store, and that The Giant Co. is a partner they can count on, and one that will grow alongside them.”
Designed for Philadelphians
First announced in 2019 as a centerpiece of the Logan Square neighborhood’s new Riverwalk mixed-use development project, the 65,000-square-foot store is located on the second floor of a 25-floor residential tower. The Giant Co. chose Chute Gerdeman, an award-winning retail design and branding firm based in Columbus, Ohio, to work with on the design. Riverwalk incorporates design elements inspired by the company’s heritage as well as its Giant Heirloom Market format, with wood elements and its signature colors of red and black.
To make it easier for customers and team members to shop and work, the new store offers a ground level parking garage with direct access to the store’s lobby. Upon entering the lobby, which is accented by the work of local artists, a full-size Starbucks awaits, as does a Giant Direct pickup station for orders placed online, offering added convenience for on-the-go families.
Customers may utilize an elevator, escalator or stairs to reach the full store on the second floor; a dedicated cartalator safely transports shopping carts between levels. Residents of the living space above the store have exclusive access to a private elevator, bringing them directly from their apartment to the second level sales floor.
Riverwalk food hall
At the heart of the Riverwalk store is a first-of-its kind food hall. With a focus on fresh, the food-forward space offers options from Mission Taqueria, a Sansom Street favorite for creative, high-quality Mexican cuisine; soup and salads from Conshohocken-based Saladworks; responsibly sourced, premium sushi from Hissho Sushi, plus made-to-order sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, smoked meats, hot foods and gelato.
Rich in natural light, thanks to its floor to ceiling windows, the food hall offers a spacious area to safely enjoy a meal overlooking the Schuylkill River, 30th Street Station and the riverside bike path. In addition, customers can also enjoy food and drink from the food hall and store on a terrace, complete with lounge-style furniture and fire pits.
“Our new brand platform, For Today’s Table, is all about encouraging families to connect over a meal; it’s what we stand for and guides all that we do,” said Bertram. “Our Riverwalk store brings For Today’s Table to life in a way that until now, we have only dreamed about. It’s the sum of the team’s very best work and is a tangible symbol of The Giant Co.’s continued focus on omnichannel growth, innovation and above all else, families and community.”
What’s in-store at Riverwalk
With 600 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables, including many from local farms, the company’s signature produce department was designed to inspire shoppers to discover new ingredients and create healthy meals at home.
In response to the growing demand for meat-free alternatives, the Riverwalk store will feature the company’s largest plant-based section to date. Customers will find meat and fish substitutes including Impossible and Beyond products, vegan cheeses, ice creams and other desserts.
A full-service meat and seafood department includes a newly introduced aged beef program with steakhouse quality cuts, such as bone-in rib eyes and strips, aged in-house for up to 42 days. The store also will offer a wide range of fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, including fish, lobster and shellfish.
The Riverwalk location also will include a large cheese section, offering a wide assortment of domestic and imported cheeses plus selections from Philabundance’s Abundantly Good cheese label that helps support dairy farmers in the commonwealth. Customers will be able to receive food and wine pairing recommendations.
A full-service deli will offer the finest assortment of Boar’s Head deli meats and cheeses along with an expanded selection of prepared foods and grab-and-go meals. The department also includes a charcuterie station and a mozzarella station featuring cannoli and more from Spring Grove, Pennsylvania-based Caputo Brothers Creamery.
Whether looking to sip on site or bring home, customers may choose from Riverwalk’s robust beer and wine collection, the largest in The Giant Co.’s footprint. The section features local craft beers and imported favorites as well as Old and New World wine, prosecco and champagne. The store will also feature a Beer Garden, complete with a self-serve tap wall offering more than 40 craft beers, wines, hard seltzer, cider and kombucha on tap.
Rounding out its offering, Riverwalk will carry locally sourced products from One Village Coffee, Claudio’s, High Street on Market, Asher’s Chocolates and Isgro Pastries. The store also will carry health and beauty, personal and family care products, natural and organic items, pet food and supplies, household essentials, and seasonal items.
Now hiring
Upon opening, the Riverwalk store is expected to employ 220 team members. Individuals interested in joining The Giant Co. team are encouraged to visit giantfoodstores.com for more information.
The Riverwalk store will be the company’s fifth location to open in Philadelphia, joining its Grant Avenue Giant and three Giant Heirloom Markets. These stores, along with the just announced Cottman Avenue project and the company’s Island Avenue e-commerce fulfillment center slated to open in November, bring the company’s total capex investment in the city to more than $106 million.
Community grand opening
The company will host a community grand opening on the morning of Friday, March 19, starting at 8:35 a.m. The event will include remarks from Bertram, Fischer and other guests, and the company will announce a round of donations to nonprofits that benefit families in both the immediate Logan Square neighborhood and greater Philadelphia. The event will be held in accordance with the city of Philadelphia’s current COVID-19 guidelines. Face coverings are required and social distancing measures will be in effect.
The Giant Co. has more than 35,000 team members supporting nearly 190 stores, 132 pharmacies, 107 fuel stations and over 150 online pickup hubs and grocery delivery service in hundreds of zip codes. Founded in 1923, The Giant Co. family of brands includes Giant, Martin’s, Giant Heirloom Market, Giant Direct and Martin’s Direct. The Giant Co. is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA.
