On Dec. 16, The Giant Co. opened its fourth Giant Heirloom Market in Philadelphia’s Fashion District, capping off a year of growth in the city.
The grand opening event included a ribbon-cutting and remarks by The Giant Co. President Nicholas Bertram, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Councilman Mark Squilla.
The store, located at 801 Market St., is accessible from inside the mall as well as Market Street, and features local produce, a large plant-based department, a self-serve tap wall with more than 30 selections, a Starbucks and a Hissho sushi bar.
“It seems only fitting that our growth and investment in the city this year culminates with this new store in a legendary location that has served Philadelphians and visitors to our city for decades,” said Bertram. “This store will reach residents and workers in the Fashion District and beyond, as well as visitors to Philadelphia’s nearby historic sites and museums. Always keeping in mind our purpose of connecting families for a better future, we know our customers will be delighted by the beautiful architecture and features at this Giant Heirloom Market.”
This store is the largest Giant Heirloom Market to date, with 32,000 square feet of shopping space. Situated in the historic 1928 building that housed Philadelphia’s iconic Strawbridge & Clothier department store, the company has restored and maintained many interior design elements, including decorative trim, chandelier lighting, signage and the famous “Il Porcellino,” the former Strawbridge’s wild boar statue.
“We’re proud that the company chose to launch its unique Giant Heirloom Market concept in Philadelphia, and we’ve been pleased with each subsequent new store opening, each of which represents a continued commitment to our city while offering residents new employment opportunities,” Kenney said. “This location will meet a real need for the growing residential population in our exciting new Fashion District and will serve as a convenient dining destination to those visiting our great city.”
Giant Heirloom Market draws inspiration from European grocery stores with a format and product mix tailored for urban neighborhoods. This store joins Giant Heirloom Markets in three other Philadelphia neighborhoods: Graduate Hospital, University City and Northern Liberties.
Like the first three Giant Heirloom Market stores, the Fashion District location features Philadelphia‐area food purveyors including Claudio Specialty Foods and Isgro Pastries as well as a grind-your-own beans option featuring One Village Coffee.
Additional features of the store include:
- Plant-based department as well as gluten-free and organic offerings;
- Gourmet cheese section with pairing recommendations;
- Large beer and wine selection;
- Tap Hall featuring 32 self-serve beer and wine located in building’s historic elevator hall;
- Kombucha on tap;
- Food Hall featuring Boar’s Head Deli, Hissho sushi bar and a full-size Starbucks;
- 16 self-checkout registers and Scan It! Express;
- Giant Direct lockers; and
- Comfortable seating area with televisions.
To meet the needs of its on-the-go customers, the store will also offer Giant Direct. Customers can access tens of thousands of items found in Giant stores, all of which can be easily ordered online for next day pick up or delivery.
At the Dec. 16 ribbon-cutting, The Giant Co. announced $9,500 in donations to several community partners, including the Free Library of Philadelphia, Fire Station – Engine 8 and Broad Street Ministries and Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, where team members later volunteered.
The store will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, and employ approximately 100 full- and part-time team members. With 18 years of grocery experience, Nick Meyer has been appointed store manager.
“Having been a part of the Giant Heirloom Market team since day one, today is a day I’ve long been looking forward to and won’t soon forget,” said Meyer. “Our Fashion District location is the perfect blend of Philadelphia and the very best of Giant Heirloom Market, and much like the meaning of its name, it is truly something to be treasured. I know I speak for the entire team when I say we could not be more excited to welcome our new neighbors and visitors alike, and we can’t wait to see what they think of the store we’ve designed for them.”
Following the 2021 openings of four new stores, the company now operates eight locations within the city of Philadelphia as well as the Giant Direct e-commerce fulfillment center and currently employs more than 1,200 team members across the city. Earlier this year, the company also announced plans for a store on North Broad Street at the corner of Spring Garden Street and a store on South Broad Street at the corner of Washington Avenue.
