New Giant in Feasterville brings 65 jobs, along with fresh produce and a full-service pharmacy
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
The wait is officially over.
On the morning of Friday, Aug. 10, residents flocked to the parking lot at 176 W. Street Road in Feasterville, where they were greeted by the Phillie Phanatic and Mummers string bands. This was the grand opening celebration of the all-new Giant Food Stores, formerly located at 1055 Bustleton Pike. Beginning at 8 a.m., early risers enjoyed free goodies such as reusable Philadelphia Phillies shopping bags, and the chance to explore the recently-renovated 66,000-square-foot space.
The Feasterville store, which brought approximately 65 new jobs to the community, is part of a $70 million investment Giant announced earlier this year to grow its store network across the state. Over the next two years, it plans to construct six new stores, remodel two locations and open five new fuel stations, all while celebrating the 95th anniversary of its founding in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Ahead of the grand opening festivities, Giant community relations representative Chris Brand and store manager Tim Feoli hosted a preview tour on Thursday, Aug. 9, for an intimate group of community members. The Times went behind-the-scenes to see why this isn’t your average grocery store.
Upon stepping foot into the expansive, impeccably organized space, which is 25 percent larger than Giant’s old Bustleton Pike home, customers will likely struggle with the decision of where to first turn their shopping cart. Whether someone needs fresh produce, beer and wine, medications or a fresh cup of Starbucks coffee, guests can find all of it in the one-stop shop.
“This store really has our customers covered,” said Brand.
The first thing to likely catch their eye will be the produce department, located front and center. This section alone boasts more than 350 pieces of produce, including organic selections, fresh-squeezed juices, in-store cut fruits, exotic offerings such as dragon fruit and jackfruit, and a full salad bar. Most items hail from local farms such as Benedict’s Produce in Chambersburg, Buona Foods, Inc. in Landenberg, Circle M Farms and Flaim Farms in New Jersey, and Sterman Masser Potato Farms, which was founded in Sacramento, Pennsylvania.
On hand at the preview tour was David Masser, who expressed his appreciation over Giant’s longtime showcase of local products. According to him, Sterman Masser Potato Farms has been a Giant supplier since 1976, though it has been growing potatoes since its founding in 1754.
“The local farmers are really what it’s all about here in Pennsylvania,” Brand said, referring to folks like Masser as the “backbone” of Giant.
Brand went on to explain how the products found in Giant are meant to accommodate the needs of its customers. For example, studies show there is more snacking going on in the household rather than the preparation of multi-course meals. Basically, people want fast, yet healthy, dishes. Designated “Quick and Easy” sections help shoppers determine where these convenient foods are located, as the “Guiding Stars” system explicitly shows which items are the healthiest. Produce is labeled with three gold stars, which means it’s best for the body, while an indulgence like ice cream may have one star.
“It’s good for the busy mom with three kids,” Brand said of the ranking system.
Located next to the produce section is the Beer & Wine Eatery, which is stocked with a selection of more than 400 domestic, imported and craft beers, including local options such as Neshaminy Creek. In the Mix-a-Six case, customers can mix and match to find new favorites. Afterward, they can relax in the 30-seat eatery and enjoy fresh-made fare such as meal combos, sandwiches, wraps, subs, salads and sushi.
Behind the eatery and spanning the side and back walls are several stations, including the kitchen, deli and bakery. Here, customers can purchase Boar’s Head lunch meat, have a birthday cake decorated, and get their lobsters and crabs steamed for free.
On the opposite end of the store sits the full-service pharmacy, something the Bustleton Pike location lacked. Rather than set the pharmacy up by the exit doors, it was constructed further inside the space to offer customers more privacy while conducting business about their health. Pharmacists are available seven days a week to fill prescriptions, administer vaccines and offer expert advice. There is also a consultation room, which offers additional privacy.
Brand explained how Giant’s goal was to give the pharmacy a clean, uncluttered look, which includes LED lighting on the shelves to help shoppers better see what they’re purchasing.
“It’s a drug store inside of a store,” he said.
While shopping, customers can swing by the Starbucks-on-the-Go kiosk, which offers both hot and iced beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos and flavored coffee. Additional Giant features include a full-service floral department, an in-store Citizens Bank, eight self checkouts and 18 regular registers, and the ability to order groceries online and have them delivered through Peapod.
As local shoppers experience all the new store has to offer, Giant is showing its gratitude to the Feasterville community. During a special presentation also held on Aug. 9, $1,000 donations were given to Neshaminy School District, Lower Southampton Township Fire Marshal’s Office, Lower Southampton Township Police Department, St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry and Liberty USO. Last year, the Giant corporation donated $23 million to worthy organizations.
Giant Food Stores, 176 W. Street Road in Feasterville, will operate 6 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. The Beer & Wine Eatery will be open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information on online ordering, visit peapod.com and enter your ZIP code to get started. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
