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Giant Food expects big things from a new, mini-grocery store concept

Written by Tom Ryan

Rendering: Giant Food Stores

Giant Food Stores announced plans to introduce a mini-grocery concept for urban markets — Giant Heirloom Market. The first location in downtown Philadelphia will measure only 9,500-square-feet, less than a quarter of Giant’s average store size of 45,000. In a statement, Giant said the concept is the result of over a year of neighborhood listening sessions and market research, with lessons borrowed from Amsterdam, “known for its innovative, small grocery stores.” Giant Heirloom Market will play up “high-quality, fresh, seasonal, and flavor-focused foods and everyday essentials.” Features include a produce chef who will prepare veggies and fruit on demand, as well as a focus on local artisanal breads and other local food purveyors, a variety of plant-based foods, sampling and demonstrations. The format will incorporate “endless aisle” technology.  The chain will provide associates with iPads so they can help customers order items online for Peapod-assisted pickup or delivery. Giant is planning several additional stores in Philadelphia. A grocery store under 10,000-square-feet is rare. The average size of Trader Joe’s is now about 13,000-square-feet and Aldi’s average is 15,000. Kroger and Hy-Vee each have formats at 10,000-square-feet and under, but they operate more as convenience stores with fuel stations and some fresh food. Publix is reportedly opening a smaller-format store in Longwood, FL supporting online ordering and delivery, as well as curbside pickup, but it will still measure around 30,000-square-feet. Among other formats, Target has been aggressively expanding in urban centers with stores averaging between 20,000 to 40,000-square-feet. Meijer in August introduced a new format, Bridge Street Market, with a 37,000-square-feet location in Grand Rapids, MI, that’s likewise designed for urban markets.

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