Big Y to Bow Meridien, Conn., Store

Big Y will celebrate the opening of a 55,000-square-foot World Class Market in Meriden, Conn., with an Aug.25 cake-cutting ceremony attended by state and community officials. Begun in May 2011, the $3 construction project involved the complete renovation and expansion of an existing site. About 150 employees will work in the new store.

“We know that our customers will enjoy the ease and convenience of one stop shopping and being able to drop off prescriptions while shopping for groceries,” noted Charles L. D’Amour, president and COO of Springfield, Mass.-based Big Y. “In addition, the selection and quality of our fresh foods and the variety and value our new store has to offer will enhance our customers’ overall shopping experience.”

The Meridien store includes the chain’s 36th in-store pharmacy, which will serve as the venue for such wellness events as cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose and body fat screenings. Among the location’s other features are an International Food Court with an eat-in café; a full-service Grinder Shoppe and many other prepared foods; a full-service seafood department offering more than 100 varieties of fresh fish; an International Delicatessen selling premium World Classics Deli selections, cheeses from around the world, and an olive and antipasti bar; a full bakery shop staffed with versatile cake decorators and stocked with a selection of “Just Enough” single-serve desserts; a full-service floral department; numerous organic and natural products across the store; and a full-service fresh meat department offering Big Y All Natural USDA Choice Angus Beef and other premium meats.

Additionally, the store’s 15 extra-wide grocery aisles will also carry specialty foods from such areas as Asia, Europe, Canada, and the Middle East, along with a variety of cookware in the baking aisle, gluten-free items and an expanded selection of condiments.

Family-owned Big Y, one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England, operates 61 stores throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts and employs more than 10,000 associates.