Giant Eagle Unveils Small Grocery/Gas/Drug Hybrid

PITTSBURGH - After years of perfecting its large-format suburban supermarket strategy, Giant Eagle based here is going small with a new grocery/gas/drug combination hybrid dubbed Giant Eagle Express, that will take direct aim at the large-format drug stores.

Giant Eagle will open the first such unit, a 13,000-square-footer which will combine a small market with gas pumps and a drive-through pharmacy, this summer in the Pittsburgh suburb of Harmar Township, Rob Borella, Giant Eagle spokesman, told Progressive Grocer.

The new Giant Eagle Express, which will be larger than the chain's GetGo convenience stores, will feature a full range of fresh foods inclusive of baked goods, meat, produce and dairy items. The footprint for Giant Eagle's first foray into an express format will be roughly the same size as the typical drug store, which runs anywhere from 14,500 to 16,000 square feet.

Although Giant Eagle would did not elaborate on plans for additional Express locations, local reports claimed the company is aggressively scouting for additional sites for possible expansion.

With 145 corporate and 71 independently owned and operated supermarkets, Giant Eagle also operates 115 GetGo fuel and c-stores throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, north central West Virginia, and Maryland.
-- Meg Major
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