Inside Giant's Philadelphia Flagship

Can a grocery store change the world? The Giant Co.’s Nick Bertram says so.

In remarks before the opening of the company’s flagship “Riverwalk” store in Philadelphia on March 19, the CEO of the Carlisle, Pa.-based Ahold Delhaize USA brand said the gleaming two-level store represented  an “embodiment” of the banner’s “For Today’s Table” platform, which seeks to build equity around the store’s role in feeding families, and the value to them in the process of gathering at the table.

“We want our company to be remembered as one that connects families to create a better future—that’s the purpose we have all rallied around,” Bertram said. “We believe strong communities begin with strong families, and strong families start with meals.”

By sourcing great food from local purveyors, presenting it simply but elegantly, and providing meal inspiration, “we’re trying really hard to make meals better so families can connect, so they can get stronger and literally change the world,” he said. 

What follows are photos from the opening event, courtesy of Giant.

First announced in 2019 as a centerpiece of the Logan Square neighborhood’s new Riverwalk mixed-use development project, the 65,000-square-foot store is on the second floor of a 25-story residential tower at 60 N. 23rd St. Chute Gerdeman, an award-winning retail design and branding firm based in Columbus, Ohio, helped to design it.

The first customers arrive by elevator. Their shopping carts travel by cartalotor, a new wrinkle for Giant that, until a few years, had only surrounded the city of Philadelphia but not penetrated it.

A combination meat and seafood counter.

A beer hall with 40 self-serve taps.

A well-stocked beer and wine department—a hit at the company’s small-scale Heirloom stores in the city—are also a part of the new offering.

A natural and organic aisle showcases variety—and new shelf tags. Elsewhere in the store, demand for heathy eating has led to what Giants said was its largest selection of plant-based foods in the chain.

The produce department come to life behind a wide assortment and lots of natural light. The store overlooks 30th Street Station, the Schuylkill River and the riverside bike path.

The Kitchen is part of a “food hall” offering prepared foods from Giant and local restaurant brands.

Mission Taqueria, a Samson Street restaurant known for creative fresh Mexican food, is among the food court tenants. Saladworks, based in nearby Conshohocken, Pa., and Hissho Sushi are others.

Giant’s move into Philly has been an aggressive one, encompassing small stores, this large centerpiece, a new e-commerce center, and connections with local charities and institutions like a sponsorship deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phanatic was naturally on hand at the opening.

“Philadelphia’s grocery scene is experiencing a major renaissance and The Giant Co. has been at the forefront, introducing new formats, opening new stores and expanding grocery delivery services,” Bertram said. “Our Riverwalk store celebrates this transformation, offering an elevated omnichannel grocery experience unlike anything Philadelphia has ever seen.”