Giant Rolls Out Strategy in West-End Supermarket War

Yesterday, we reported on Stauffers of Kissel Hill's plans to expand their current supermarket and garden facility by an additional 46,000 square feet.

Just around the corner, the Giant on Columbia Avenue has some expansion plans of their own up their sleeves.

Having already been remodeled in 1992, 1994, and 2001, this year they plan to expand the current 48,900 square-foot facility by 27,000 sq-ft for a total of 75,900 square feet.

"The larger size will allow us to offer our customers many new features including enhanced prepared foods and a broader assortment in just about every department in the store," said Tracy Pawelski, Director of Public Relations for Giant Food Stores, LLC.

"Work is expected to begin within the coming weeks," she said, but declined to elaborate on the construction timetable or provide an estimated completion date.

"Once finished," she said, "the store will have an updated decor that we hope will truly enhance our customers' shopping experience as well as exciting new amenities that are in line with our newer prototypes of this size."

"Giant has one of the lowest average ages in the industry so our stores are frequently undergoing a facelift that keep our stores fresh and modern," Pawelski continued.

"We can assure our customers that we will remain open for business during the construction process and will do everything possible to minimize the inconvenience that the store expansion might cause."