Last year, GIANT Food Stores debuted a fresh concept for the urban market. Now affectionately recognized as Heirloom Market™, the concept has grown to even more locations. Most recently, the format moved into the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. Slated to open on November 15, the two-level 13,000-square-foot store is the third GIANT Heirloom Market to open in the city this year. Highlights of the new location include an underground taproom and gaming area, each of which are a first for the company.
“Much like Philadelphia’s story continues to unfold, so does the story of GIANT Heirloom Market, and our new store in Northern Liberties is the next exciting chapter,” said Nicholas Bertram, President. “We continue to learn, and our new location will bring new innovations while featuring what customers love most about GIANT Heirloom Market: fresh produce, locally-made products, and our Nature’s Promise® brand.”
Tommy McClain, a grocery veteran with more than 20 years experience, has been named Manager of the Northern Liberties GIANT Heirloom Market, according to a press release. He joined GIANT in 2016 and has played an integral part in the opening of both the Graduate Hospital and University City locations.
“Northern Liberties is always buzzing with activity and that’s especially true at the corner of North Second and Wildey Streets as we get ready to open the doors to our newest GIANT Heirloom Market next month, just in time for the holiday season,” said McClain. “We’re looking forward to getting to know our new neighbors, introducing them to all that GIANT Heirloom Market has to offer, and serving families in Northern Liberties.”
Unique to the Northern Liberties GIANT Heirloom Market is “The Underground,” a taproom in the lower level. Windows in the floor of the grocery store will offer a peek into the taproom below, encouraging shoppers to check it out. This space will offer more than 40 craft beers, wines, hard seltzers, and hard kombuchas on tap, plus a gaming area with classic arcade games, shuffleboard, and a Scrabble Wall. Customers can sample an ounce or order a full pour from touch screens above each tap. All offerings in the taproom are also available to go.
“As we created each GIANT Heirloom Market, we listened to the community and let their feedback guide our plans,” added McClain. “In our conversations, they told us they enjoyed having that third place away from home and work—a place to unwind, get a casual bite with friends, maybe have a drink, or play a game. The Underground is our response to their wishes.”
Situated across from the Piazza, the store will offer this energetic neighborhood a wide selection of high‐quality, fresh, local, and seasonal foods, convenient grab-and-go meals, and a large gluten-free section. The store will also highlight GIANT’S private-label brand Nature’s Promise. Like the first two GIANT Heirloom Markets, the Northern Liberties location will feature Philadelphia‐area food purveyors including Claudio Specialty Foods, High Street on Market, Isgro Pastries, and One Village Coffee.
Additional special features of the store include:
To meet the needs of its on-the-go customers, the store will also offer a number of technology-driven conveniences. Through GIANT DIRECT, customers can access tens of thousands of items found in GIANT stores, all of which can be easily ordered online for next-day pick up or delivery. Customers can also find meal inspiration, build a shopping list, and check items off as they shop with the Scan It! Express mobile app, saving time and money.
GIANT’s new Heirloom Market manages to combine the allure of craft taprooms popping up nationwide with high-quality and convenient grocery offerings that urban markets specifically seek out. To see where else the concept pops up, follow along with us at Deli Market News.
