The former Genuardi's at 950 Baltimore Pike in Springfield has officially begun its first week as a GIANT Food Store.
Assistant store manager, Josh Pinchok, said the new GIANT store has undergone "tremendous changes in only one week." Pictures of the produce department during the renovation and after really highlight these changes. (shown left)
According to Store Manager, Steve Coffey, all former Genuardi's employees retained there positions and the store is still hiring.
"The food industry is a fun, fast paced business and we are always looking to recruit qualified, energetic people," said Coffey.
Giant is currently the third largest private sector employer in Pennsylvania with more than 26,000 full and part-time associates in the state.
The expanded cafe area offers sandwiches, pizza, sushi, bakery, and deli with a dining area. An employee at the pizza counter pointed out that the dough is made fresh each day, on-site. The mammoth, "boardwalk" style slices really are comparable to a pizzaria.
Customer Reaction
A local shopper, said she loves the store for its patient, helpful staff and great prices. Another customer, Ruth, said the new organization of the store will take some getting used to, but she's happy to see the store remain open. "The change was made smoothly," said Janice, an employee for 19 years.
The GIANT supermarket chain, headquartered in Calisle, PA, opened five new area stores this week in former Genuardi's locations.
Have you been to the new store? What do you think of it? Do you miss the old Genuardi's? Let us know in the comments below.
Judy McCarthy, Riverview Rd., Swarthmore