The long awaited opening of the Giant Supermarket in the Andorra Shopping Center finally arrived.
The Giant Company opened its doors recently as hundreds of curious shoppers stood patiently in line to see first hand what all the hoopla was about.
By first looks, it seems like they weren’t disappointed.
It didn’t hurt the proceedings that Giant was giving away complimentary a reusable shopping bag filled with groceries, product samples, and coupons to the first 200 customers either.
Before the doors opened to the public, a brief ribbon cutting ceremony was held in front of the store with Giant dignitaries and others associated with the project sharing their thoughts.
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Philly’s Deputy Commerce Director Dawn Summerville was ecstatic at the store’s potential impact on the local business community. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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Philly’s Deputy Commerce Director Dawn Summerville was ecstatic at the store’s potential impact on the local business community. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
All agreed that the new enterprise would be a boon for local business, a significant source of employment, and a convenient option for area shoppers.
The timing of the opening, with the city being a main focal point for the country’s 250th anniversary, can’t be overlooked as well.
As Giant President John Ruane put it so eloquently, “the eyes of the world are on Philly.”
Along those lines, Ruane added that “the opening of our news Giant in the City of Brotherly Love reflects our commitment to serving a Philadelphia that continues to grow and thrive, especially as the city prepares for a landmark summer ahead.”
Ruane further mused that those in the Giant company “are proud to welcome the Andorra neighborhood and deliver the value, freshness, and kindness our team brings to Philadelphia customers every day.
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Giant President John Ruane poured his heart and soul into getting the project completed on time. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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Giant President John Ruane poured his heart and soul into getting the project completed on time. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Newly appointed store manager, Christina McAdams, who has 25 years of experience under her belt in the grocery service industry, gushed that “ just in time for summer celebrations, our team is ready to serve customers no matter how they want to shop with us-whether it’s in-store or online. For convenient amenities, enhanced product variety, and everyday savings, we can’t wait to bring the Giant shopping experience to the Andorra community.”
Dawn Summerville, the city’s Deputy Director of Commerce, reiterated how Mayor Parker and her administration were 100 percent behind the direction of Giant’s development plan and how the store’s completion fits nicely into her vision of a vibrant and rejuvenated city. A true win/win for all parties involved. The local resident will most likely be one of Andorra Giant’s frequent customers.
Another community perk was the announcement that the Giant company was donating $10,000 to be divvied up amongst several community organizations and service groups.
Individuals on hand who were representing the organizations that will be benefitting from this generous windfall included the Roxborough Church food pantry, the Salvation Army, the 5th District police and firefighters, and the Shawmont School.
Shoppers lined up in droves to take advantage of the early bird grocery giveaways. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
The state of the art Andorra Giant has a lot to offer within its 50,000 square foot space that includes a large beer and wine area featuring an assortment of wine slushies and ready-to-drink cocktails adjacent to a full service Starbucks coffee kiosk.
Both are located on an elevated mezzanine overlooking the store, including an outdoor patio area.
Inside the store, customers buzzed around like bees at a new hive, checking out what the different departments had to offer.
The large produce department, with its open market vibe, offered a variety of fresh and healthy selections to appeal to even the most discriminating of customers.
There’s even a full service floral area that resembles a Parisian flower shop.
My favorite is the hot bar with a tempting array of choices at reasonable prices. Where else can you find an in-store sushi chef?
It would be hard not to give Giant a gold star for their meticulous attention to detail and giving the community a shiny, new toy to play with.
In the days since the opening, business has continued to be brisk, with not only an influx of new customers, but repeat ones as well.
Being within walking distance of several apartment complexes gives area residents an additional perk.
All this bodes well for the new kid on the block.