Dive Brief:
- The Giant Company announced Thursday that it has agreed to acquire two family-owned supermarkets in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.
- The Ahold Delhaize-owned grocer plans to temporarily close and update the stores, which are located in Everett and Saxton, Pennsylvania.
- The Giant Company’s decision to buy the stores continues a trend that has seen multiple independent grocers strike deals to sell their assets to larger retailers.
Dive Insight:
The Giant Company’s deal to acquire Everett Foodliner and Saxton Market from the Appleby family reflects shifts that are taking place across the grocery industry as escalating costs and competition make it increasingly difficult for smaller retailers to maintain their operations.
“While it was a difficult decision to make, we are pleased by the care GIANT has shown for our business, employees, and customers,” Bob and Joe Appleby said in a statement. “We know our family business is in good hands with GIANT and we can’t wait to celebrate with them when the stores reopen later this year.”
The deal includes the real estate that the supermarkets occupy as well as related grocery and fuel business assets. The Giant Company, which operates under the Giant and Martin’s brands, said employees at the two stores will “have the opportunity to interview for positions” with the company, without providing details.
The Giant Company said it plans to reopen the stores later in 2026.
“Expanding in existing markets is a key element of GIANT’S strategic growth plan,” said John Ruane, president of The Giant Company, in a statement. “We look forward to working closely with Bob and Joe on the transition, welcoming our new team members, and delivering value, freshness, and kindness to our new customers.”
The Appleby family’s deal with The Giant Company follows agreements by other independent grocers to sell their stores to larger chains. For example, Minnesota-based Coborn’s agreed last April to buy two Kessler’s Food and Grocery stores from the family that owned them. Kessler’s said it opted to sell the stores because it concluded that it would be “increasingly difficult” for the company to remain competitive independently.
