In a first for the company, this morning Giant Food Stores celebrated the grand opening of six brand new stores in four states, growing its total store count to 178.

Five of the stores, which are former Shop ‘n Save locations Giant acquired earlier this year, are branded Martin's Food Markets and are in the communities of Smithsburg, MD, Greencastle, PA, Berryville, VA, Hedgesville, WV, and Martinsburg, WV. In addition, Giant constructed a brand-new store in Warrington, PA, to replace a store previously located in Jamison, PA.

“These multiple store openings align with our aggressive long-term growth strategy -- entering new markets where it makes sense and expanding our offerings for our current customers,” said Nicholas Bertram, president of Giant Food Stores. “Along with the recent introduction of our Giant Heirloom Market in Philadelphia and our Giant Direct ecommerce hub in Lancaster, our team has demonstrated a relentless focus on innovation that allows customers to connect with our brand whenever and however they want.”

Giant also extended its commitment to each community through its philanthropic platform, Living Here, Giving Here. As part of today’s announcement, the company donated $25,000 in total to local food pantries, schools, police, and other emergency responders. Giant will also ensure each store is assigned a feeding agency partner to receive weekly food donations through the company's food rescue program, including its acclaimed Meat the Needs initiative.

The company has recently made a series of strategic investments to its store fleet and family of brands within Pennsylvania, including the recent opening of the first Giant Heirloom Market in Philadelphia, where three additional locations are planned to open this year; the grand opening of its new Giant Direct e-commerce hub in the city of Lancaster and new stores opening this year in the East Stroudsburg and Walnutport communities.