Photo Tour of the New Giant at Southside Marketplace in South Baltimore
Giant Food opened its 44,264 sq. ft. store at Southside Marketplace today in Locust Point/Riverside. Giant fills a space vacated by Shoppers which closed in May.
The new Giant has a full-service meat and seafood department; a large produce department; house-smoked rotisserie chicken, brisket, and pulled pork; prepared foods such sushi, flatbread pizzas, paninis, quesadilla, and fried chicken; a deli with Boars Head meats; a cheese shop; a bakery with breads and sweets; a floral department; a local vendors aisle; and a large selection of dry and perishable foods.
Giant does sell medicine and toiletries, but does not have a dedicated pharmacy.
Giant offers regular checkout, self-checkout, and curbside pickup.
Giant Director of Strategic Planning and Execution Gary Budd told SouthBMore.com this store has the “newest of the new” and he’s especially excited about products such as Roseda Beef and Smith Island Cakes from Smith Island. As customers enter the store to the left, there is the “power aisle,” according to Budd, with the deli, prepared foods, produce, and bakery. He said it gives the store the “wow effect.”
Budd told SouthBMore.com they were unable to open a pharmacy due to exclusive rights held by Walgreens with shopping center owner Regency Centers. Budd said they were surprised by Walgreens closing this week and, had they known, they would’ve put in a pharmacy. He said they will still look at the possibility of adding one in the future.
He also noted most Giants have a Starbucks, but there’s already one at Southside Marketplace.
Shoppers announced it would sell this location in March 2019. Budd said Giant was approached immediately by Regency Centers and then took some time to make a decision and go through its normal corporate research and protocols.
Giant began construction in June.
Giant has hired more than 300 employees at Southside Marketplace. Budd said many of the employees are from South Baltimore.
Giant is open Monday to Saturday from 6am to 12am and Sunday from 6am to 11pm.
About the Author: Kevin Lynch
Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.
