CARLISLE, Pa. — GIANT Food Stores announced plans to open another three GIANT Heirloom Market stores in Philadelphia this year. The inaugural store in this concept opened late last month in Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood, and company officials have been heartened by the initial response from shoppers.

“GIANT Heirloom Market is the next chapter in our innovative growth story,” Nicholas Bertram, president of GIANT Food Stores, commented in a company statement. “Equally as important, today’s news also supports GIANT’s commitment to the city of Philadelphia and the people who call it home. We can’t wait to introduce our GIANT Heirloom Market concept to more of the city’s unique and treasured neighborhoods.”

Each of the new GIANT Heirloom Market stores will bring a format and assortment specially curated for their neighborhoods: University City, Northern Liberties and Queen Village. Partnerships with local vendors will lend “authentic and familiar flavors” to the markets, according to the statement.

First to open, next summer, will be the University City store on Chestnut Street between Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. The store will offer easy access to fresh, convenient food for the schools’ students, faculty and administration. The Northern Liberties site will open its doors next fall on North Second Street across from the popular Schmidt’s Commons. The Queen Village location on South Street will open late this year, the company said.

“We are always grateful when companies decide to open or expand in Philadelphia, and that is especially true when the business helps provide access to fresh foods for our residents,” commented Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “GIANT has become an integral part of the Philadelphia region, and we’re looking forward to the opening of these three new stores across numerous neighborhoods over the next year.”

GIANT holds a long-established position in Philadelphia’s suburbs, but the company’s presence within Philadelphia itself has been limited. The opening of the three new GIANT Heirloom Market stores reaffirms the grocer’s commitment to the region, according to the company. With the addition of the three new GIANT Heirloom Market locations, the company will operate five locations within the Philadelphia city limits.

“We’re excited to be able to collaborate with our new urban communities to create a store tailored to their specific needs, preferences and neighborhood flavor,” Bertram remarked. “Finding ways to better serve our neighbors drives everything we do at GIANT.”

GIANT Heirloom Market stores will offer a selection of fresh, local and seasonal foods; everyday essentials; and GIANT’s organic brand Nature’s Promise, the company said. An onsite “produce chef” will be available to cut fresh vegetables and fruit on demand, while a sampling station will encourage customers to explore new flavors.

The GIANT Heirloom Market stores will also feature a curated selection of craft, imported and domestic beers and wines, as well as plant-based food, local artisanal bread, fresh-made sushi, kombucha on tap, and a do‐it‐yourself olive oil and vinegar blending station.

Local customers will find favorites from Philadelphia‐area food purveyors such as High Street on Market, Claudio’s, Isgro Pastries and One Village Coffee. For added convenience, all three new GIANT Heirloom Market stores will offer self-checkout and mobile checkout options. The company’s Endless Aisles service will enable customers who need something unavailable in‐store to order via iPad for next-day pickup or delivery.