Giant relaunching grocery pick-up service again

What's old is new again at Giant. The grocery chain offered a Pick Up option for customers at the Westwood Giant in Bethesda way back in 2014. Several parking spaces in the lot out front were designated with signage for Pick Up customers, with phone numbers to alert the store by phone that they were outside and ready for their groceries to be loaded into their car by employees. A large, purple storage case was placed outside the store. Since then, all has been quiet on the Pick Up front, the signs were removed from the special Pick Up parking spaces, and the Pick Up storage container often appeared to be empty. Now there are "signs" that the Ahold-owned grocer is going to make a new promotional push for the service.

A different set of parking spaces outside the Westwood Giant at 5400 Westbard Avenue now have bagged signs. It appeared a curious patron had removed the bag from one of the signs, revealing that they are Pick Up space indicators. The phone number to call when you arrive for pick-up is different from the one on the 2014 signs.

According to Supermarket News, an industry publication, Giant is talking as if the Pick Up service is brand-new. They report the chain intends to roll out Pick Up at all Giant stores in the Mid-Atlantic region by December 31 this year. 

The terms are slightly less-generous than the 2014 launch program. There is now a $2.95 fee and a minimum order of $30 for same-day pickup. In 2014, there was no fee or extra charge, and no minimum order. However, Supermarket News reports that the retailer will offer new users free pickup on their first order of $30 or more, if they enter the promotional code GIANT4 at checkout.

So, look for these signs at your local Giant countywide, as a "sign" that your store now has the Pick Up service. It appears that some Giant stores like Westwood were part of a pilot or test of the Pick Up concept, which is now becoming standard among some of the biggest players in groceries like Walmart and Target.

Giant ends Senior Tuesdays discount

Senior Tuesdays usually find an increase in shoppers at the Westbard Giant store in Bethesda. That was because of the 5% discount for seniors. About two weeks ago, however, some seniors discovered the popular promotion is ending. The Senior Tuesday poster has been taken down from the wall inside the store.

While the 5% discount was honored that Tuesday, the shoppers were informed that they could sign up at the customer service desk for a new promotion where coupons would be mailed to them at home. I asked the corporate office at Giant, and they confirmed that the Senior Tuesday promotion is being axed.

Giant said they are introducing a new plan for seniors, a personalized monthly mailer with targeted coupons and nutrition advice. As store employees told shoppers two weeks ago, you can sign up for the mailings at the customer service desk using your Bonus Card and mailing address.

Save Westbard launches Sept. 3-9 boycott effort against Westbard Giant, Regency Centers development

Save Westbard, the citizen organization that has led the fight against overdevelopment in the Westbard sector, now plans to apply financial pressure to change developer Regency Centers' plans for redeveloping the Westwood Shopping Center in Bethesda. The group has just announced a September 3-9 "Boycott Giant Week," asking Giant patrons to not shop at the busy Westbard Avenue grocery store, which is the chain's most-profitable location.

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An online petition asks those who sign to pledge they won't shop at the Westbard Giant that week, and to not patronize the future Regency Centers Westbard development. Save Westbard says the developer and Giant have ignored concerns about the density of the project, and inadequate parking in the project's site plan. "Now, we are going to talk and walk with our wallets," the petition description reads.

Ira Kress, Senior VP of Operations at Giant, has communicated to Save Westbard that the grocery chain will insist that Regency Centers provide "adequate, accessible, free parking to accommodate our customers, and that parking for our customers will NOT be limited by parking needs for other retail or residential use, which would therefore include ensuring that all residential/retail parking is also adequate."

Latest Bethesda gear at Giant

Bethesda-branded merchandise has been sold for the last couple of years at Giant stores. Here's an assortment of the latest items on sale. Unfortunately, other than the word "Bethesda," these mass-produced products don't have any unique tie-in to our town such as photographs of prominent landmarks.

Giant to anchor new Westwood Shopping Center in Westbard redevelopment

Developer Equity One has announced it has reached an agreement with Giant to have the grocer anchor its redeveloped Westwood Shopping Center. The center on Westbard Avenue has been anchored by a Giant grocery store since 1959. Expected to be in the 60000 SF range, the new Giant store will for the first time have a full-service pharmacy, great news in case Rite Aid does not return in the new center.

Other additions to the new store will include a larger organic produce selection in a "market-style" produce department, a greater range of natural and organic foods, an expanded selection of ethnic and international foods, a large deli serving hot food, and 200 gourmet cheeses displayed on a "cheese island." In the bakery, Giant will add a muffin cart, bagel bin and bread bar.

Separately from the official Equity One announcement, a source told me that in its negotiations to return, Giant sought to avoid any closure of the current Westwood store prior to the new store being ready for occupancy. Whether they got that assurance is only known to Ahold and Equity One as of this writing.

Based on previous renderings, the new grocery store structure will be on the empty portion of the parking lot over near Westland Middle School. We'll have to wait for official word from Equity One on the staging schedule, however.

I think this particular announcement is a win for Equity One and the community. The current store is the best Giant in Bethesda. Only Wegmans would have been a step up; certain other chains could have been a step down. The new urban Wegmans design requires about 10000 more SF than Equity One had set aside for the grocery store footprint. And this being the most profitable Giant store in their chain, it's not surprising that Ahold would be interested in staying on in the new development.

The existing Giant lease expires in 2019; Equity One says the new agreement amends that 1959 lease.

Giant apologizes after corporate VP appears to endorse Westbard sector plan

Oops. When Giant Food's Vice President of Real Estate appeared on the speaking list at Tuesday night's Westbard sector plan public hearing, it seemed somewhat odd. Giant is not a landowner, nor a resident, nor a small mom-and-pop shop unable to afford the higher rents landlord Equity One will likely charge at a redeveloped Westwood Shopping Center. Perhaps he would speak to the specific business interests of the grocery chain, whose recently renegotiated lease expires in 2019?

[Up next this morning - a full report on 

last night's second Westbard

public hearing before the County Council]

The testimony of William Shrader, a Pennsylvania-based employee of Giant parent Ahold USA, went further. Too far, in the opinion of many dismayed residents, who overwhelmingly oppose the plan. While some employees of the Westbard Giant store have expressed solidarity with community opposition to the Montgomery County Planning Board's high-density plan - the staging of which could potentially put them out of work for a couple of years, assuming Equity One even decides to re-up with Giant rather than a competing chain - Shrader spoke positively of the plan in broad terms, and sang the praises of the urban mixed-use model that is out of character with suburban Westbard.

Not a good way to endear yourself to the community that buys your groceries.

The higher-ups at Giant don't think so, either, and have acted quickly to distance themselves from Shrader's apparent "gone rogue" testimony.

"We regret that statements were made by our Real Estate representative that went beyond the scope of our supermarket project," said a statement released by Giant late yesterday. "We value our relationship with the community, appreciate the feedback and will continue to work with the developer and community to address concerns regarding the proposed project." Ira Kress, SVP of Store Operations for Giant Landover said the statement was authorized by Giant Food, LLC President Gordon Reid.

I commend Giant for taking prompt action on this matter. Speaking only for myself, I'd prefer to have Giant come back in "The New Westwood" shopping center, as Equity One terms it. Unless Equity One could get the urban Wegman's design (which at about 70,000 SF is not grossly larger than Equity One's proposed 60,000 SF grocery space), Giant certainly has the best selection across all departments of the area chains. The Westbard Giant is the best Giant in Bethesda, if not the whole chain.

The statement also reveals that Giant is apparently already in talks with Equity One regarding opening a future store at Westbard, after the current one is demolished. "The Real Estate arm of our parent, Ahold USA, has been working with the property owner to secure a new lease that will allows us to continue to serve Westbard. As with all projects where Giant is a tenant, our Real Estate team works closely with the developer to ensure that the new project will meet the needs and expectations of our customers."

It also notes the venerable store's 56-year role in the "Westbard" community. "We understand the concerns that have been raised by the community over the development of the Westbard property where our Giant Food store is located.  For nearly 60 years Giant has served the Westbard community, not only providing its grocery needs but participating as an active member in all facets of community life."

Regarding the final point raised in the statement, that "our store lease is about to expire": Contrary to some of the information floating around out there, Giant's lease didn't originally expire in 2019. Years ago, it was said that Giant had a 99-year lease for its Westbard store. While nothing was ever said publicly, it seems Ahold must have renegotiated the lease while Capital Properties owned the shopping center. Giant opened in 1959, and, well, 2019 isn't 2058.

Why a 99-year lease? That's common in "ground rent" situations, an antiquated real estate mechanism that was applied by original Westbard developer Dr. Lazlo Tauber across all of his parcels there.

Would you wear a Bethesda shirt or hat? (Photos)

Of course you would! But where do you find apparel touting the Athens of the modern world? At Giant, it turns out, which has just added a selection of shirts, hats, and stuffed bears bear-ing the name of our hometown. Unfortunately, the T-shirt graphics are not really evocative of Bethesda. It seems these are stock items customized with the town name. Although the urban camo does fit, with Bethesda being the home of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

GIANT PASSOVER SUPERSTORES IN BETHESDA

Giant has designated the following Bethesda-area stores as Passover Superstores, meaning they have an expanded collection of foods and other essential items for Passover:

Bethesda Row

7142 Arlington Road

Westwood Shopping Center

5400 Westbard Avenue

Georgetown Square

10400 Old Georgetown Road

Chevy Chase Center

5463 Wisconsin Avenue

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CHECKOUT PROCESS AT GIANT IN BETHESDA? (PHOTOS)

Giant shoppers in Bethesda likely have opinions about their experience at the checkout counter, or self-checkout aisles. Now the grocery chain wants you to share your level of satisfaction with the speed of checkout, via a new feedback machine that has been set up at their Bethesda Row and Westwood Shopping Center stores. The response options are limited to four reactions, that probably mimic customer facial expressions after their respective experiences.

Feedback device at
Bethesda Row Giant

HOOPER'S STEAMED CRABS COMING TO WESTBARD GIANT IN BETHESDA ON SEPT. 20

Summer may seem to have ended, and beach travelers have returned home from Labor Day weekend in Ocean City. But now Giant is bringing the crabs to you here in Bethesda. The grocery chain has invited Hooper's Crab House in Ocean City to bring its "crab wagon" to town, and its only Bethesda stop will be at the Westbard Giant, at 5400 Westbard Avenue, in the Westwood Shopping Center, on September 20.

Ironically, that is the same day as the shopping center's Food Truck Rally event. The crabs will be steamed on site for you to take home by the dozen, or in a half or full bushel.

UPDATE: WESTBARD GIANT READY TO BRING GROCERY PICK-UP SERVICE TO BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Over the weekend, I reported on the early signs that Giant would expand its Pick-up grocery service to its Westbard store in the Westwood Shopping Center. At that point, the large storage boxes were in place, but nothing else. Now reserved parking spaces have been set aside, and signage is in place to advertise the new service.

This will be the first offering of the Pick-up service in Bethesda. But only the Westbard Giant is participating so far; the Bethesda Row and Georgetown Square stores are not listed, as of yet, on the Pick-up website menu. No official media announcement of the expansion has been made, as of press time, despite the physical and cyberspace evidence it is happening.

Several parking spaces have
now been designated for
Pick-up customers directly
in front of the Westbard store

The large purple boxes behind
the pillar are where your
groceries will be stored and
refrigerated for pickup at
the time you designate

WESTBARD GIANT ADDING PICK UP SERVICE IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Massive boxes with sliding doors appeared this week outside the Giant in the Westwood Shopping Center, on Westbard Avenue in Bethesda. It appears that the grocery chain is expanding its Pick-up service regionally. 

Giant has made no official public announcement of the expansion yet; its last press release regarding Pick-up locations was in August 2013.

You may remember that last year, a few Pick-up Points were designated in the county, including one at Chevy Chase Lake that isn't a store, but a unique Giant gas station. After months of posting a banner outside Westbard that strangely suggested your nearest Pick-up Point was at Chevy Chase Lake, "a few miles up the road" (Chevy Chase Lake isn't "up the road" from Westbard Avenue), Giant is now making the service a lot more convenient for west Bethesda residents.

After seeing the boxes Thursday night, I checked the Giant website, and found an expanded list of Pick-up Points that includes the Westbard Giant. However, neither Bethesda Row nor Georgetown Square are currently on the list (I'd bet on them being added in the near future, though). So while there's no press release yet, the Westbard store is available to be selected now.

Here's how the Pick-up service works: 

You go to the Giant website, and select "Pick-up: Get Started." This takes you to Giant's Peapod online shopping website.  Or, download the Peapod app, and you can shop on your smartphone.

Designate your Pick-up Point (in this case, Westbard), and then fill up your cart. Then, select the time of day you want to pick up your groceries. Arrive at the Westbard Giant, and a Giant employee will have your groceries in a refrigerated container (which I'm guessing will be inside these massive boxes out in front of the store), and they will be loaded into your car for you in 5 minutes or less. Then you're off.

There's no fee, no minimum order, or extra charge. Plus, you still get your bonus and gas points.

The only thing that wasn't clear at Westbard: where do you pull up? A Giant video shows designated Pick-up parking spaces, which were not evident Thursday night. I'll check back in the next few days to update you.

NEW GIANT SMARTPHONE APP ALLOWS YOU TO SELF-CHECKOUT WITH YOUR iPhone OR ANDROID! (PHOTOS)

Grocery shopping just got faster and easier at Giant.

Giant has a new smartphone app for iPhone and Android that can replace the self-scanner device you may have used in the store previously.

The Scan-It Giant app helps you with your shopping list, scans each item via your smartphone camera, and then checks you out when you're done.  Best of all, app users get special deals beyond the sales and Bonus Card prices.

The app currently works at all Giant stores in Bethesda.

DARK KNIGHT RISES CUSTOM CAKE (PHOTOS)

Here's the cake for the ultimate Batman fan: A custom Bat-cake complete with replica Tumbler and Bat in pursuit.

Cardboard stand-ups of Catwoman and the Dark Knight round out this creative display for the release of the Dark Knight Rises Blu-ray and DVD at the Giant Food on Westbard Avenue in Bethesda.

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS-SIZE TREES AT WESTBARD GIANT (PHOTOS)

Yesterday, I mentioned some convenient Christmas tree lots in downtown Bethesda.

But what if you need something smaller, for whatever reason?

Try these Charlie Brown Christmas-sized trees at the Westbard Giant, on Westbard Ave.

PARTY LIKE IT'S 2019 AT WESTBARD GIANT FALL FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND IN BETHESDA

FREE FOOD

AND

PRIZES

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Only about 48 hours ago did we hear that Equity One had purchased the Westwood Complex on Westbard Avenue in Bethesda.  The crown jewel of that property is the Westwood Shopping Center, home to the Westbard Giant since 1959.

The transaction process revealed that the Giant's lease expires in 2019 (they renegotiated the old one that expired in 2058).  At that time, Giant may be gone forever, and the shopping center may be torn down.

But for now...

The Giant continues to celebrate its recent Grand Reopening, and is holding a Fall Festival inside the store this weekend.

So get ready to party like it's 2019 Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 PM.

Enjoy FREE apples, apple pie, kettle corn and pumpkin muffins!

Make your own caramel apple!

Spin the Prize Wheel!

Crafts and games!

With 7 years left, let's make the most of it while we can.

Giant, 5400 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda.

SPECTACULAR HALLOWEEN FALL DISPLAY AT WESTBARD GIANT IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

FREE PINK

LEMONADE

THIS WEEKEND

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

I noticed that the Giant on Westbard Avenue had a much more elaborate Halloween/Fall display than the Bethesda Row Giant.  The Westbard Giant continues to celebrate its Grand Reopening.

This Saturday and Sunday, you can get a FREE cup of pink lemonade between 12 and 4 PM, and win pink pastries from the bakery section.

For now, enjoy these photos of the fabulous display outside the store, as we are officially in Halloween season:

Giant, 5400 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda.

WESTBARD GIANT UNVEILS NEW ORGANIC DEPARTMENT - IS IT THE BEST IN BETHESDA?

DESIGN EMPHASIZES

NATURAL THEME, 

HUGE SELECTION

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Everyone is trying to eat healthier these days, and that just got easier at the Westbard Giant.  The longtime grocery store in the Westwood Shopping Center, on Westbard Avenue in Bethesda, just opened a new organic department.

Replacing the flower shop at the front corner of the store, it is the first phase of the store's current renovation.  Which is odd, because they just renovated the store a few years ago.

Aside from the selection, the design touches reflect the theme.  Hardwood floors with a natural woodgrain, and eco-friendly LED lighting, stand out against the larger store area.

I grew up near this Giant, and still think it is the best in Bethesda.  The change in flooring when you enter the organic department generates a bit of nostalgia.

When I was a kid, the far end of this store - about where the frozen aisles are today - was set up as a small department store.  They had clothes, books, and many other things.  When you got to that area, you would push your cart over a mountable edge - bump, bump - from the tile floor onto the carpeting of the department store area. 

Join me for an exclusive photo tour:

Standing in the produce department [foreground of photo],
 you can notice the contrast between the new organic
section, and the rest of the store

The new design includes special lighting
fixtures, and natural wood flooring