Giant Eagle continues its strategic shift away from convenience stores and toward pharmacies

"Last month, Pennsylvania-based regional grocery chain Giant Eagle announced a $100 million investment in its products and stores over the next two years. The investment comes alongside a new business strategy called "Because it Matters" that will define its future growth, with efforts such as a new brand campaign, seasonal pricing initiatives, expanded employee training and store remodels. It also follows a significant shift in strategy away from convenience stores and toward pharmacies."

""The goal of doing that was really to become more focused on, 'How do we be a growing supermarket and pharmacy retailer?'" Justin Weinstein, evp and chief merchandising and marketing officer for Pennsylvania-based grocer Giant Eagle, told Modern Retail at Groceryshop. "We're on a path right now to be what we would call a regional gem supermarket and pharmacy operator." He said pharmacy is a key way to drive traffic into the stores and to the food business."

Giant Eagle committed $100 million over two years to products and store improvements under a strategy called "Because it Matters," including a brand campaign, seasonal pricing, employee training and remodels. The company exited the convenience-store business by selling GetGo and is taking on prescriptions from 78 Rite Aid locations as those stores closed. Giant Eagle plans more standalone pharmacies and has converted some Rite Aid sites to Giant Eagle Pharmacy. The pharmacy push aims to drive in-store traffic and support the food business. Giant Eagle operates 220 stores across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia and Maryland.

Read at Digiday