Weis Markets to acquire Giant Markets

SUNBURY, Pa. Weis Markets on Friday announced its plans to purchase the stores of 12 Giant Markets based primarily out of Binghamton, N.Y., by Aug. 21.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“This acquisition is an excellent strategic fit for our company,” stated Weis vice chairman Jonathan Weis. “Giant Markets is the market leader in Broome County where they have excellent locations, modern stores and a strong market presence,” he said. “For many years, they have been a significant part of the community, and they’ve offered an excellent combination of quality, value and service. We are pleased to be working with their associates and look forward to welcoming them to our organization.”

The company’s 12 stores average 62,000-sq.-ft., according to the Giant Markets Web site. The company supplies those stores through one warehouse.

The Giant Markets business first opened its doors in Binghamton in 1933, marking one of the first self-service supermarkets to operate in the region. It’s second store, opened in 1939, was featured as a display in the NCR pavilion at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, according to the company’s Web site. The new store was one of the first supermarkets to provide itemized grocery receipts.

The Giant Markets stores are not associated with either of Royal Ahold’s Giant banners, Giant-Carlisle and Giant-Landover; nor are the stores associated with Giant Eagle out of Pittsburgh. None of the Giant Markets stores field a pharmacy.