Giant Eagle’s HBW format takes flight under Heiser’s watchful eye

PITTSBURGH — Giant Eagle may be a regional player, but the company’s willingness to experiment with its pharmacy formats — including its latest HBW/pharmacy store-within-a-store concept — proves that it can shake things up.


In fall 2009, Giant Eagle put into motion its health, beauty, wellness pilot tests — a new wellness format that helps bridge the prescription files of the pharmacy with the natural health-and-wellness opportunities across the front end.


Creating a “whole health” destination for Giant Eagle customers is a key focus for Randy Heiser, Giant Eagle VP pharmacy. For example, store pharmacists proactively consult with patients whenever they fill a prescription for a new-to-them medicine as part of the initiative. Looking forward, this concept will afford cross-referral opportunities across Giant Eagle’s team of healthcare professionals — the pharmacist, dietitians and on-site nutritionists and 
licensed aestheticians.