Giant Eagle makes adjustments to Express prototype

Pittsburgh Giant Eagle plans to expand its mini-grocery/c-store/pharmacy hybrid into the Pittsburgh market this year, after making some final adjustments to its two-year live prototype, the 13,500-sq.-ft. Giant Eagle Express.

Many of the changes focus on making the format more consumer-friendly, such as more seating for its cafe-style offering and Wi-Fi access.

The company also plans to eliminate various staple items, such as canned vegetables and certain frozen products. Instead, Giant Eagle will focus more on convenient-food wares, such as fresh produce, ready-to-eat soups, prepared foods such as sushi and sandwiches.

The changes were based on feedback and an analysis of sales over the first several months, the company said.

Giant Eagle hopes to open as many as five more Express stores in the coming two years, with the next one opening toward the end of the year.