Giant Eagle opens Valu King stores in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio Giant Eagle is bringing its Valu King banner in the Columbus, Ohio, area, according to local reports.

The grocery chain opened two Valu King locations, which will carry about 3,000 supermarket items, including grocery, meat and produce, as well as personal care items and pet supplies. The smaller-scale stores responds to recession-conscious consumers by providing them with the bare necessities without the frills other supermarkets offer, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

"The time is right to open a store in this format," said Valu King VP Jeff Galmarini. "We're filling a void by offering something that customers have asked for."