UPDATE: Salisbury Giant store to be converted to ACME
After months of speculation about the fate of the Giant food store in Salisbury, officials have confirmed the store is in the process of being sold to Albertsons Company and converted to an ACME market store.
Giant’s parent company Ahold USA says the two companies reached agreement to divest a total of 86 stores as a part of a planned merge between Ahold and the Delhaize Group, which is an international food retailer, before the end of July.
Chris Brand, a spokesperson with Ahold USA, explains the merger is all pending on Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) approval.
“It’s an opportunity to deliver even more for our customers, our associates and our local communities,” says Brand. “The purchase agreements are the result of an extensive process to find a buyer who would meet the FTC’s requirements to maintain competition in the applicable markets where the stores of both Ahold and Delhaize group operate.”
The store located on 751 S. Salisbury Boulevard, according to Brand, is expected to later be re-branded as an ACME market, which is owned by Albertsons.
A call to ACME confirmed “the transaction is expected to close sometime in September.”
When we asked whether the store will shut it’s doors at all for re-branding, a representative told 47 ABC it’s too early in the process to comment.
A number of shoppers we spoke to on Thursday say they shop at Giant at least once a week. Most, like Jake Travis, say it’s out of convenience and that the store should not worry about losing their business.
“It’s the closest one to my house, you know?” explains Travis. “There’s great prices here and all. I’d like to see that at the next store if possible, but you know…I shop here for convenience sake so if it turns into something else, I’d shop here.”
Judy Richardson says she’s not too thrilled about the merger.
“I’d rather it be a Safeway, similar to the one they have in Easton,” says Richardson. “They sell better quality food.”
In terms of the current employees, Ahold says they do not anticipate any layoffs at this time.
Brand tells 47ABC, “Albertsons has committed to make written offers of employment to all union associates and may conduct an interview process prior to making offers of employment to management employees.”
Salisbury Mayor Jake Day released the following statement after the announcement,
“This morning I was contacted by representatives of Royal Ahold and Delhaize Group who advised me that they will sell the Salisbury Giant to Albertson’s Companies, Inc. In the coming months, the Salisbury Giant will become an Acme supermarket. The loss of our Giant is a situation which has been the topic of much discussion and worry over the past few months, but I’m happy to say that there is very, very good news to report.
First and most important, not one current Salisbury Giant employee will lose their job. There will be no store closure, and current Giant employees will continue on as Acme employees. This is fantastic news for the employees, their families, and our local economy. Additionally, the Salisbury Acme will remain a union shop. Current employees’ standing as union members will not be affected in any way. I’m unable to speak to what may or may not happen in other markets, except to say that it is my understanding that our store is the only location where this will happen.
All of this means that, by and large, what Salisbury residents can expect to see is a sign change. Acme is a brand which has history in Salisbury, and I expect that residents will find the new store to be comparable to the Giant which it replaces. The bottom line is this: The store which has been known as Salisbury’s premier supermarket will stay on – employees and all – with a new name. I’m excited to welcome Acme to Salisbury, and I will do everything I can to help them become part of our community.”
According to the company website, Albertsons operate more than 2,200 stores across 33 states and the District of Columbia under 18 well-known stores. This includes including Safeway, Shaw’s, and ACME Markets.
