In 1936, Giant Food opened its first store on Georgia Avenue NW in Washington, DC. This store came with an unusual concept: customers could “Serve Yourself.”
At the time, shoppers were used to clerks gathering their items from behind counters. Giant handed out baskets and let customers wander the aisles. This innovative idea laid the groundwork for today’s supermarket experience in the DMV area.
Gary Budd, Giant’s director of store refresh, has been with the company for 45 years. He emphasizes that the founders were always looking for ways to improve the customer experience.
Over the years, Giant has maintained this innovative spirit. In the 1980s, they introduced scanner technology at checkout. Initially, customers were skeptical, fearing their orders would be messed up. But once they tried it, they were impressed by the speed and accuracy.
Giant didn’t stop there. In 1961, they opened the Super Giant in Lanham, boasting not just groceries but also a fur salon, jewelry department, optical shop, and even an art gallery.
A memorable moment in Giant’s history occurred in 1957 when Queen Elizabeth II visited a Hyattsville location after a University of Maryland football game. She took time to learn about American pot pies, bringing extra charm to the store.
Yet, when Budd reflects on what defines Giant, he doesn’t mention royal visits or technological innovations. He highlights the resilience of the team during tough times. “I’ve seen store managers sleeping on cots,” he recalls. During blizzards and the COVID-19 pandemic, the stores remained open to serve the community.
Budd shared his experience from a blizzard in the 1980s when he walked five miles to work, staying for three days to keep the store running. “It’s ingrained in our culture,” he notes. “It’s always about people.”
Giant’s commitment to the community extends beyond grocery aisles. Budd and his team have worked to design food pantries for local food banks, ensuring that clients can shop in a dignified manner. They’ve provided layout, shelving, and refrigeration solutions to help families in need.
As Giant celebrates 90 years, the focus remains on being customer-driven and community-oriented. “There’s nothing more exciting than making the customer happy,” Budd says.
By prioritizing innovation and community service, Giant Food has established itself as a beloved part of the DMV landscape, continually adapting to meet the needs of its customers. For further insights into the grocery industry, you can check out the Food Marketing Institute.
