SUPER RITE'S METRO ENTERS DELAWARE, PLANS MORE UNITS

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Super Rite here continues to roll out its Metro superstore format with the opening of its first Delaware unit and plans at least three new Metro stores each year, according to the company's annual report.

are feet, are centered around Baltimore. The company, in its 1994 annual report, said it sees "a slightly expanded market" for the Metro format and has therefore decided to push north into Delaware.

Super Rite's fiscal year 1994 ended in February.

"The company will continue to target future sites with demographics supporting the superstore concept and which do not compete with our wholesale customers," the annual report said.

Super Rite opened the first three Metro stores in late fiscal 1993, two more last year and the sixth in March in Pasadena, Md. The eighth Metro unit is scheduled to open at the end of August in Catonsville, Md.

The Metro units feature everyday low prices and a wider selection of food and general merchandise than traditional supermarkets, according to the company.

"The customers perceive greater levels of service, due to the fact that backroom operations at Metro have been largely eliminated," the annual report said. "Nearly every service in the market such as baking, produce and deli preparation is performed in full view for the customers to see."

Super Rite also operates 19 supermarkets under the "Basics" name in the metropolitan Baltimore and Washington markets.