The Giant Company ramps up hiring as pandemic spurs grocery purchases

Ongoing high demand for groceries amid the coronavirus crisis has led The Giant Company to institute a second round of hiring.

Carlisle, Pa.-based Giant said yesterday that it aims to hire another 3,000 associates, or almost 10% of its total workforce. Over the past month, the supermarket chain has added about 4,000 temporary and part-time workers across its retail banners, which include Giant, Martin’s and Giant Heirloom Market as well as the Giant Direct and Martin’s Direct e-commerce brands.

Giant said it’s hiring for various jobs in stores and selector and driver positions to support Giant Direct, its online grocery service that offers pickup and delivery.

“Over the past two months, our incredible in-store and e-commerce team members have worked tirelessly to serve families, but the demand for online grocery keeps growing stronger,” according to Matthew Lutcavage, vice president of human resources at Giant.

Giant said it’s hiring for various jobs in stores and selector and driver positions to support Giant Direct, its online grocery service that offers pickup and delivery.

To meet rising online grocery demand, Giant plans to phase in technology enhancements to the Giant Direct platform to boost order capacity and expand time slots. Contactless pickup service is available at more than 130 Giant and Martin’s supermarkets.

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Digital enhancements to Giant’s website and mobile app also are being rolled out this week. The retailer said the improvements include a more personalized shopping experience, such as through product recommendations, as well as a “bolder” interface and a more robust search and filter capability that connects to the Guiding Stars nutrition guidance program.

Customers across 90% of Giant’s store footprint have access to online grocery ordering, pickup and delivery service, according to the company. To place a Giant/Martin’s Direct order, customers go to giantdirect.com or use the mobile app, enter their ZIP code and start shopping. Before checkout, they will be prompted to select how they would like to receive their order, by delivery or pickup.

In another measure to promote social distancing, Giant is now enabling customers to pick up prescriptions by using the Giant Direct parking spaces at their local store. For senior customers unable to enter the store, a complimentary U.S. Postal Service delivery option is available.

“Our purpose is to connect families for a better future, and our mission is more vital now than ever before,” added Lutcavage. “We’re committed to serving our communities and customers during this extraordinary time while helping our neighbors who are looking for work.”

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Part of Ahold Delhaize USA, Giant has more than 33,000 employees and operates about 190 stores, 132 pharmacies, 105 fuel stations and over 125 online grocery hubs in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

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