WEIS COMPLETES REMODELS IN SOME PENNSYLVANIA UNITS

LYNNE MILLER

SUNBURY, Pa. -- Continuing a strategy that plays up perishables -- and convenience -- Weis Markets recently completed the remodeling of a handful of stores in central and northern Pennsylvania. Officials enhanced and expanded the prepared foods, produce, seafood, bakery and dairy departments.

The stores are located in Lebanon and Shippensburg in central Pennsylvania, and Pen Argyl, north of Philadelphia.

The Lebanon store, nearly 46,000 square feet, got the lion's share of improvements -- an expanded deli with a pizza kitchen, a bigger selection of heat-and-serve meals, an express register, an expanded produce department, and an all-new service seafood department, according to store officials. The Shippensburg store, a 28,000-square-foot unit, gained a larger dairy department, upgraded meat department and a self-serve seafood section.

In Pen Argyl, the company completed a 15,827-square-foot expansion on its Mr. Z's unit, tripling the size of the store's deli, expanding the selection of prepared foods and cheeses, and installing an express checkout lane in the deli, officials said. The 47,356-square-foot store also changes in produce, service seafood and bakery.

The projects are the latest efforts in the retailer's ongoing expansion and renovation strategy, which dates back to 1995. At that time, top executives decided to launch a major expansion plan and, at the same time, concentrate on ways to stand out among competitors, said company spokesman Dennis Curtin. Upgrading and enlarging store perishables categories, including the produce section -- a signature department for Weis -- is a key part of the plan.

Since 1995, the chain has grown to 163 stores -- with 75% of the units either newly built, new when acquired by the chain, expanded or remodeled, Curtin said.