Lidl applies for $9.5 million in PA redevelopment grants

It was revealed last month that Lidl is seeking $9.5 million in Pennsylvania redevelopment grants for six stores, three of which are planned for Philadelphia - South Columbus Blvd. in South Philly, Butler Street in Port Richmond, and Roosevelt Blvd. in Northeast Philly.

The three other stores Lidl is seeking grants for are in Dover Borough (York County), Easton (Northampton County) and Ridley Township (Delaware County). The Ridley location opened last year and was Lidl's first store in the state.

In a story published on Philly.com, Lidl Spokesperson Will Harwood explained that Lidl often works with local government agencies and applies for available investment programs when they expand into new markets, including those that require remediation or rehabilitation.

The $9.5 million would come from Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is designed to support redevelopment projects that officials deem capable of having a big economic impact. Six million would be for the three Philadelphia sites.

Giant ready to open first Philly store

Giant is seeing increases in sales and market share in the Delaware Valley, and now they are preparing for the opening of their first supermarket in Philadelphia. The 74,000 square foot store will open Wednesday at 2550 Grant Avenue in Northeast Philly, and will include on-site gas and a pharmacy. It will be open 24 hours a day.

According to Giant, the store will have 275 employees, both full- and part-time.

With the new store, Giant will have 48 stores in the five-county area that includes Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware and Chester counties. According to Food Trade News, these stores averaged approximately $32.5 million in sales in the last year.