History

1923
The GIANT/MARTIN’S story begins when David Javitch opens a two-man butcher shop called the Carlisle Meat Market. He built his business on the premise of the “best products at the fairest price.”

1936
Javitch’s entrepreneurial spirit takes over when he decides to take a chance on a new business venture. Javitch purchases a store in Lewistown, PA, naming it the GIANT Shopping Food Center. The store is a big change from the original Carlisle Meat Market, offering dry goods and perishables under one roof – a new concept at that time.

1940s
The GIANT Shopping Food Center proves to be a great success. Javitch decides to expand the Carlisle store from a basic meat market into a full-fledged grocery store, and stores continue to flourish in the 1950s.

1968
The company embarks on a plan of steady growth, opening new stores in suburban areas. The ninth store opens in Harrisburg, PA, and David’s son, Lee Javitch, becomes President of GIANT Food Stores.

1970
GIANT’s growth accelerates with the purchase of the MARTIN’S chain in Hagerstown, MD.

1972
Nick Riso joins the company as Vice President of Sales and Operations. Nick assists the Javitch family in bringing about their desired growth plan with a new merchandising effort, “Everyday Low Prices.” Nick becomes President in 1979, and Lee Javitch assumes the position of Chairman.

1981
GIANT/MARTIN’S enters into an agreement with Ahold, a food retailing business based in the Netherlands. Ahold’s roots date back to 1887 with the Albert Heijn grocery chain in Holland serving as their anchor business. They are now a multi-faceted international company involved in the manufacturing and retailing of food and other goods.

1988
Allan Noddle becomes President of GIANT/MARTIN’S as the 50th store opens. Well known for his dedication to the business, Allan serves as a dynamic spokesperson in GIANT/MARTIN’S radio and television advertising campaigns.

1997
Tony Schiano becomes President and CEO of GIANT/MARTIN’S. Under Tony’s 10-year leadership, GIANT/MARTIN’S doubles its store count to 143 and nearly triples sales and operating earnings. In the new millenium, stores begin offering extensive one-stop shopping with gas stations, expanded deli and bakery departments, and organic produce. Additionally, EasyScan (self-checkout) registers are implemented to provide GIANT/MARTIN’S customers with enhanced convenience. Other technologies, including EasyWeigh, EasyShop self-scan, and Shopping Solutions kiosks, are later implemented at select locations.

1999
Ahold Financial Services (AFS), a shared service center responsible for accounting processing for all of the Ahold USA Retail Companies, comes to the GIANT/MARTIN’s corporate office building in Carlisle, PA.

2002
A new marketing campaign with the slogan “Quality.Selection.Savings. Every Day” spreads GIANT/MARTIN’S message of delivering the best products and selection at the best value all of the time.

2005
GIANT/MARTIN’S opens the first ever Super Food Store in Camp Hill, PA. The GIANT Super Food Store is a breakthrough in retailing with prepared meals, a specialty cheese shop, a childcare center, an in-store nutritionist, a cooking school, a wi-fi café, Cook’s Corner, Staples, a Hallmark shop, and a Nature’s Promise Natural and Organic Marketplace. Two additional GIANT Super Food Stores followed – one in Willow Grove, PA and the other in Harrisburg, PA.

2006
GIANT/MARTIN’S acquires 13 former Clemens stores and one FoodSource in the greater Philadelphia market.

2007-08
GIANT/MARTIN’S experiences many leadership changes. Carl Schlicker, former Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, is appointed President and CEO of GIANT/ MARTIN’S. The following year, Carl is promoted to President and CEO of Stop & Shop, another Ahold USA Retail Company. Sander van der Laan becomes President and CEO of GIANT/MARTIN’S.

2009-10
Ahold USA announces organizational changes that will provide a foundation for accelerating the growth of the U.S. retail businesses and strengthening the ability to provide the highest quality products and services at low prices. Carl Schlicker is appointed to President and CEO of Ahold USA Retail, and Rick Herring is promoted to Division President of GIANT/MARTIN’S. Additionally, GIANT/MARTIN’S opened Giant To Go, the first convenience store, and acquired 25 Ukrop’s.

Pharmacy
Our experienced pharmacists are at your service 7 days a week to fill all your prescription needs. We accept most insurance plans, including:
CVS/Caremark
Express Scripts
Aetna
Medco
Anthem
AARP/United Healthcare

Refill a prescription:
Phone: Simply call your local MARTIN’S and follow the prompts to request your refill.
Online: Order Refills, transfer prescriptions, check refill status all from the convenience of your living room.