Giant’s newest Centre County supermarket is opening just in time for the holidays

Giant will open its third Centre County supermarket in time for the holidays, the company announced Thursday.

The Benner Township store, 2699 Benner Pike, will open its doors at 8 a.m. Dec. 16. The 50,000-square-foot store will have regular hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week and add more than 100 jobs.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the store’s official opening Dec. 16. The first 200 customers will receive a reusable Giant shopping bag with product samples and other savings.

The Giant Co.’s interim president said the new store strengthens the company’s ties with the community, building on 30-plus years of serving the State College area.

“Opening just in time for holiday celebrations, our new store reinforces our commitment to fulfilling our purpose of connecting families to a better future,” John Ruane said in a statement.

Along with the traditional departments, the store will offer a hot foods bar with smoked meats and sushi made on-site, as well as a gas station. Customers can also order their groceries online for store pickup through Giant Direct.

Thomas Woodring, an industry veteran, has been named store manager.

“Our team is here to help, and we will strive to create meaningful shopping experiences that (help) families gather around the table,” Woodring said.

The company, which has State College locations at Northland Center and Hills Plaza, announced its expansion to the Bellefonte area in 2021.