Giant Food will hire 200 in Md. as it upgrades stores

Giant Food plans to add more than 200 jobs in Maryland, mostly in supermarkets, as it invests $175 million over the next two years to remodel two dozen stores across a multistate region and open a new store in Northern Virginia. The Landover-based grocer is not identifying stores slated for remodeling, but said at least 15 in Maryland will be renovated, a Giant spokeswoman said Wednesday. The region targeted for investment includes Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Washington. Giant said it plans to create a total of about 500 new jobs in the region, including the 200 in Maryland, as part of the upgrades. The company is aiming “to give our shoppers a fresh and imaginative selection, unique in-store experiences and superior customer service,” Giant President Gordon Reid said in an announcement. Upgrades will include enhanced perishable, produce, beer and wine offerings, full-service florists, expanded natural and organic departments, hot Asian food bars and improved check-out lanes.