Aug. 23: Perry Hall Giant 'Premiere Night,' Donation

Grocery stores may not be known for their parties—but the Perry Hall Giant's on Thursday night could be an exception.

Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Aug. 23, the store at 8905 Belair Rd. will hold an "exclusive, red-carpet Premiere Night featuring special activities including live entertainment, gifts, food sampling, and more," according to a media release. 

State and county politicians, Perry Hall "dignitaries" and Giant company officials are expected to attend, the release stated. Community members are also invited.

The store replaces the , which had been vacant for more than a year. Area and have praised the Giant as a job creator and foot traffic generator for the hard-hit .

The store's ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Afterward, company officials plan to present a $2,500 check to the .

"Tremendously, it impacts our ability to have food there to help people. I have a limited budget and the bulk of it goes toward Thanksgiving and Christmas. Anytime I can get any donations, it really makes a big help," said Margaret Hubbard, who directs the pantry.

"I try to do what I can with the money I have—$2,500 buys a lot of food," Hubbard said. 

The new Giant features several technological upgrades, as well as expanded gourmet and specialty food departments. The Baltimore Sun reported that the store will serve as a prototype for remodled stores in the Baltimore-Washington area.

According to a media release, the Giant will feature “SCAN IT!” hand-held devices, that customers can use to scan and bag items while they shop, instead of waiting until the check-out line. An “ORDER IT!” deli kiosk also eliminates the deli counter line by allowing customers to digitally place orders and pick up their items after they're sliced or portioned. Half of the 16 total check-out lines will be self-service. The store will also include a large selection of natural, organic and gluten-free items.

Where do you do most of your grocery shopping in Perry Hall? How do you decide where to shop? Tell us in the comments.

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