Wegmans, the renowned New York-based supermarket chain, has set its sights on opening a store in Cranberry Township by late 2027. The announcement of the planned 115,000-square-foot location marks a significant milestone in Wegmans’ long-awaited entry into the Pittsburgh market. While the store is still in the early stages of development, including securing approval from Cranberry Township and completing the permitting process, Wegmans executives are already eyeing the region for further expansion.
Dan Aken, vice president of real estate and store planning for Wegmans, revealed that the company has been eyeing the Pittsburgh area for the past four to five years. However, it wasn’t until recently that the company finalized plans to build on a 13-acre plot adjacent to the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. The prime location, situated between Interstate 79 and Route 228, offers excellent highway access and is surrounded by both residential areas and dining establishments, making it an ideal spot for the supermarket.
Cranberry Township has expressed excitement about Wegmans’ move, calling it a “welcome addition” to the local community in a recent press release. The township’s support reflects the anticipated positive impact the new store could have on both the local economy and consumer choice. While the store is still awaiting final approval, Wegmans’ decision to move forward with this location signals its commitment to expanding its footprint in the region.
The Cranberry store could be the first of several locations in the Pittsburgh area. Aken confirmed that Wegmans is “definitely looking at doing additional locations in the market.” While the company has a general idea of where these potential stores could be, Aken was cautious in providing specifics, noting that the plans are still in the early stages. Given the strong demand for Wegmans in other markets, including State College and Erie, the Pittsburgh area presents a prime opportunity for the supermarket chain to introduce its unique shopping experience to a new set of customers.
As part of its regional expansion, Wegmans anticipates hiring between 400 and 500 employees for the Cranberry location, most of whom will be locals. Wegmans’ commitment to hiring from within the community is likely to have a positive impact on the local job market, offering a range of positions in various departments. However, it’s important to note that Wegmans operates non-union stores, unlike local competitor Giant Eagle, whose employees are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). This could present a point of competition in terms of labor relations, especially in a region where Giant Eagle is a dominant player in the grocery industry.
The new store in Cranberry Township will provide Wegmans an opportunity to compete directly with local grocery chains, including Giant Eagle, which has a strong presence in the Pittsburgh area. For Wegmans, entering this market represents not only an opportunity for growth but also a chance to engage in friendly competition with an established local giant. Gary Fechter, senior vice president for Wegmans’ Pennsylvania division, expressed enthusiasm about the challenge, saying, “Having competition like Giant Eagle is great for us because we love to be side by side with great competitors. We’re just looking forward to being in the market.” Wegmans is known for its high-quality products, wide selection, and customer service, all of which will likely make it a formidable competitor in the region.
Currently, the closest Wegmans stores are located in Erie and State College, meaning the Cranberry location will fill a significant gap for Pittsburgh-area shoppers looking for the supermarket chain’s unique offerings. Known for its emphasis on fresh, organic, and locally sourced products, Wegmans has built a loyal following in the Northeast, and the expansion into Pittsburgh is expected to attract many eager customers from across the region.
As the development progresses, Wegmans is likely to continue refining its plans for the Cranberry store and other potential locations in the Pittsburgh area. With significant community support, a prime location, and plans for further regional expansion, Wegmans is poised to become a major player in the Pittsburgh grocery market by the end of the decade. The competition between Wegmans and Giant Eagle, along with other regional chains, will undoubtedly reshape the local grocery landscape in the coming years.
