Hannaford 'grand reopening' promises a market improvement

Hannaford at the Lilac Mall will likely be a lively scene on Saturday. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - When folks show up at the Milton Road Hannaford Grand Reopening on Saturday - and you can bet there'll be aplenty - they'll notice a lot of changes to the store that has served the Rochester area for more than a quarter of a century.

"It was time for a few updates, a little face lift," said store Manager Bill McGlincy.

Some of them are physical changes like wider aisles and new shelving, but some are more subtle, McGlincy said.

For instance, shoppers will find grocery groupings better defined, such as all the potato chips in one place.

They'll also find organic or gluten free items right next to the standard product.

So if you're in the pasta aisle, there will be a specially labeled and easily identified section that will contain all the gluten free pasta options, McGlincy said.

Other upgrades to the store include ready-made hot foods, a sushi chef and an instore dietician to help customers shop healthy.

In Rochester's competitive supermarket environment, the latest upgrade by Hannaford comes fast on the heels of its Hannaford to Go program which began this summer.

McGlincy said every week some 300 customers are taking advantage of the program, which allows customers to order online and then pick up their groceries curbside at the market with associates doing all the shopping, bagging their requested items and placing them right in their vehicle.

"They don't even have to get out," McGlincy said.

But Saturday's Grand Reopening promises to be as much party as anything else, with gift cards ranging in value from $5-$100 being passed out to the first 200 customers as well as random food and beverage samplings throughout the day, including doughnuts, yogurt, beer and a lot more.

As part of the celebration Hannaford will also be presenting Gerry's Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels with $1,000 checks.

With gift cards, free samplings and other giveaways, McGlincy said he's anticipating a large crowd when the store opens at 7 a.m.

"There will be people lined up," McGlincy said. "I don't know how crazy it will be, but I hope it's crazy. Our associates have been very busy getting ready for this."