Much-needed new Giant Eagle-backed Community Market opens in Pittsburgh's Bloomfield neighborhood

It has been at least 40 years that Gregory Utz of Lawrenceville has been shopping for groceries at 4401 Liberty Ave. He remembers back decades ago when it was a Kroger’s and other grocers, but most recently it was a Shursave IGA.

Shursave closed last month after the Liberty Avenue site was purchased by ECHO Realty, based in Pittsburgh. ECHO calls itself one of the nation’s largest privately held owners of grocery-anchored real estate.

While ECHO owns the land, Giant Eagle has agreed to act as the interim operator of the store. On Sunday, Giant Eagle opened the store under the Community Market brand, much to residents’ delight.

“So far, it looks great,” said Utz, 49. He was impressed with the baked goods selections; he bought gourmet blueberry muffins.

Another longtime shopper said keeping the site a grocery store was important for the community.

“Without a grocery store, we are lost,” said the shopper who identified herself as Sharon from Bloomfield.

Store manager Dan Crough said opening day was busier than expected, “but that’s a great thing.” Shoppers were hitting the produce and meat departments, he said.

The new store includes a wide selection of produce, meat, deli and bakery products, Western Union money orders, lottery and more.

The Bloomfield Community Market has about 55 employees.

ECHO Realty recently purchased the grocery site with the plan for the Community Market to serve Bloomfield residents until the Realtor completes its long-term site redevelopment plans, said Richard Roberts, a Giant Eagle spokesman.

ECHO Realty is working with community leaders on future plans for the site, Roberts said.