By Michael Johnsen

PITTSBURGH (Jan. 22) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Friday reported on a new health-and-wellness pilot taking place at Pittsburgh’s hometown grocer Giant Eagle — a-pharmacy-by-the-grocer concept featuring a wider selection of dietary supplements, a premium cosmetics counter and a pharmacy outfitted with a drive-through window within a 10,000-sq.-ft. box. In addition to the pharmacist, the new areas will field a dietitian, who will offer a host of on-site classes on food preparation and dieting tips, and a licensed skin specialist.

The concept was rolled out in November, and since Giant Eagle has experienced a lift in their health and beauty business of between 25% and 30%, Giant Eagle officials reported. According to the report, Giant Eagle has added more than 500 supplement SKUs and has created destination centers for homeopathy and gluten-free.

“Store officials have blended all that into an area with its own entry and cash register for what they hope customers will see as a place for one-stop shopping for health and beauty needs,” the Gazette reported.

In all, three Pittsburgh locations will test market the new concept. Plans are in place already for a fourth Pittsburgh grocery as well as one in nearby Ohio.