PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — It’s called Valu King – the newest discount grocery store to enter the Pittsburgh market.

Owned by Giant Eagle, Valu King will make its Pittsburgh debut in the North Hills along McKnight Road at the site once occupied by Roomful Express.

“It’s surprising that the discount supermarkets haven’t hit Pittsburgh sooner than this because it’s really a national trend,” Duquesne University professor Audrey Guskey told KDKA money editor Jon Delano.

Aldi, a popular discount grocery, only came to this region a few years ago and has been followed this year by Bottom Dollar, which already has 14 stores in the area.

Analysts like Guskey say Giant Eagle couldn’t afford to be left out.

“Now they realize that customers are ready for this kind of discount,” she said.

What’s interesting about Giant Eagle’s entry into the discount grocery business with a new Valu King is its location. It’s right next to a Bottom Dollar that will be opening up soon.

What does that mean? How about a grocery discount war with the lowest possible prices. That can only be good news for the consumer.

Bottom Dollar says competition is good because its prices won’t be beat.

“Our prices won’t waver. We came in with low prices. We still have low prices, and we’ll have low prices forever and ever,” said Bob Powell, a Bottom Dollar store manager.

Darlene Malone of Brighton Heights was already excited to hear about the new Bottom Dollar in the North Hills.

Malone: “It’s something that’s more reasonable and affordable for the people that can’t afford Giant Eagle, Shop ‘n Save and Kuhn’s, so I love the idea.”

Delano: “Well, guess what. Right next door, Giant Eagle is bringing in their discount store called Valu King.”

Malone: “That’s even better. That’s wonderful.”

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