Meijer confirms move into Pittsburgh area

Zoom in: Meijer, best known for its supercenters, has yet to set a timeline or announce specific locations for the stores, communications manager Cara Lutz said in a statement.

The big picture: With more than 500 stores across the Midwest, Meijer sells everything from groceries and prescriptions to clothing and garden supplies — a model similar to Walmart.

• Recent success in Northeast Ohio, including near Youngstown, made the Pittsburgh area a natural next step, Lutz said.

The intrigue: Giant Eagle last week announced it's expanding its pharmacy arm, rolling out a $100 million plan to slash prices, upgrade quality and revamp stores as new competitors enter the market.

What we're watching: Whether the influx of competition drives local retailers to lower prices and reinvent their shelves.