The Giant Supermarket in Mahoning Township opened for business yesterday morning at the Carbon Plaza Mall, despite cancellation of a planned grand opening ceremony because of the 9/11 tragedy.

Dennis Hopinks, president of advertising and sales development for the company, said the ceremony planned for 8 a.m. was canceled because of everything going on,” referring to he terroristic attacks.

Lehighton Mayor Wilbur Bauchspies and several members of borough council were present when store manager Mike Garrett opened the doors for shoppers.

The store employs 165 people, including 35 who were transferred from other Giant stores.

Tony Schiano, president and CEO of Giant, said the firm spent “a couple million dollars” to bring Giant to Carbon County.