Meijer matches staffing to customer demand

A Midwest discount chain is tapping into the burgeoning gig economy.

As part of a larger effort to drive store-level efficiency, Meijer plans to utilize the Hyer platform/app across its 246-store footprint and its Serv-U-Success store merchandising services operation. Meijer will leverage Hyer to connect gig workers with identified tasks on demand.

Meijer intends to support its workforce needs in real-time with Hyer capabilities, helping ensure it can meet consumer demand. The Hyer platform is designed to provide companies and gig workers with a unified way to locate, engage and manage independent work.

Since it began working with Hyer, Meijer says it has been able to better manage the volatility of demand by having the right number of resources that match their needs. The retailer also cites a fast user experience that streamlines overall store-level resource management, saving time and increasing efficiency while improving the customer experience. 

"Customer experience is always top of mind at Meijer, because as Fred Meijer once said, 'our customers don't need us, we need them,'" said Mike Graham, senior VP of supply chain & manufacturing at Meijer. "There are many responsibilities at the store level that can be fulfilled quickly and easily by individuals looking for flexible work arrangements. Hyer allows us to secure labor on demand through a large, independent workforce that is ready and qualified."

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich. based retailer that operates supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.