Meijer invests big in new stores, remodels

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer is investing more than $160 million in new store construction and remodeling.

The investment includes the construction of six new Meijer supercenters and major remodel projects for an additional five stores. Michigan, Indiana and Illinois will each welcome two new Meijer supercenters, with remodel projects planned at an additional four Michigan stores and one Meijer location in Illinois.

"We are pleased to continue to invest in the Midwest communities that have supported us for so long," Hank Meijer, co-chairman and co-CEO said. "By keeping prices low and maintaining our focus on customer service, we have been able to continue to grow during a tough economic cycle."

According to the company, each new store will create at least 250 full- and part-time jobs. Meijer has opened 29 new stores since 2007, and remodeled dozens of others. This has resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of tax revenue pumped into local communities.

The new Meijer supercenters opening in 2013 include:

Swartz Creek, Mich.

Portage, Ind.

Detroit, Mich.

Danville, Ill.

Evergreen Park, Ill.

Warsaw, Ind.

Meijer 2013 remodel projects include:

Lansing, Mich. (S. Pennsylvania Road)

Taylor, Mich.

Flint, Mich. (Hill Road)

Springfield, Ill.

Grand Rapids, Mich. (Knapp's Corner)

The remodel projects will include a variety of specific enhancements both in and outside the stores, such as lighting, heating, refrigeration, exterior lighting and parking lot maintenance. Additionally, the introduction of newer technology in key areas during the remodel process will result in reduced energy usage and more energy-efficient stores.

Two of the stores will go through a significantly more comprehensive remodel program. The South Pennsylvania Road Meijer in Lansing will be totally rebuilt, within a 14-month timeframe that will transform the aging site into an all-new store. The Knapp's Corner Meijer will be the first to benefit from a new Meijer flagship remodel that will test design elements which may be considered for future stores.

"We will continue our process of slow, steady growth," Meijer said. "This has allowed us to focus on our customers and team members, while supporting the communities where they work and live."