Meijer to spend $400 million on new stores, remodels

Meijer will spend $400 million on store expansion and remodeling in 2016 as the chain looks to expand its footprint.



The investment includes the construction of nine new Meijer supercenters and 32 remodel projects. While Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin will each welcome new Meijer supercenters later this year, dozens of other Meijer stores have begun or will soon begin remodel projects to further enhance the customer shopping experience.



"We are pleased to continue to grow and invest in the Midwest communities that have supported us for so long," CEO Hank Meijer said. "By keeping prices low and ensuring a great shopping environment, we are keeping our promise to our customers that we will provide the best one-stop shopping solution."



The opening of each new Meijer store represents as many as 300 full- and part-time jobs. Since 2010, Meijer has opened 36 new stores, 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. Meijer frequently works with local contractors when building and remodeling stores.



The new Meijer supercenters opening in 2016 include:



• Owensboro, Ky.

• Evansville, Ind.

• Indianapolis

• Round Lake Beach, Ill.

• Flossmoor, Ill.

• Sturgis, Mich.

• Flat Rock, Mich.

• Sussex, Wis.

• Waukesha, Wis.



In addition to the new supercenters, Meijer is aggressively remodeling stores in key markets such as Detroit, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Southeastern Michigan alone will see 12 Meijer supercenters remodeled this year, while Indianapolis will have three remodel projects. Two Meijer supercenters in Fort Wayne will be included as well. The Meijer store in Burton, Mich., one of the company's oldest operating stores, will also be included in the project.



While the depth of the remodel varies based on several factors, these projects include a variety of specific store enhancements, including improved store layouts, expanded grocery, and health and beauty sections, as well as lighting, heating, refrigeration and parking lot improvements. Additionally, the introduction of newer technology in key areas during the remodel process will result in more energy-efficient stores.



Meijer, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan operates 224 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.