Meijer enters new territory

Meijer is expanding its already considerable footprint in its home state of Michigan.



Meijer on Thursday opened its first locations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula area, in Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie. The 192,000-sq.-ft.-supercenters, built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, are the latest in a $375 million investment this year that includes the construction of seven new Meijer supercenters and remodel projects for 22 additional stores in Indianapolis, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky.



The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based family-owned retailer, which opened its first store in 1934, now has more than 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout the Midwest. With the two new supercenters, it now operates 113 stores in Michigan. In addition to groceries, pharmacy, a garden center and a gas station, Meijer supercenters also feature a large selection of general merchandise, including women's apparel, home goods, school supplies, and sports and camping gear.



"It is truly a proud day for us to cross the bridge into the Upper Peninsula and bring the Meijer experience to shoppers in Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie," said co- Hank Meijer, co-chairman, Meijer. "Since opening our first store in Greenville, Mich. 83 years ago, we've always strived to bring stores to communities looking for a one-stop shopping experience."