For immediate release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
May 9, 2013
Meijer Marks Milestone with 200th Store Opening
Retailer continues to support communities it serves through job creation, buying local
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer will open its 200th store in Swartz Creek, Mich. on May 16, continuing its commitment to support the communities it serves by creating more than 200 jobs and buying fresh, local produce, Meijer Co-Chairman Hank Meijer announced today.
“We’re excited to continue to see our company grow in Michigan,” Meijer said. “We started local, and we feel it’s important to continue to focus on the communities where we’re located. Whether it’s through donations to local food banks like the Swartz Creek Food Bank, or in supporting farmers across the Midwest, we’re focused on growing together with our customers and our surrounding communities.”
The family-owned retailer, which opened its first store in 1934, will mark the milestone opening with a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting celebration at the store, located at 4141 Morrish Road in Swartz Creek. The ceremony will include remarks by Meijer officials, along with presentations to the Swartz Creek Food Bank and the Swartz Creek Civic Center enhancement project.
The Swartz Creek store is the first of six new stores the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer will open this year in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. It also represents a portion of the more than $160 million planned investment in new and remodeled stores Meijer is making this year throughout the Midwest.
“I am very happy that we now have a Meijer store in Swartz Creek for my own use, and for our citizens to use,” Swartz Creek Mayor David Krueger said. “I’m sure that our citizens are going to love the convenience of having the store here, and the many job opportunities that Meijer brings.”
At approximately 190,000 square feet, the Swartz Creek Meijer was built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. It will offer competitive prices customers have come to expect and includes a drive-thru, full-service pharmacy offering the retailer’s free prescription program for oral generic antibiotics, prenatal vitamins, and medications for those with diabetes and high cholesterol. The store will also feature a gas station, a wide selection of general merchandise, including apparel, electronics, and pet items, and a robust grocery department with national and Meijer own brand items.
Meijer is also one of the largest purchasers of many fruits and vegetables in the Midwest with an economic benefit of more than $80 million annually. Today, Meijer published an infographic showcasing its commitment to locally grown and the relationships it has with more than 100 growers in the Midwest, providing customers with fresh produce year-round.
“Meijer has a longstanding commitment to buying locally grown produce when available as long as the quality meets our high standards,” said Jerry Suter, vice president of fresh for Meijer. “It’s just one way Meijer supports the communities it serves, and it’s an initiative that has expanded during the past 5 years as the focus on local became more important to our customers.”
Michael VanOoteghem, of VanOoteghem Farms, said buying local really resonates with customers.
“We’re not a very big farm, but we do a lot of business with Meijer,” said VanOoteghem, vice president of the Essexville, Mich.-based farm that’s provided the retailer with potatoes and cabbage for a decade. “We run into customers and they put a name with a face, and that face also means quality. If they can see that Meijer provides a great quality product, and that it’s from a local grower, it gives a boost to the entire community.”
Earlier this year, Meijer expanded its program that supports Michigan small businesses to feature 55 new Michigan-made grocery items in all its stores statewide. The goal of the Made in Michigan initiative, launched in partnership with the Michigan State University Product Center, is to help strengthen the state’s economy by supporting small businesses.
To view the infographic highlighting Meijer’s commitment to locally grown, please visit: http://pinterest.com/pin/259449628505737588/
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 200 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-735-7968
christina.fecher@meijer.com
May 7, 2013
Meijer Simply Give Double Match Days Generates more than $500,000
for Hungry Families in the Midwest
Retailer thanks customers for generosity during the two-day event
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer customers generously donated $184,230 during Simply Give Double Match Days to help food pantries throughout the Midwest restock their shelves. That effort, combined with the commitment from Meijer to double match all donations made April 12-13, means the total donation climbed to $552,690 during those two days, Co-Chairman Doug Meijer announced today.
“The tremendous generosity of our customers is an inspiration for us all, and we cannot thank them enough for their partnership,” Meijer said. “Our Simply Give program, along with the double match efforts, really helps make a difference for our struggling neighbors.”
Meijer began double matching customer donations on select days of its Simply Give campaigns in September to support Hunger Action Month and highlight its continuing commitment to hunger relief. The effort resonated well among customers, and food pantries participating in the program.
“This is a huge win for our food pantry partners, who aggressively engaged the community to help every $10 donation stretch even further,” said Janet Emerson, executive vice president of retail operations. “It’s very rewarding to work with so many food pantries whose dedication to food-giving is unwavering.”
Although the double match has concluded, customers can still donate to the spring Simply Give campaign, which runs through May 18. Donation cards are located on kiosks near the checkout.
The Simply Give program encourages customers to purchase $10 Meijer Food Pantry donation cards, which are then converted into Meijer gift cards and given to the local food pantry selected by the store. The program aims to replenish the shelves of nearly 200 food pantries in the retailer’s five-state region each campaign.
Traditionally, Meijer seeds each Simply Give campaign with $100,000 in grocery gift cards that are divided among all the participating food pantries. For the second consecutive year, the retailer will contribute $1 million – equaling 6 million meals – to the program.
The Simply Give program has generated nearly $5 million – or about 30 million meals – since it began in November 2008.
To view a video highlighting Meijer’s hunger relief efforts, specifically the Simply Give and food rescue programs, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkdYV7IlniA.
About Meijer Philanthropy: Meijer is a family-owned retailer based in Grand Rapids, Mich. with a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves. Meijer donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and wellness initiatives. Additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-735-7968, christina.fecher@meijer.com
March 25, 2013
Meijer
Offers Double Match Days to Restock Food Pantry Shelves
During Spring Simply Give
Campaign
Retailer’s Double
Match Days proven to generate tremendous support for local pantries
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer will once again double match every customer’s $10 Simply Give donation made April 12-13 to
help restock the shelves of local food pantries that were depleted over the holidays.
The
double match efforts have resonated well with customers, resulting in record-breaking
donations that elevated the Simply Give’s
total donation count to nearly $5 million – or about 30 million meals – since
the program began in November 2008.
“Our
customers never cease to amaze us with their continued support of our Simply Give program,” Co-Chairman Hank Meijer
said. “This initiative is a great way to thank them for their generosity by
stretching their hard-earned contributions even further, and ensuring our food
pantry partners have the supplies they need to feed an increasing number of
hungry neighbors.”
Each
Simply Give campaign aims to
replenish the shelves of nearly 200 food pantries in the retailer’s five-state
region by encouraging customers to purchase $10 Meijer Food Pantry Donation
Cards. The donation cards are then converted into Meijer gift cards and given
to the food pantry selected by the store. The Simply Give program runs three times a year for about ten weeks.
Simply Give Double Match Days will stretch
those donations even further: For every $10 donation card purchase, Meijer will
give $20 to the program, resulting in a total $30 donation.
The
Spring Simply Give campaign runs
through May 18, and customers can find the donation cards at kiosks near the
checkout.
To
view a video highlighting Meijer’s hunger relief efforts, specifically the Simply Give and food rescue programs,
please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkdYV7IlniA.
About
Meijer Philanthropy: Meijer
is a family-owned retailer based in Grand Rapids, Mich. with a fundamental
philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves. Meijer proudly
donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout
the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with
hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue
programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and
wellness initiatives. Additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please
visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter
@twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
For immediate release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
March 19, 2013
Meijer Expands Made in Michigan Initiative Statewide
Retailer, Michigan State University Product Center feature 55 new Michigan made products to promote small businesses
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer has expanded its program that supports Michigan small businesses to feature 55 new Michigan-made grocery products in all its stores statewide, Meijer Co-Chairman Doug Meijer announced today.
“Meijer is committed to supporting Michigan businesses, and the Made in Michigan initiative is a great opportunity to highlight some fantastic small businesses throughout the state,” Meijer said. “The response we received from our customers last year about this initiative was overwhelming, which is why we decided to further invest and expand this selection into all our Michigan stores.”
Meijer launched the Made in Michigan initiative in January 2012 with the Michigan State University Product Center for Food-Ag-Bio. Its goal is to help strengthen the state’s economy by supporting Michigan small businesses. The initial offering of 49 grocery items – including marinara sauce, blueberry butter and gluten-free baking mixes – resulted in an estimated economic impact of $400,000 statewide.
This year’s lineup of 55 Michigan-made grocery products will be more visible in all of the 102 Meijer stores in Michigan. Items including barbeque sauces, cherry butter, salsas, guacamole and kettle chips are expected to have an estimated economic impact of $900,000 statewide said Matt Birbeck, High Impact Venture Action Team project manager for the MSU Product Center.
“It’s been a fantastic opportunity for all Michigan businesses to have this local section at Meijer; many of them see amazing results,” Birbeck said. “Now that it’s in every Michigan Meijer store, everybody gets to see and taste the diversity of this great state.”
Meijer worked with the MSU Product Center and its HI-VAT initiative to expand the program and ensure that all the suppliers had the right food protocols and supply chain procedures. The items are expected to remain on the shelves for a year, and will have an opportunity to branch out chain-wide. Of the initial items that were featured in 33 Meijer stores last year, a few products are under consideration to be mainstreamed onto the shelves as part of the retailer’s regular grocery offerings.
After losing his job in 2010, Tarek Abouljoud decided to start Teta Foods, a Michigan-based company specializing in manufacturing healthy Mediterranean foods. He learned about the retailer’s Made in Michigan initiative through the MSU Product Center, and was thrilled when all five of his products were approved by Meijer.
“The biggest challenge that small food manufacturers face is reaching the inflection point where they become a well-recognized and successful company with a great brand,” said Abouljoud, president/owner of the Clinton Township-based company. “We believe this is going to be the turning point for our company in becoming a great Michigan business success story. We are grateful to have Meijer as part of our success story.”
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
About the MSU Product Center: The MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) was established in Spring 2003 with funds from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and Michigan State University Extension to improve economic opportunities in the Michigan agriculture, food and natural resource sectors. The Product Center can help you develop and commercialize high value, consumer-responsive products and businesses in the agriculture and natural resource sectors. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or an established company, the Center is your key to the front door of MSU’s vast and varied technical expertise, research, outreach, and educational services. Chris Peterson, Nowlin Chair for Consumer-Responsive Agriculture in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University, is the Center’s director. The Center has offices located on Michigan State University’s campus in East Lansing.
For immediate release
Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-735-7968,
christina.fecher@meijer.com
March 7, 2013
Meijer Launches “Nu-Me Weight Loss Challenge” with $15k in Prizes for Team Members
Wellness Contest is first-of-its-kind for Meijer and partner, NuVal
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer is partnering with the nutritional scoring program, NuVal, for the first-ever “Nu-Me Weight Loss Challenge” that will incent the 60,000 team members across the retailer’s five-state footprint with the opportunity at prize money totaling $15,000 over the three-month contest. The program is the largest health and wellness contest in the retailer’s history and the first-of-its-kind corporate partnership for NuVal.
“Health and wellness is an important cornerstone of what we stand for at Meijer,” said Shari Steinbach, lead dietician and Healthy Living Advisor for Meijer. “NuVal has been a great partner for many years, offering a simple tool that helps shoppers make healthier food choices. We’re excited to offer team members an opportunity to engage with NuVal in a fun and informative way that will help them make healthy changes in their lives.”
Meijer team members from the store level to corporate headquarters signed up, and will compete as teams in one of eight divisions: Northern, Mid-Michigan, Eastern, Western, Central and Southern Regions, Supply Chain and Corporate. One team in each division will win a $1,000 grand prize.
To be eligible for the grand prize, all team members were required to get a verified weigh-in either at a Meijer Pharmacy or at Meijer Headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich. before the March 1 contest kick-off and again at the end of the challenge from May 20-31. The Nu-Me Challenge also features weekly activities through an internal portal that allows team members to win prizes for participating whether they’ve received a verified weigh-in or not. Through that portal, they will have access to weight loss strategies, NuVal tips for healthy eating and a feature that allows them to track their daily eating habits and exercise. Participants will also receive weekly newsletters with health and wellness ideas.
“At Meijer, our goal of providing simple solutions to make healthy living easier has always extended beyond our customers to our team members, but this contest will help us take it to a new level,” said Amanda Senecal, Wellness Program Specialist at Meijer. “We think sparking this healthy competition among co-workers is an opportunity for a lot of fun.”
The NuVal Nutritional Scoring System is a familiar feature to Meijer team members and shoppers since the retailer implemented it in 2009 to eliminate the nutritional mystery of a grocery product. The scoring system calculates and summarizes a grocery product’s nutritional information into a single number. Scores are displayed directly on shelf tags, scale labels, and other signage throughout all 199 Meijer store locations, helping shoppers make quick and easy nutritional comparisons between foods. More information about NuVal at Meijer can be found at www.meijermealbox.com/nuval.
About NuVal: The NuVal Nutritional Scoring System scores foods and beverages based on more than 30 different nutrients and nutrition factors – everything from fiber and vitamins to sugar and sodium. It’s powered by a patent-pending algorithm for measuring a product’s nutritional quality. Nutrients with generally favorable effects on health are placed in the numerator, where higher values increase the NuVal Score. Nutrients with generally unfavorable effects on health are placed in the denominator, where higher values decrease the NuVal score. The result is a simple, easy to understand score from 1-100. The higher the score, the more nutritious the product. It was developed by an independent team of top nutrition and public health experts and is designed to help consumers make more nutritious choices. www.Nuval.com.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-735-7968
christina.fecher@meijer.com
Feb. 25, 2013
Meijer Offers Fresh Michigan-Grown Tomatoes in the Winter
State-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse grows Michigan tomatoes in Coldwater, Mich. year-round
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer has something customers have been missing: Fresh, vine-ripened Michigan-grown tomatoes year-round, even in the middle of winter, thanks to Mastronardi Produce’s state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse in Coldwater, Mich.
“Meijer has a longstanding commitment to buying locally-grown produce when available as long as the quality meets our high standards,” said Jerry Suter, vice president of fresh for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer. “This is really unique and exciting because Meijer customers can purchase locally-grown tomatoes in the winter, which is well beyond Michigan’s traditional tomato growing season.”
Michigan tomatoes typically grow from late July to October, but the technology at the Coldwater greenhouse allows for fresh, high quality fruit regardless of outdoor conditions. The Coldwater greenhouse is the first of its kind in the Midwest, utilizing unique grow lights, water filtration systems and alternative energy sources that create an internal climate that ensures optimal growing conditions 12 months a year.
“We’re proud to give Meijer customers what they’d been missing: fresh, vine-ripened Michigan-grown tomatoes in the winter,” Mastronardi Produce President Paul Mastronardi said. “Meijer is one of our oldest customers in the USA and has been a great partner for over 40 years. We have collaborated on many new items and projects like this. We talked a few years back about our idea of the Coldwater greenhouse project and Meijer was on board before we built.”
Meijer has purchased from local growers since the company’s inception, but the retailer’s effort to buy local has expanded over the past 5 years as the focus on local became more important to customers. Meijer is currently the largest purchaser of local produce in the markets it serves and locally-grown produce accounts for 30 percent of all produce sold at Meijer stores during the peak season.
A recent survey of Meijer shoppers found that 51 percent said that supporting local farmers is the biggest benefit of buying local produce at the grocery store. Nationally, 48 percent of shoppers report looking for locally-sourced products when shopping, according to the Food Marketing Institute’s US Grocery Shopper Trends Report.
Meijer works with more than 100 local growers and businesses – up 25 percent over the past 5 years – within its five-state footprint, representing an economic impact of more than $80 million annually. By purchasing local, Meijer is able to cut fuel consumption, which is not only good for the environment, but also helps reduce transportation costs and keeps fresh produce prices down for customers.
Meijer began purchasing tomatoes from Mastronardi Produce, which is based in Ontario, Canada, more than 40 years ago and was excited about the unique opportunity to give customers Michigan-grown tomatoes in the winter. The Markets of Meijer tomatoes on the vine grown in the Coldwater greenhouse showcase a sticker on the bag that states “Grown in Michigan.”
The Coldwater facility was completed in December 2011 and features 30 acres of greenhouses. Mastronardi plans to double the acreage over the next two years – providing more locally-grown produce for customers.
To view a video highlighting the Michigan-grown tomatoes in the winter, please visit http://youtu.be/PK24WYWOAxU. High-res photos and b-roll are available upon request.
For more information on Mastronardi Produce’s greenhouse in Coldwater, Mich., please visit www.mastronardiproduce.com.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
For immediate release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
Meijer Announces Investment of More Than $160 Million in
2013
Six new supercenters, five remodel projects to create more
than 1,500 new jobs in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana communities
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer will finalize an investment of
more than $160 million in new and remodeled stores this year, Co-Chairman and
Co-Chief Executive Officer Hank Meijer announced today.
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 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.”
The opening of each new Meijer store represents 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,
Michigan
- Portage, Indiana
- Detroit, Michigan
- Danville, Illinois
- Evergreen Park,
Illinois
- Warsaw, Indiana
Meijer 2013 remodel projects include:
- Lansing, Michigan
(S. Pennsylvania Road)
- Taylor, Michigan
- Flint, Michigan
(Hill Road)
- Springfield,
Illinois
- Grand Rapids,
Michigan (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,” Hank
Meijer said. “This has allowed us to focus on our customers and team members,
while supporting the communities where they work and live.”
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer
that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the "one-stop
shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include
expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies,
comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings.
Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found
at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and
@twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
For immediate release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
Jan. 24, 2013
Meijer mPerks Digital Coupon Program Reaches 1 Million Subscribers
December sets record with 101,000 new members, more than $5 million in savings provided to Meijer customers
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer announced today that its free digital coupon program, mPerks, hit 1 million subscribers after a record-setting December that generated 101,000 new members, 13.7 million clipped offers, and more than $5 million in savings issued to customers.
“Meijer is always looking for ways to save our customers money, and the mPerks program is doing just that in an extremely convenient way,” said Michael Ross, vice president of customer marketing and loyalty. “It’s great to see so many of our customers take advantage of this money-saving program.”
After hearing co-workers talk about mPerks and how much they were saving, Susan Rusco decided it was time to put it to the test. The West Michigan mother of three signed up earlier this month, and became the 1 millionth subscriber.
“Nowadays you have to save wherever you can,” said Rusco, an escrow processor in Grand Rapids who has one daughter in college and another getting married. “When I clip coupons, I always forget them at home or in the car. With mPerks you don’t have to bring them, you don’t have to clip. It’s perfect and really easy.”
The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer launched mPerks in the fall of 2010 as a way to help customers save money at the register by offering a faster – and more convenient – way to clip coupons. The free online program keeps savvy, deal-seeking shoppers from having to cut, print or even present a coupon upon checkout.
The program is considered a success with a redemption rate up to four times higher than the national average. In December alone, Meijer customers redeemed nearly 2 million offers.
The mPerks program will begin offering personalized rewards later this winter, which will give subscribers monetary reward coupons based on their spending throughout the store. The program is also scheduled to undergo a new web design, making it even easier for customers to navigate and search for coupons to clip.
Once customers sign up at mperks.meijer.com, they can preview and select coupons for their favorite national or Meijer own brand products that are then stored in their personal mPerks account until redeemed or expired. The applicable coupons are then instantly redeemed when shoppers enter in their mobile phone number, which serves as the mPerks account number, at checkout.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
###
For immediate release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
Jan. 15, 2013
Meijer Announces Appointment of J.K. Symancyk to President
Mark Murray to move into new role as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer announced today the appointment of J.K. Symancyk as president of the company, one year after he assumed the role of chief operating officer for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.
“I am pleased to introduce J.K. as our next company president,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and chief executive officer of the Midwest retailer. “J.K. has been a key member of our leadership team, including most recently as our chief operating officer, and he has played an important role in the growth and success of Meijer since joining us in 2006.”
In addition, Meijer has announced the appointment of Mark Murray to the new position of Co-CEO, where he will serve with current CEO Hank Meijer. In this position, Mark will serve as a partner in the development of future business strategy with Hank Meijer, Doug Meijer and J.K. Symancyk. Murray will also serve as vice-chairman of the Meijer board of directors.
As COO, Symancyk had oversight of retail operations, supply chain, manufacturing, merchandising and marketing. As president, he will oversee all day-to-day business of the company and will report to Co-CEOs Hank Meijer and Mark Murray. Symancyk will officially begin his new position on Feb. 3.
Symancyk joined Meijer in 2006 as vice-president of perishables. He became executive vice president of merchandising and marketing in 2007 and accepted the role of chief operating officer in 2012.
“Having worked with J.K. in his different roles here at Meijer, we are very confident he is the right leader to help continue our path of growth and expansion,” Meijer said. “We are also delighted that Mark Murray will remain a valuable partner in the continued growth of Meijer. Mark and his team have done a tremendous job and have positioned Meijer well for the future.”
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
###
For immediate release
Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-540-6108, christina.fecher@meijer.com
Matt Nitowski, 323-356-0429, matt@artworkforeducation.com
Dec. 6, 2012
Meijer, Artwork for Education Help Local Schools Raise Funds by Turning Student Artwork into Greeting Cards
Local students’ artwork on sale in 30 Meijer stores
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Midwest retailer Meijer wants to ensure all children have the tools necessary to learn, and is partnering with Artwork for Education to help schools raise classroom dollars by reproducing student artwork into greeting cards.
The greeting cards are on sale in 30 Meijer stores in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, announced Cynthia Brown, senior buyer for the Meijer Card & Party Department.
“Meijer is honored to partner with Artwork for Education in supporting education in the local community,” Brown said. “We believe it is part of our responsibility to contribute to the education of the children and youth in our communities, which is why we actively seek opportunities to support learning programs in local schools.”
The Artwork for Education fundraising program encourages local schools to submit student artwork for greeting card reproduction. The cards are sold online at www.artworkforeducation.com, and are available for purchase at 30 Meijer stores in the Midwest.
For each card sold, Meijer and Artwork for Education will donate 50 cents to participating schools in the Meijer footprint, said Charles Paul, Artwork for Education chief executive officer.
“Schools require extra sources of funds, and many cannot afford even the most basic needs. Our relationship with Meijer and Meijer shoppers will provide a source of those funds we hope will extend to every school in their service areas,” Paul said. “It’s completely free for any school, and we welcome the opportunity to showcase the fantastic art created by students throughout the Meijer region.”
Monroe Catholic Schools in Michigan raised more than $3,000, said Colleen Roecker, a parent volunteer who helps organize the fundraiser.
“It’s a fundraiser that kids can feel good about because it’s their original artwork on a card,” said Roecker, whose two daughters each created a card. “That’s something you’ll have forever.”
In Ohio, Weaver Child Development Center at Malone University raised $500 for enrichment drama and art activities, said Kari Willoughby, a parent volunteer, who noted the school has only 100 students so they were unsure what to expect from the fundraiser.
“The sales we had were phenomenal,” said Willoughby, whose daughter, Anna Grace, participated in the fundraiser. “What a wonderful opportunity for our students. To not only see their piece of artwork in a catalog, but to actually hold the cards that displayed their work … they were beyond excited.”
The cards, which are blank inside, feature artwork and messages in a variety of categories, including birthdays, holidays and get well. The back of the card lists the name and age of the student, and the school that is benefiting from the fundraiser.
Meijer also supports other organizations and programs throughout the Midwest to promote education, such as Boxtops for Education, Labels for Education and Blessings in a Backpack, among various donations to address individual school needs. Meijer donates more than 6 percent of its net profits to charity every year.
For more information on Artwork for Education, please visit www.artworkforeducation.com.
About Worldwise Education: Worldwise Education, Inc. is best known for Artwork for Education®, its retail- and school-based brand of printed art products that showcase student creativity. Every purchase of an Artwork for Education products benefits the student’s school and promotes the value of art in the classroom. Since launching in 2006, Worldwise Education, Inc. has brought art to over 500 schools, positively impacted 150,000 elementary school students, generated over 362,000 pieces of artwork and raised more than $1 million for schools.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
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For immediate release
Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-540-6108, christina.fecher@meijer.com
Dec. 3, 2012
Meijer Team Members Contribute $3 Million to 2012 United Way Workforce Campaign Yearlong pledges benefit local United Way agencies across the Midwest
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – For the second consecutive year, Meijer team members raised $3 million for the 2012 United Way Workforce Campaign that aims to improve the lives of those in need by meeting critical needs of the community, Co-Chairman Hank Meijer announced today.
“Thanks to the continued generosity of our team members, we are able to help those in need and support the community through the United Way,” Meijer said. “Since my father and grandfather came to Grand Rapids more than 60 years ago, the United Way has been at the heart of how we think of supporting our friends and neighbors and improving the health and well-being of our community.”
Each year, Meijer extends an opportunity to its 60,000 team members to support the United Way campaign by making a pledge. Meijer collects the pledges after the three-week campaign, and distributes the donations to 78 individual United Way organizations throughout its communities through weekly payroll deductions, beginning Jan. 1.
“What’s great about this campaign is that it gives Meijer team members an opportunity to help their neighbors, because all the money raised stays within their local communities,” said Stacie Behler, vice president of public affairs and corporate giving.
Each partnering United Way distributes the contributions to a variety of local agencies and programs to address critical needs. For example, the Heart of West Michigan United Way set a campaign goal of more than $12 million to support their efforts in Kent County.
“Achieving our financial goals is what enables us to achieve our bold community goals of supporting a quality education, with enough income to support a family, and good health,” Heart of West Michigan United Way President and CEO Maureen Noe said. “There is strength in numbers, and by working as a team, we’re all heading in the same direction and carrying the same message: Please give to United Way and when you do, let others know why.”
The Meijer United Way Campaign makes a big impact on the community:
· $1 a week – the cost of a pack of gum – for a year helps a food pantry purchase more than 305 pounds of food
· $3 a week – the cost of a cup of coffee – for a year provides training for six volunteer tutors who will read 30 minutes each week with a student in a public school.
· $5 a week – the cost of a lunch out – for a year provides 52 nutritious meals delivered to a homebound senior citizen.
· $10 a week – the cost of a movie ticket – for a year provides training to eight local disaster relief volunteers.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
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For immediate release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
Oct. 25, 2012
Meijer Moves to Traditional Butcher Shop Experience with Full-Service Meat Counter Selling only the Certified Angus Beef ® brand
Retailer is 1st in the Midwest to exclusively sell Certified Angus Beef® brand at USDA Choice prices
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer is moving its meat department to a more traditional butcher shop environment, complete with certified meat cutters, full-service meat counters and the highest quality beef to continue to enhance customer experience.
The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer is the first – and only – retailer in the Midwest to upgrade its beef selection to exclusively carry only the Certified Angus Beef® brand, which is a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select. But, more importantly, Meijer is offering the brand at prices you might expect to pay for USDA Choice, said Jerry Suter, vice president of fresh merchandise.
“Meijer is always looking for ways to improve our customers’ shopping experience, and by making our meat department more like a traditional butcher shop, we are ensuring the best service for our customers,” Suter said. “We are exclusively offering the Certified Angus Beef® brand, the highest quality beef, and continuing that tradition of carrying the best brands without the premium prices.”
In 2011, U.S. consumers consumed 25.6 billion pounds of beef, according to the USDA. However, only a small percentage of all beef – and only one in four Angus-influenced cattle – is approved to carry the Certified Angus Beef® brand distinction, which means passing 10 stringent specification standards.
The Certified Angus Beef® selection at Meijer makes up its entire meat department, including ground, chuck, steaks, roasts and even custom cuts available at the full-service meat counter.
Meijer is also proud to announce the conclusion of its meat cutter certification program in June. All Meijer meat cutters – about three or four per store – are certified to meet the retailer’s standards, further ensuring quality custom cuts, precise portioning, and adherence to the strictest food safety practices. An apprenticeship program is slated to launch in January to train additional meat cutters.
“Our team members in the Meijer meat department will now be able to provide even higher levels of customer service,” Suter said. “We are very confident that Meijer customers will be pleased with this added level of expertise now available to them.”
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer store have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
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For immediate release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
Nov. 15, 2012
Meijer Announces Winners in Small Business Toy Contest
Two small U.S. toy companies win exclusive distribution on Meijer.com for 2012 holiday season
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer has announced the winners of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest. Wagon of Blocks by Circa Toys in Franklin, N.C. was named the winning toy for the 1-3 years age group and Stack & Stick Cozy Cabin by Peters’ Group in Goshen, Ind. for the 4-8 years age group. The toys will be available exclusively on Meijer.com this holiday season.
“Meijer is excited to announce these exclusive additions to our huge online selection of nearly 8,000 toys,” said Liwanag Ojala, vice president of e-commerce for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer. “We believe the U.S. heritage of these toys along with their classic style and quality craftsmanship will be a winning combination for our Meijer.com shoppers this holiday season.”
The contest, the first of its kind hosted by Meijer, was open to small toy companies and entrepreneurs in the United States with 50 employees or less. The winners were determined by a panel of Meijer judges and scored on uniqueness, educational relevance, creativity and quality. Winning toys will be available on Meijer.com for at least six months, beginning Nov. 15. As always, Meijer.com shoppers will enjoy the free shipping to local Meijer stores through the order to store feature.
Toy Details
· Wagon of Blocks is an all-wood heirloom quality toy wagon with 40 building blocks and pieces that inspire creative stacking and building on a pull-along cart. The classic design was inspired by a toy Circa Toys’ founder, Gary Murphy, received as a birthday gift in 1942. Wagon of Blocks will retail for $69.99.
· Stack & Stick Cozy Cabin is a 41-piece starter building set with that includes all the pieces first-time builders need to create their first home with solid wood blocks including a base, roof slats, gable ends and a chimney block, along with a canvas bag for easy storage. The Stack & Stick Cozy Cabin will retail for $44.99.
“Winning the Meijer Next Great Toymaker Contest will allow us to bring a toy we’re proud of to a whole new audience,” said Andrew Peters, President of Peters’ Group. “Our toys are made by three generations of skilled woodworkers in the Peters family and we’re excited to partner with a family-owned business like Meijer.”
Circa Toys Founder Gary Murphy is also excited about winning the contest.
“Wagon of Blocks was inspired by a gift I received as a child and has been in our family for three generations,” Murphy said. “I hope our toy will bring fun and creativity to generation after generation of Meijer customers’ families the way it did for mine.”
For more information on the winning toys and the Meijer Next Great Toymaker Contest, visit www.meijer.com/toycontest.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
Nov. 14, 2012
Meijer To Offer All-Day Doorbusters on Black Friday
Retailer announces great holiday deals and expanded times for doorbusters to reduce the stress of holiday shopping for Meijer customers
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer is making holiday shopping easier for customers by offering aggressive Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday doorbuster deals on popular brands all day long while supplies last. The announcement was made today by J.K. Symancyk, Chief Operating Officer for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.
“Holiday shopping can be very stressful, so Meijer is focused on making the experience easier for our customers,” said Symancyk. “By offering our special deals beginning at 6 a.m. on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday, our customers won’t have to worry about waking up in the middle of the night to stand in line and can choose how early or late they want to shop for the hottest holiday gifts.”
Links to the Meijer Black Friday and Thanksgiving Day ad previews will be sent Friday to customers who currently receive e-mail alerts from Meijer, as well as the more than 860,000 Meijer Facebook likes and Twitter followers.
Once again this year, Meijer will continue its tradition of offering a variety of exciting doorbuster deals on three different days – Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday and Saturday – to accommodate customers’ holiday shopping preferences. The deals begin at 6 a.m. and continue throughout the day while supplies last. Examples of a few of these hot deals include:
· On Thanksgiving, buy one iPad with Retina Display 4th Gen, and receive a coupon for $100 off your next Meijer shopping trip.
· Buy one Xbox 360 4GB Kinect Hardware Bundle for $199.99 on Thanksgiving, and receive a coupon for $40 off your next Meijer shopping trip.
· Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle will be available for $120 on Black Friday.
· On Black Friday, buy one Kindle Fire for $159.99, and receive a $25 coupon off your next Meijer shopping trip.
· Mounted and canvas prints will be 50 percent off on Saturday.
· December Home 7-Foot Pre-Lit Mixed Needle Pine Trees will be available for $99.99 on Saturday.
Anyone wishing to receive access to the ad previews can visit www.connect.Meijer.com to register by signing up for e-mail alerts or connecting via Facebook or Twitter. The Holiday Gift Guide and the Meijer Top 25 Toy List are already available online, highlighting the top gift items of 2012. While customers can see the ads prior to distribution, the preview does not change the effective date of the advertised products.
Holiday shopping at Meijer would not be complete without Santa Bucks, which will be available the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Meijer will once again offer digital Santa Bucks through the company’s mPerks digital coupon program, which will allow customers the ease of digitally clipping the always-popular coupons using their text-enabled cell phones.
The Meijer mPerks program was launched in the fall of 2010, and has 830,000 subscribers, with more than 5,000 joining the program each week. Access to Meijer mPerks is free; customers can register at Meijer.com/mperks.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
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For immediate release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
Nov. 8, 2012
Meijer Again Expects to Lead the Midwest with Lowest Per-Pound Price on Turkeys
More reasons to be thankful: Turkeys priced as low as 43 cents per pound
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer is once again announcing aggressive pricing on turkeys that are expected to lead the Midwest in low-price Thanksgiving turkeys.
“These prices show Meijer is here to give great prices on great product,” said Jerry Suter, vice president of fresh merchandise.
When a Meijer customer spends $20, they will receive $10 off any fresh or frozen turkey that weighs 10-15 pounds, or $17 off any fresh or frozen turkey weighing 16-24 pounds. The result: after spending $20, a 10-pound frozen Meijer turkey is priced at just 49 cents a pound, or a 16-pound frozen Meijer turkey will cost just 43 cents a pound.
Meijer is just as committed to variety – offering more than a dozen varieties of the holiday bird in varying sizes, ensuring there is something for everyone.
“With the national average cost of turkeys on the rise due to the summer’s drought, Meijer is proud to have truckloads of turkeys ready for the holidays while driving our prices down so that our customers can provide their families with the best Thanksgiving holiday experience,” Suter said. “And the savings don’t stop there. We have all the staples to help our customers make a memorable – and affordable – Thanksgiving meal to share with family and friends.”
Meijer is once again preparing for increased sales of premade Thanksgiving dinners for those who want the traditional holiday meal without the time spent in the kitchen. Customer demand for premade meals at Thanksgiving is a trend that has been growing for the last several years.
A deluxe turkey dinner costs $47.99 and includes a 10-12 pound prebaked turkey, home-style stuffing, roasted turkey gravy, cranberry walnut relish, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. A deluxe ham dinner costs $47.99 and includes a 7-9 pound spiral ham, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, roasted turkey gravy and cranberry salad. Both deluxe dinners can feed between 6-8 people. Meijer also offers just the pre-baked turkey with stuffing and gravy for $35.99.
While Meijer will work to accommodate any customer request, deli team members encourage customers to place orders for those premade dinners 24 hours in advance to ensure availability.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As the inventor of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. For more information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
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