FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Frank Guglielmi (734) 844-2781
frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
MEIJER TO DEBUT NEW STORE FORMAT IN CHICAGO MARKET
Niles Store to Feature Greater Emphasis on Grocery and Focus on Products Geared Toward Diverse Local Community
GRAND RAPIDS, MI (June 25, 2009) – Innovation has been the key to Meijer’s success during the past 75 years, and Meijer continues its focus on innovation with the announcement of a new smaller format, grocery-focused store in the Chicago suburb of Niles.
“This is an exciting announcement for everyone at our company,” said Hank Meijer, Co-Chairman and CEO of the Grand Rapids, Michigan, based retailer. “Not only does this store represent a new approach to the way we go to market, it also reinforces our commitment to invest and grow in Chicagoland.”
The new Meijer store in Niles will be 102,000 square feet, about half the size of most Meijer supercenters. The store, which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2010, will be grocery and pharmacy focused, while still providing some general merchandise offerings. Additionally, the store will feature many grocery items geared toward the diverse community that surrounds it.
“For several years, we have worked hard throughout the Midwest to offer specific grocery items that are relevant to the unique customer base in the communities we service,” said Meijer President Mark Murray. “The Niles community is represented by a variety of cultures, and we are thrilled to be able to serve them.”
The Niles Meijer will be located on W. Golf Road, in the heart of this thriving community. Construction of the Niles Meijer will begin in the coming weeks and includes a full renovation of a currently vacant retail site. The opening of the Niles Meijer will create up to 150 new jobs inside the store.
About Meijer
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Michigan, based retailer that operates 189 supercenters 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. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com.
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