Meijer (Grand Rapids, Mich.) has opened a new store in the Chicago area, in Oswego. The store is the grocery chain’s 11th in Chicago.
“We entered the Chicago market in 1999 and are committed to providing more and more Chicagoland customers with the high quality, low price convenience of a Meijer supercenter,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and ceo.
Meijer plans to open five more stores this year, including three stores in Michigan, and seven more in 2008. The company also has plans to remodel existing stores in Michigan and across the Midwest, with enhanced layouts and improved selection of local products to make the shopping experience easier.
“When Meijer started the supercenter format, we were responding to the needs of our customers,” said Rick Peterson, the Oswego Meijer's store director. “Today, we provide the format of choice for busy shoppers, like those in Chicago. Being adaptive to meet the demands of our customers allows us to maintain a competitive edge and grow.”
The new stores are roughly 210,000 square feet and designed to move product quickly from the shipping area to the shelves – which allows for a more effective and efficient flow and assists in controlling costs.
Focusing on enhancing the shopping experience, the company is also paying attention to stores adjacencies. Kitchen supplies and small appliances are located near the grocery aisle; the Baby section is complete with food, diapers, strollers and clothing – making it convenient for moms on the go; Pharmacy is moved to the front of the store with Health and Beauty Care; Jewelry, Greeting Cards, and Floral have been moved up front to provide the convenience of one- stop-gift buying; Grocery aisles were widened and shelving units lowered to provide more light and create a welcoming atmosphere; Pets Supplies is across the aisle from Grocery; the fashions area will use point-of-purchase displays and create a department store atmosphere.
In addition to the new configuration, customers will find new product offerings, including more than 150 Meijer Brand Organic items and many local Chicago favorites.
Meijer operates 178 stores throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.