You can get anything you want at a Meijer superstore—seriously, anything. The Midwestern chain carries groceries, clothes, beauty supplies, household goods, things for your pets, electronics, toys, sporting goods, party supplies, even auto parts. In early September, Meijer announced it would be making it even easier for customers to find what they want, because it would be introducing a brand new concept.

Meijer Grocery will be a smaller outlet—though still quite enormous, ranging from 75,000 to 90,000 square feet, whereas traditional Meijer stores are between 150,000 and 250,000 square feet. Inside a Meijer Grocery store, customers will find produce, meats, a deli, a bakery, packaged foods, pet and party supplies, a pharmacy, and flowers, among other goods. In a news release, Meijer said the new stores would be tied in with the Meijer mPerks program, and that Meijer Grocery shoppers also would have access to the Shop and Scan app functionality, which allows them to scan items with their phone as they are shopping, then check out using a QR code. Although Meijer’s usual home delivery and pickup options are available, it designed each store to maximize parking near the door.

Meijer plans to open its first two Meijer Grocery stores in 2023—both in Michigan, where the chain is based.

Their openings are not Meijer’s first foray into smaller-scale retailing though. Beginning in 2018, the retailer has been opening what it calls “neighborhood markets” in urban and suburban areas. These markets, which are around 40,000 square feet each, offer coffee bars, artisan goods, and regional treats, in addition to all the groceries you could ever want or need. All they’re missing are clothes and auto parts.

Discussion Questions:

1. Are the smaller concept stores a good move for Meijer?
2. What are some other ways Meijer can reach new customers, who don’t live near one of its superstores?
3. Are there other superstore retailers that could consider opening smaller, more tailored outlets like Meijer is doing here?

Sources: Matthew Stern, “Will Miniature Meijers Be a Big Hit?” Retail Wire, September 4, 2019; “Totally New,” meijer.com; Russell Redman, “Meijer Takes Deeper Dive into Grocery,” Supermarket News, September 6, 2022; Matthew Stern, “Meijer Thinks Smaller (but Not Small) with Its New Grocery Concept,” Retail Wire, September 7, 2022; “Meijer Introduces New Grocery Store Concept to Provide Fresh, Convenient Shopping Options Closer to Home,” newsroom.meijer.com, September 1, 2022; Jeff Wells, “Meijer Grocery Is Coming in 2023,” Grocery Dive, September 2, 2022