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{{short description|American hypermarket chain}}
{{distinguish|Meiji Dairies}}
{{lead too short|date=October 2025}}
{{About|the Midwest chain of stores|the Pacific Northwest chain|Fred Meyer|people with the name|Meijer (surname)|the mathematical function|Meijer G-function}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{needs more sources|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Meijer Inc.
| logo = Meijer logo.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| image = Meijer Headquarters.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption = Headquarters in [[Walker, Michigan]]
| type = [[Private company|Private]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1934}}<br />[[Greenville, Michigan]], U.S.
| founder = [[Hendrik Meijer (businessman)|Hendrik Meijer]]
| location = [[Walker, Michigan]], U.S.
| owner = Meijer Companies LTD. (Meijer family (100%))
| locations = Stores: 268 (2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://filecache.mediaroom.com/mr5mr_meijernews/184358/2023_Meijer_Corporate_Impact_Report.pdf|title = Corporate Impact Report 2023|date = 2023}}</ref><br />Fuel stations: 235 (2023)
| area_served = [[Michigan]], [[Indiana]], [[Illinois]], [[Ohio]], [[Kentucky]], and [[Wisconsin]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.meijer.com/custserv/store_locator.jsp|title=Store Locator - Find Your Local Meijer Store, Pharmacy, or Gas Station&nbsp;-&nbsp;Meijer.com|work=meijer.com|access-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref>
| key_people = [[Frederik Meijer]], former chairman emeritus<br />[[Hank Meijer]], co-chair<br />[[Mark Murray (administrator)|Mark Murray]], co-chair<br />[[Doug Meijer]], co-chair<br />Rick Keyes, President and CEO<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2015/10/meijer_picks_former_pharmacist.html|title=Retailer Meijer picks former pharmacist as new president&nbsp;-&nbsp;mlive.com|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 2, 2015}}</ref>
| industry = [[Hypermarket|Retail (Grocery & Discount)]]<br />Fuel stations
| num_employees = 70,000 (Jan. 2020)<ref name=K>{{cite web |url=http://www.forbes.com/companies/meijer/?list=largest-private-companies&sh=227a21fd54b6 |title=#13 Meijer |website=forbes.com |access-date=3 January 2021}}</ref>
| products = Groceries, clothing, footwear, fuel, sporting clothing, bedding, furniture, jewelry, health and beauty products, toys, sporting equipment, electronics, housewares and pet supplies
| revenue = {{increase}} [[US$]]21.95 billion (2023)<ref name=NRF21>{{cite web|title=Top 100 Retailers 2024 List|url=https://nrf.com/research-insights/top-retailers/top-100-retailers/top-100-retailers-2024-list|access-date=2024-08-15|website=[[National Retail Federation]]|language=en}}</ref>
| homepage = {{URL|meijer.com}}
}}

'''Meijer Inc.''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|aɪ|.|ər}}, {{respell|MY-ər}}) is an American regional [[supercenter]] chain that primarily operates in the [[Midwestern United States]]. Its corporate headquarters are in [[Walker, Michigan]]<!--not in the city of Grand Rapids; do not list headquarters as "Grand Rapids, Michigan"-->.<ref>"[http://help.meijer.com/app/ask Ask a Question]." Meijer. Retrieved on December 25, 2012. "Meijer 2929 Walker Ave., NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544-9424"</ref><ref>"[http://www.ci.walker.mi.us/Resources/MapsData/WalkerStreetMap.pdf Street Map]." ({{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112115320/http://www.ci.walker.mi.us/Resources/MapsData/WalkerStreetMap.pdf |date=January 12, 2011 }}) [[Walker, Michigan|City of Walker]]. Retrieved on December 25, 2012. The headquarters is at A4, labeled as "Meijer Headquarters"</ref> Founded in 1934 as a supermarket chain, Meijer is credited with pioneering the modern supercenter concept in 1962. About half of the company's 259 stores are located in [[Michigan]]; the others are in [[Illinois]], [[Indiana]], [[Kentucky]], [[Ohio]], and [[Wisconsin]]. The chain is ranked by [[Forbes magazine|''Forbes'']] as the 14th-largest private company in the United States,<ref>{{cite web | work=Forbes.com | title=The Largest Private Companies | url=https://www.forbes.com/largest-private-companies/list/#tab:rank| date=December 1, 2022 | access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref> and is the country's 23rd-largest [[retailer]] by revenue as of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 100 Retailers 2025 List |url=https://nrf.com/research-insights/top-retailers/top-100-retailers/top-100-retailers-2025-list |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=National Retail Federation |language=en}}</ref> 

==History==
{{Multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| width             = 150
| align             = left
| image1            = Meijer logo (1957).svg
| image2            = Meijer logo (1966).svg
| image3            = Meijer logo (1984).svg
| caption1          = 1957 logo
| caption2          = 1966 logo
| caption3          = 1984 logo
}}
Meijer was founded as '''Meijer's''' in [[Greenville, Michigan]], in 1934 by [[Hendrik Meijer (businessman)|Hendrik Meijer]], a Dutch immigrant. Meijer was a local barber who entered the grocery business during the [[Great Depression]]. His first employees included his 14-year-old son, [[Fred Meijer (businessman)|Frederik Meijer]], who later became chairman of the company. The current co-chairmen, brothers Hank and Doug Meijer, are Hendrik's grandsons. After studying trends in the grocery industry, Meijer was among the first stores to offer self-service shopping and shopping carts. He also offered staple items, such as vinegar, at bargain prices.{{sfn|Meijer|1984}}

The Greenville store was successful and additional Meijer groceries were opened in [[Cedar Springs, Michigan|Cedar Springs]] (1942) and [[Ionia, Michigan|Ionia]] (1946). The first [[Grand Rapids]] store opened on South Division Avenue in 1949.{{sfn|Meijer|1984|p=20}} By the 1960s, the company operated more than 24 stores throughout West Michigan.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

=== First supercenters and expansion throughout Michigan ===
In 1962, Meijer launched its modern format with a store at the corner of [[M-11 (Michigan highway)|28th Street]] and Kalamazoo Avenue in Grand Rapids called "Thrifty Acres." At a size of {{convert|180000|ft2}},<ref>'Discount Merchandiser Magazine, July 1986 issue, page 61, info on first Thrifty Acres store'</ref> it combined grocery shopping and department store shopping in a single large store. The store was built with {{convert|6|in|mm|-thick|adj=mid|spell=in}} floors, so should the concept fail, the nongrocery half could be converted into an indoor car dealership. New stores were built in the same manner until the mid-1970s, when an architect mentioned the extra cost to management.{{sfn|Meijer|1984}} This was followed by the first [[Mid-Michigan]] location in [[Delta Charter Township, Michigan|Delta Charter Township]] in 1966. Meijer expanded into [[Southeast Michigan]] in the early 1970s, beginning with a store in [[Ypsilanti, Michigan|Ypsilanti]] in 1972 followed by their first [[Metro Detroit]] location in [[Canton, Michigan|Canton]] in 1974. Meijer expanded into [[Northern Michigan]] with a location in [[Traverse City, Michigan|Traverse City]] in 1977.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/traverse-city-record-eagle-may-21-1977-p-67/|title=Traverse City Record Eagle Archives, May 21, 1977, p. 67|website=newspaperarchive.com|date=May 21, 1977|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2019}}</ref>

Fred Meijer took over the company upon his father's death in 1964. Under his leadership, the Thrifty Acres stores became a success and were renamed Meijer in 1986. Meijer's stand-alone grocery operations continued until the early 1990s, as the larger stores became dominant.

In 1985, ''[[Forbes (magazine)|Forbes]]'' magazine reported [[Walmart]] at the time had failed in what were then known as [[hypermarkets]] because [[Sam Walton]] and company did not understand the grocery business.{{cn|date=October 2024}} Walton launched the first [[Hypermart USA]] store in 1987, opening only four stores, the last in 1990. An article in ''Forbes Magazine'' said Meijer understood the importance of the food business, and it was not something just tacked onto a discount store. The quality of the produce is very important; poor-quality produce sold by Walmart was the main reason for their lack of success. By contrast, surveys said then and now that Meijer ranks high on produce quality.<ref name="autogenerated1">''Forbes Magazine'', February 13, 1995 issue, page 55, "Squeezing the Tomatoes"</ref>

=== 1990s expansions ===

During the mid-1990s, Meijer expanded to three additional states. The first location in [[Indiana]] opened in [[Mishawaka, Indiana|Mishawaka]] in April 1994, followed by the first [[Illinois]] store in [[Champaign, Illinois|Champaign]] in April 1995.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115253572/meijer-plans-to-open-grape-road-store/|title=Meijer plans to open Grape Road store on April 19|date=31 March 1994|work=The South Bend Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/61485301/new-superstores-shaking-up-economy/|title=New superstores shaking up economy around Champaign|date=6 April 1995|work=The Times}}</ref> In 1996, Meijer entered the [[Cincinnati metropolitan area|Cincinnati]] market with the opening of five supercenters, including its first store in [[Kentucky]], in [[Florence, Kentucky|Florence]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/61240235/meijer-hyperstores-boost-competition-in/|title=Meijer hyperstores boost competition in Southwest Ohio|publisher=The Cincinnati Enquirer}}</ref> Additional Kentucky locations opened in [[Lexington, Kentucky|Lexington]] and [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]] in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998 |title=Now Arriving In Louisville |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PA8FgVdYvE |publisher=Meijer |type=Video |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Simms |first=Brian |date=2024-12-23 |title=Photos: How shopping evolved in Lexington, from downtown to farmland-turned-retail |url=https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/fayette-county/article297224344.html |website=[[Lexington Herald-Leader]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyd |first=Terry |date=1997-09-01 |title=My, Meijer, what big stores you have |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/1997/09/01/story2.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040726041842/https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/1997/09/01/story2.html |archive-date=2004-07-26 |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Louisville Business First |publisher=[[American City Business Journals]]}}</ref>
[[File:Meijer-Midland-MI-July-16-2006.jpg|thumb|Meijer in [[Midland, Michigan]] in 2006]]
The first Meijer location in [[Northwest Indiana]] opened in [[Michigan City, Indiana|Michigan City]] in August 1997.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-grocery-experience-serves-chai/130834384/|title=Grocery experience serves chain well in competitive market|date=18 May 1997|work=The Times}}</ref> The location in [[Merrillville, Indiana]], opened in August 1998, was Meijer's first in the [[Chicago metropolitan area]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/61240053/hordes-at-the-meijer-doors/|title=Hordes at the Meijer doors|date=5 August 1998|work=The Times}}</ref> followed in August 1999 by a store in [[Bolingbrook, Illinois|Bolingbrook]], the first in the Illinois suburbs of Chicago.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Sandra |date=1999-08-05 |title=Shoppers buy into grand opening |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-shoppers-buy-into-grand/61240105/ |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> A year later in 2000, three additional Illinois Meijer locations opened in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora]], [[St. Charles, Illinois|St. Charles]], and [[Springfield, Illinois|Springfield]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-05-23 |title=BLOOMINGDALE GIVES MEIJER GREEN LIGHT |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/05/23/bloomingdale-gives-meijer-green-light/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250921021512/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/05/23/bloomingdale-gives-meijer-green-light |archive-date=September 21, 2025 |access-date= |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Landis |first=Tim |date=2013-04-07 |title=Tim Landis: Major renovation scheduled for Meijer |url=https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2013/04/07/tim-landis-major-renovation-scheduled/41752577007/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=The State Journal-Register |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 2000s corporate restructuring ===
With the increasing dominance of Walmart throughout the country during the 1990s and up to the present, Meijer is facing the effects of an intensely competitive retail industry. In late 2003 the company laid off 350 people from the corporate offices, distribution centers and field offices; a few months later, in January 2004, Meijer laid off 1,896 employees and managerial staff,<ref>{{cite web | publisher=MiBiz.com| title=Meijer cuts deep | url=http://www.mibiz.com/absolutenm/templates/template.asp?articleid=1313&zoneid=33| date=February 9, 2004 | access-date=August 15, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928145853/http://www.mibiz.com/absolutenm/templates/template.asp?articleid=1313&zoneid=33 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = September 28, 2007}}</ref> leading to speculation that the company was losing profitability and market share. A marketing professor, Dr. Ben Rudolph of [[Grand Valley State University]] near Meijer's corporate headquarters, lambasted this move, saying they "apparently blinked" and that Meijer's "decision was driven by panic".<ref>{{cite web | publisher=MiBiz.com| title=Why did Meijer blink? | url=http://www.mibiz.com/absolutenm/templates/coltemplate.asp?articleid=281&zoneid=45| date=January 12, 2004 | access-date=August 15, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928145833/http://www.mibiz.com/absolutenm/templates/coltemplate.asp?articleid=281&zoneid=45 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = September 28, 2007}}</ref> Continuing cutbacks in 2006, the company outsourced 81 information technology positions to India.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=planetoutsourcing.org |title=Meijer outsourcing jobs to India |url=http://www.planetoutsourcing.org/entry/meijer-outsouricng-jobs-to-india/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060617204455/http://www.planetoutsourcing.org/entry/meijer-outsouricng-jobs-to-india/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 17, 2006 |date=February 10, 2006 |access-date=August 15, 2007 }}</ref>

In 2003, the company announced that all new Meijer stores would feature an entirely new format and company image, complete with a new logo intended to make the Meijer stores seem "friendly" and inviting. The company hired [[DeVito/Verdi]] that April to produce advertisements,<ref name="Adweek">[https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/meijer-stores-pick-devito-verdi-63156/ "Meijer Stores Pick DeVito Verdi"], ''Adweek'', April 3, 2003, retrieved June 17, 2009</ref> and retained [[Rockwell Group]] to redesign the existing stores and establish a design for new stores. The "new theatrics" for the then-71-year-old company originally started as a "new product introduction program" until David Rockwell talked Hank and Fred Meijer into further changes. Rockwell told the Meijers the new introduction program would "work only if it was part of a new overall creative foundation based on a fresher, younger approach, encompassing architecture, interior design and graphic design".<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Rockwellgroup.com and Display and Design Ideas Magazine |title=500 A full stage presence: Rockwell Group takes a fresh approach to Meijer supercenters |url=http://www.rockwellgroup.com/pdfs/ddi052005.pdf |date=May 2005 |access-date=August 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926063926/http://www.rockwellgroup.com/pdfs/ddi052005.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2007 }}</ref> In 2005, despite cutbacks, Meijer embarked on an expansion plan to increase its number of stores in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.

In May 2007, the first [[LEED]]-certified Meijer store opened, at [[Fairlane Green]] in [[Allen Park, Michigan]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-05-17 |title=Meijer Opens LEED-Certified Green Store in Michigan |url=https://progressivegrocer.com/meijer-opens-leed-certified-green-store-michigan |website=Progressive Grocer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kenny |first=Gina |date=2007-06-07 |title=Meijer Tackles Overhaul, Expansion Through 2008 |url=https://www.globest.com/2007/06/07/meijer-tackles-overhaul-expansion-through-2008/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Globe Street |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baliva |first=Zach |date=2017-12-15 |title=Meijer Enters the Express Lane |url=https://americanbuildersquarterly.com/2017/meijer/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=American Builders Quarterly |language=en-US}}</ref>

In July 2007, Meijer announced to the Michigan press it would be "restructuring" its Team Leader management positions in all 181 stores, stating layoffs would be "minimal" and necessary "to handle more sophisticated products such as flat-screen TVs and high-priced wines". Their spokesperson also said the changes were "not about a labor reduction", but fitting people into the right roles. No corporate staff or hourly workers were directly affected.<ref>{{cite web | publisher=mlive.com and Muskegon Chronicle| title=Meijer restructures jobs for store managers | url=http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2007/07/meijer_restructures_duties_for.html| date=July 11, 2007 | access-date=August 15, 2007 }}</ref> In August 2007, the store announced they were cutting about 500 managers (12% of existing management staff). The 500 were given severance packages, while other managers were transferred to other stores or "reassigned to different positions".<ref>{{cite web | publisher=Wzzm13.com| title=500 Meijer Managers get cut across midwest | url=http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=79186| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209161050/http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=79186| url-status=dead| archive-date=2013-02-09|date=August 2007 | access-date=August 16, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Progressivegrocer.com |title=500 Meijer Eliminates 500 Store Manager Positions |url=http://www.progressivegrocer.com/progressivegrocer/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003624849 |date=August 2007 |access-date=August 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817164308/http://www.progressivegrocer.com/progressivegrocer/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003624849 |archive-date=August 17, 2007 }}</ref>

=== 2010s-2020s ===
[[File:- Gateway Marketplace Meijer.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Gateway Marketplace]] Meijer store, opened in 2013 as the first Meijer to open within the city of [[Detroit]]]]On November 25, 2011, [[Frederik Meijer]] died at the age of 91. 

In May 2013, Meijer opened its 200th supercenter, in [[Swartz Creek, Michigan]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aldridge |first=Chris |date=2013-05-16 |title=Meijer opening day on May 16 brings new opportunities to some Swartz Creek businesses, people |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2013/05/meijer_grand_opening_on_may_16.html |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=[[MLive]] |language=en}}</ref> followed in July by the first location in the city of [[Detroit]], at the [[Gateway Marketplace]] development near the former [[Michigan State Fairgrounds]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Shandra |date=2013-07-17 |title=Meijer to open $20 million supercenter on Detroit's 8 Mile next week |url=https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/2013/07/meijer_to_open_20_million_supe.html |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=[[MLive]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Shandra |date=2013-07-25 |title=First Detroit Meijer store: Fred would have been 'thrilled', say his three sons |url=https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/2013/07/first_detroit_meijer_store_fre.html |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=[[MLive]] |language=en}}</ref> A second Detroit location opened in June 2015, on the former site of [[Redford High School]] in Northwest Detroit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Helms |first=Matt |date=2015-06-11 |title=Meijer opens its 2nd Detroit store amid song, donations |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2015/06/11/meijer-second-store-detroit/71062968/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2014, Meijer became the first retailer to accept both [[Apple Pay]] and [[CurrentC]] for purchases in its stores and gas stations, despite possible penalties from [[Merchant Customer Exchange]] for accepting Apple Pay.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Colt |first1=Sam |date=October 30, 2014 |title=Meijer Becomes The First Retailer To Accept Both CurrentC And Apple Pay |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/meijer-is-the-first-retailer-to-accept-currentc-and-apple-pay-2014-10 |access-date=January 22, 2015 |agency=Business Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Martinez |first1=Shandra |date=October 29, 2014 |title=Why Meijer isn't ditching Apple Pay like other retailers |url=http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2014/10/why_meijer_isnt_ditching_apple.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215075534/http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2014/10/why_meijer_isnt_ditching_apple.html |archive-date=February 15, 2015 |access-date=January 22, 2015 |agency=[[MLive]]}}</ref>

In 2014, Meijer opened a supercenter in [[Bowling Green, Kentucky]], the chain's southernmost location to date.<ref>{{cite web |title=Meijer opens Westpark Drive store |url=https://www.bgdailynews.com/news/meijer-opens-westpark-drive-store/article_a4571618-fc7e-53ea-ac33-0e46aa2aaddd.html |website=Bowling Green Daily News |date=June 5, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2014 |language=en}}</ref> Meijer opened its first locations in [[Wisconsin]] in June 2015. To help promote itself in Wisconsin, Meijer purchased a distribution center in [[Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin|Pleasant Prairie]] from [[SuperValu (United States)|SuperValu]] in 2012, and placed an advertisement along the outfield wall of [[Miller Park (Milwaukee)|Miller Park]], home of the [[Milwaukee Brewers]], in 2014 in anticipation of the company's expansion into Wisconsin.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers - Photos - April 13, 2014 - ESPN |url=http://espn.go.com/mlb/photos?gameId=340413108&photoId=3771072 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415214907/http://espn.go.com/mlb/photos?gameId=340413108&photoId=3771072 |archive-date=April 15, 2014 |access-date=April 18, 2015 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref>

Meijer bought the largely vacant [[Memorial Mall]] in [[Sheboygan, Wisconsin]], in March 2015. Much of the existing structure was demolished, and replaced with a new store in April 2019.<ref>{{cite news|title=Meijer buys Memorial Mall in Sheboygan|url=http://www.wisn.com/news/meijer-buys-memorial-mall-in-sheboygan/31922472|access-date=March 21, 2015|publisher=WISN-TV|date=March 20, 2015}}</ref>

In 2017, Meijer expanded into the [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan]] and northern Wisconsin. The company opened locations in [[Howard, Wisconsin]] (near [[Green Bay, Wisconsin|Green Bay]]), [[Escanaba, Michigan]], and [[Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan]] in May 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bollier |first=Jeff |date=2017-05-16 |title=The wait is over: Meijer store in Howard now open |url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2017/05/16/howard-meijer-open/101717506/ |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Green Bay Press-Gazette |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Shandra |date=2017-04-20 |title=Meijer announces opening day for 1st U.P. stores |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2017/04/meijer_announces_opening_day_f.html |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=[[MLive]] |language=en}}</ref> Additional stores in [[Grand Chute, Wisconsin]] (in the [[Fox Cities]] area) and [[Marquette, Michigan]] followed in May 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-10 |title=Meijer's Grand Chute store opening May 17th |url=https://www.nbc26.com/news/meijers-grand-chute-store-opening-may-17th |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=WGBA NBC 26 in Green Bay |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Grand Chute store open">{{Cite news |url=https://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/2018/05/17/meijer-appleton-opens-grand-chute/618853002/ |title=Meijer is finally open. Here's what Fox Cities shoppers think of the new store |work=Post-Crescent Media |access-date=May 18, 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-12 |title=Meijer announces opening date for Marquette Supercenter |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/Meijer-announces-opening-date-for-Marquette-Supercenter-479529963.html |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Upper Michigan Source |language=en}}</ref> 

Meijer expanded into the [[Greater Cleveland|Cleveland–Akron]] market in 2019, with stores in [[Stow, Ohio|Stow]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Schleis |first=Paula |title=Meijer grocery store could be coming to former Stow-Kent Plaza instead of residential neighborhood |url=http://www.ohio.com/news/local/meijer-grocery-store-could-be-coming-to-former-stow-kent-plaza-instead-of-residential-neighborhood-1.540410 |access-date=April 18, 2015 |work=ohio.com}}</ref> [[Mentor, Ohio|Mentor]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20160920/NEWS/160929958 |title=Meijer to move ahead in Mentor once Kmart closes |publisher=News-herald.com |date=September 20, 2016 |access-date=November 15, 2017}}</ref> and [[Avon, Ohio|Avon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/avon/index.ssf/2015/03/meijers_superstore_could_be_coming_to_avon.html|title=Meijer superstore could be coming to Avon|work=cleveland.com|date=March 20, 2015|access-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref> Meijer also expanded into the [[Youngstown, Ohio|Youngstown]] area with a store in [[Boardman, Ohio]], in 2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/boardman-trustees-give-meijer-the-green-light-to-build-along-224/1318396961|title=Boardman trustees give Meijer the green light to build along 224|first=Stan|last=Boney|date=July 24, 2018|website=WKBN}}</ref> as well as [[Austintown Township, Mahoning County, Ohio|Austintown]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wkbn.com/2015/08/26/meijer-could-be-coming-to-austintown/|title=Meijer could be coming to Austintown|work=WKBN-TV |date=August 26, 2015 }}</ref> 

Meijer announced plans in 2022 to expand into the [[Greater St. Louis]] region, filing for approval to open a supercenter in [[Glen Carbon, Illinois]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bolinger |first=Charles |date=2022-09-16 |title=Meijer gets site plan, 2 out of 3 variances approved at special meeting |url=https://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/Meijer-gets-site-plan-2-out-of-3-variances-17443730.php |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250831142106/https://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/Meijer-gets-site-plan-2-out-of-3-variances-17443730.php |archive-date=2025-08-31 |access-date=2025-09-15 |work=The Edwardsville Intelligencer |language=en}}</ref> In January 2025, Meijer purchased land in [[O'Fallon, Illinois]]<!--leave state in this sentence, as there is potential for confusion with O'Fallon, Missouri on the other side of the St. Louis region--> for a second store in the area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supercenter chain new to St. Louis buys property for 1st local store |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/06/27/meijer-store-buys-property-ofallon-supercenter.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=St. Louis Business Journal |date=June 27, 2025 |publisher=[[American City Business Journals]]}}</ref> As of July 2025, construction has not started at either location.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lloyd |first=Gloria |date=2025-07-25 |title=Here's where Meijer stands, years after announcing St. Louis area launch |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/07/25/meijer-stores-glen-carbon-ofallon-supercenters.html |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=St. Louis Business Journal |publisher=[[American City Business Journals]]}}</ref>

In June 2024, Meijer was reported to be scouting the [[Western Pennsylvania]] region, including [[Pittsburgh]], for a possible expansion, which would mark Meijer's entry into Pennsylvania.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 2024 |title=Major Retailer Meijer Could be Eyeing Entry into Pittsburgh Market |url=https://patch.com/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/major-retailer-meijer-could-be-eyeing-entry-pittsburgh-market}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sources: Meijer joins rush of grocery retailers scouting Pittsburgh for potential store locations |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2024/05/30/meijer-grocery-pittsburgh-western-pennsylvania.html |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=www.bizjournals.com |date=May 30, 2024 }}</ref> In September 2025, Meijer announced plans to expand into the region.<ref>{{cite web | title=Meijer grocery store chain plans Western Pa. Expansion | date=September 30, 2025 | url=https://www.wtae.com/article/meijer-pennsylvania-grocery-stores/68133531 }}</ref>

==Operations==
[[File:Meijer-33.jpg|thumb|upright|Interior of a Meijer store in [[Traverse City, Michigan]] in 2019. The store has since been renovated.]]

=== Supercenters ===
As of September 2025, Meijer operates 259 [[hypermarket]]s, superstores that combine groceries and department goods. Roughly half of them are in [[Michigan]], while others are in [[Illinois]], [[Indiana]], [[Kentucky]], [[Ohio]], and [[Wisconsin]]. Most Meijer stores are open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-15 |title=Meijer expands store hours, dedicated shopping time for essential workers, seniors |url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/retail/meijer-expands-store-hours-dedicated-shopping-time-essential-workers-seniors |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Crain's Detroit Business |language=en}}</ref> Previously, from 1988 until the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]] in 2020, most Meijer stores were [[24/7 service|open 24 hours a day]], 364 days a year,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meijer Newsroom - Our History |url=https://newsroom.meijer.com/our-history |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Meijer Newsroom |language=en}}</ref> closed only on [[Christmas]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ware |first=Alexis |date=2019-12-22 |title=Meijer prepares for procrastinating shoppers |url=https://www.wilx.com/content/news/-Meijer-prepared-for-procrastinating-shoppers--566420771.html |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[WILX]] |language=en}}</ref>

Most locations also feature an adjacent Meijer Express [[Filling station|fuel station]] and [[convenience store]]. Meijer Express fuel stations offer [[Top Tier Detergent Gasoline|Top Tier]]-certified gasoline,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bartlett |first=Jeff S. |date=2025-07-07 |title=Top Tier Gasoline Is Worth the Extra Price, Study Shows |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/ |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[Consumer Reports]] |language=en-US}}</ref> diesel fuel,<ref>{{cite news | title=Meijer Gas Stations | url=https://www.cspdailynews.com/top-202-convenience-stores-2024/meijer-gas-stations | work=CSPDailyNews | date=April 4, 2025 | accessdate=April 2, 2024}}</ref> and alternative fuels such as [[E85]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fluker |first=Anjali |date=2006-07-20 |title=Meijer unveils E85 pump at local gas station |url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20060720/SUB/60720013/meijer-unveils-e85-pump-at-local-gas-station |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[Crain's Detroit Business]] |language=en}}</ref> Some Meijer stores also feature [[Charging station|electric vehicle charging stations.]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Douglas Moran |first=Catherine |date=2024-11-20 |title=Meijer to add nearly 500 electric charging stalls |url=https://www.grocerydive.com/news/meijer-evgo-electric-vehicle-charging-stations/733398/ |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Grocery Dive |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Other Meijer-owned stores===
In addition to the original Meijer supermarkets and hypermarkets, Meijer opened several concept stores in the 1970s and 1980s. The first were specialty clothing store chains called Copper Rivet, Sagebrush and Casual Court. Each store focused on a different form of brand-name clothing: Copper Rivet sold [[Levi's]] jeans, Sagebrush sold casual wear, and Casual Court sold women's clothing. All three chains usually operated in front of existing Meijer stores, or in nearby shopping centers. Casual Court was renamed Tansy in 1982.<ref>{{cite news | title=What's A Tansy? | url=http://archive.cantonpl.org/observer/1982/06_Jun%201982/06-03-1982.pdf | work=Canton Observer | date=June 3, 1982 | accessdate=May 13, 2022 | pages=5B}}</ref> These clothing chains were dissolved in the 1980s as brand-name clothing became more readily available at competing retailers. Sagebrush, which at its peak comprised 71 stores,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_n24_v27/ai_6917794 |title=Longtime super store Meijer poised for growth after completion of DC - distribution center |access-date=November 16, 2007 |date=December 19, 1988 |work=Discount Store News}}</ref> was sold off in 1988, while Copper Rivet and Tansy stores were closed as their leases expired.<ref name="book1"/>

In 1980, Meijer began a discount [[pharmacy]] chain called Spaar (from the Dutch word for "save"), which opened four stores in 1980 in former Meijer supermarket locations. The Spaar stores were sold to [[Pontiac, Michigan]]-based [[Perry Drug Stores]] by the mid-1980s.<ref name="book1">Hank Meijer, p. 244</ref>

One year after launching the Spaar brand, in 1981, Meijer began opening Meijer Square stores, which were traditional discount department stores lacking a full grocery section. Fourteen locations of [[Buffalo, New York]]-based [[Twin Fair]], predominantly in southwestern Ohio, were bought and converted to the Meijer Square name. Two Meijer Square stores were also opened in Michigan.<ref name="book1"/><ref>{{cite news |date=February 20, 1981 |title=Meijer Inc. to buy 14 stores |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/204775840/ |access-date=June 1, 2017 |work=Battle Creek Enquirer |page=C1}}</ref> The Ohio locations were largely sold to [[Zayre]] and [[Hills Department Stores|Hills]]. Meijer returned to [[Cincinnati]] and soon Kentucky in May 1996, after both Hills and Ames had closed all of their Ohio stores.<ref>{{cite news | publisher=Findarticles.com | title=Meijer to re-enter Cincy after Hills, Ames exit | url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_n12_v30/ai_10889657| date=June 17, 1991 | access-date=March 23, 2007 | first=Richard C. | last=Halverson}}</ref>

Meijer opened its first [[warehouse club]] store, SourceClub, in 1992. The concept proved unsuccessful in competition against [[Sam's Club]] and [[Costco]], and all seven SourceClub stores were closed in 1994. The location in [[Fraser, Michigan]] was converted to a regular Meijer store, while the rest were shuttered or sold off.<ref name="book1"/>

=== Smaller-format stores ===

==== Meijer Marketplace ====
In 2009, Meijer announced a new store format called Meijer Marketplace, with {{convert|90000-100000|sqft|m2|adj=on|abbr=out|sp=us}} stores focusing primarily on groceries.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nagengast |first=Kate |date=2009-06-25 |title=Meijer scales back format for grocery-focused store near Chicago |url=http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2009/06/meijer_scales_back_format_for.html |access-date=November 14, 2012 |website=[[MLive]] |publisher=}}</ref> The format was tested with four locations in the [[Chicago metropolitan area|Chicago suburbs]], opening from 2010 to 2012,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Shandra |date=2010-03-07 |title=Meijer's new small-store format in Niles, Illinois, could open door into urban neighborhoods |url=https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/2010/03/meijer_incs_new_small-store_fo.html |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=[[MLive]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2010-01-21 |title=Meijer rolls out small store format in Illinois |url=https://www.fxdesign.co.uk/meijer-rolls-out-small-store-format-in-illinois/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=FX Design |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Shandra |date=2012-08-20 |title=Meijer opens smallest store yet in Chicago area |url=https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/2012/08/meijer_opens_marketplace_a_new.html |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=[[MLive]] |language=en}}</ref> with plans for possible expansion into other regions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eaton |first=Dan |date=2010-02-04 |title=Meijer supermarkets testing smaller stores |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/02/08/story9.html?b=1265605200^2846041 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Columbus Business First |publisher=[[American City Business Journals]] |language=en-US}}</ref> By 2017, three of the four stores had closed,<ref>{{cite web |last=Trotter |first=Greg |date=2017-03-21 |title=Meijer to close two Chicago-area stores |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-meijer-melrose-park-berwyn-closing-0322-biz-20170321-story.html |access-date=November 15, 2017 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |publisher=}}</ref> though the location in [[Orland Park, Illinois]] remains in operation as of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orland Park |url=https://www.meijer.com/shopping/store-locator/262.html |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Meijer}}</ref>

==== Neighborhood markets ====
[[File:Meijer Capital City Market.jpg|thumb|Capital City Market in [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]] in 2021]]
Meijer operates six small-format "neighborhood" grocery stores, ranging in size from {{convert|35000-50000|sqft|m2|adj=|abbr=out|sp=us}}. The first, Bridge Street Market in [[Grand Rapids, Michigan|Grand Rapids]], opened in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McVicar |first=Brian |date=2018-08-13 |title=Meijer announces opening day for Bridge Street Market |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2018/08/meijer_announces_opening_day_f_1.html |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=mlive |language=en}}</ref> It was followed by Woodward Corner Market in [[Royal Oak, Michigan]] (opened in 2020);<ref>{{Cite web |last=Selasky |first=Susan |date=2020-01-27 |title=Woodward Corner Market opens today: Here's what to expect |url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2020/01/27/6-things-know-meijers-woodward-corner-market/4568954002/ |access-date= |website=Detroit Free Press |publisher=[[Gannett]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Capital City Market in [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]] (2020);<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashley |first=Skyler |date=2020-10-12 |title=Take a look inside Meijer's Capital City Market |url=https://www.lansingcitypulse.com/stories/take-a-look-inside-meijers-capital-city-market,15064 |access-date= |website=City Pulse |language=en}}</ref> Rivertown Market in [[Detroit]] (2021);<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oliver |first=Michelle |date=2021-10-14 |title=Here's a peek inside Meijer's new Rivertown Market in Detroit |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/live-in-the-d/2021/10/14/heres-a-peek-inside-meijers-new-rivertown-market-in-detroit/ |access-date= |website=[[WDIV]] |language=en}}</ref> Fairfax Market in [[Cleveland]] (2024);<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-16 |title=Meijer Opens Fairfax Market in Cleveland Innovation District |url=https://newsroom.meijer.com/2024-01-16-Meijer-Opens-Fairfax-Market-in-Cleveland-Innovation-District |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Meijer |language=en}}</ref> and Independence Market in [[Independence Township, Michigan]] (2025).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powers |first=Sara |date=2025-03-26 |title=Meijer to open new neighborhood market in Oakland County |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/03/26/meijer-to-open-new-neighborhood-market-in-oakland-county/ |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=[[WDIV]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Meijer Grocery ====
[[File:Meijer Grocery Lake Orion.jpg|thumb|Meijer Grocery in [[Lake Orion, Michigan]] in 2023]]
Introduced in 2023, Meijer Grocery is a standard [[grocery store]], with stores ranging in size from {{convert|75000-90000|sqft|m2|adj=|abbr=out|sp=us}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Selasky |first=Susan |date=2022-09-02 |title=Meijer small format grocery stores slated for early 2023 in Lake Orion, Macomb Twp. |url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2022/09/01/meijer-small-concept-grocery-stores/65468320007/ |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The first two locations, in [[Orion Township, Michigan|Lake Orion]] and [[Macomb Township, Michigan]], opened in January 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Selasky |first=Susan |date=2023-01-26 |title=New Meijer Grocery stores now open in Lake Orion, Macomb |url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2023/01/26/meijer-new-grocery-stores-lake-orion-macomb/69845138007/ |access-date= |website=Detroit Free Press |publisher=[[Gannett]] |language=en-US}}</ref> A third location opened in [[Noblesville, Indiana]] in July 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-03 |title=A Look Inside the 1st Meijer Grocery in Indiana: EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS |url=https://progressivegrocer.com/look-inside-1st-meijer-grocery-indiana-exclusive-photos |access-date= |website=Progressive Grocer |language=en}}</ref> and two additional Detroit-area locations are under development as of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tankersley |first=Shelby |date=2024-06-24 |title=Proposal for Meijer, townhomes on 7 Mile Road in Livonia moves forward |url=https://www.hometownlife.com/story/news/2024/06/21/livonia-development-meijer-townhomes-7-mile-road-old-kmart/74168793007/ |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Observer and Eccentric Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Aguilar |first=Louis |date=2024-07-31 |title=Proposed project to build Meijer, apartments on former Kmart site faces questions in Livonia |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2024/07/31/plan-to-redevelop-ex-kmart-site-in-livonia-sparks-yearlong-debate/74461833007/ |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=[[The Detroit News]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-15 |title=Fans of beloved Farmington Hills arcade worry about impact of proposed shopping project |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/11/15/marvelous-marvins-beloved-farmington-hills-arcade-could-face-demolition/71594498007/ |access-date= |website=[[The Detroit News]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Fresh Thyme Market ===
{{main article|Fresh Thyme}}
{{anchor|Fresh Thyme}}
Meijer was an early investor in [[Fresh Thyme|Fresh Thyme Market]], a regional grocery store chain in the Midwestern United States specializing in organic foods.<ref name="bn-2019apr03">{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Shandra |date=2014-08-27 |title=Inside Fresh Thyme: A Whole Foods-Trader Joe's hybrid, seeded with Meijer money |url=https://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/2014/08/new_retailer_is_cross_between.html |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=[[MLive]] |language=en}}</ref> Media sources conflict about the relationship between the two companies, with one describing Fresh Thyme as a wholly owned subsidiary of Meijer,<ref name="mibiz-2016oct16">{{cite news |last=Manes |first=Nick |date=2016-10-16 |title=Fresh Thyme Farmers Market as Meijer skunkworks? |url=https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/small-business/breaking-news/fresh-thyme-farmers-market-as-meijer-skunkworks/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417104440/https://mibiz.com/item/24104-fresh-thyme-farmers-market-as-meijer-skunkworks |archive-date=2017-04-17 |website=MiBiz |via=Crain's Grand Rapids Business}}</ref><ref name="mr-2016oct28">{{cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=October 28, 2016 |title=Fresh Thyme brand is Meijer's quiet entry into high-end grocery market |website=[[Michigan Radio]] |url=https://www.michiganradio.org/post/fresh-thyme-brand-meijer-s-quiet-entry-high-end-grocery-market}}</ref> and others reporting that Meijer only owned an equity stake.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fresh Thyme Has a New Name, Logo |url=https://progressivegrocer.com/fresh-thyme-has-new-name-logo |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250425091035/https://progressivegrocer.com/fresh-thyme-has-new-name-logo |archive-date=2025-04-25 |access-date=2025-09-20 |work=Progressive Grocer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Liem Beckett |first=Emma |date=2017-08-14 |title=Analyst: Sprouts more likely to purchase Fresh Thyme than be bought out |url=https://www.grocerydive.com/news/grocery--analyst-sprouts-more-likely-to-purchase-fresh-thyme-than-be-bought-out/534805/ |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Grocery Dive |language=en-US}}</ref>

Fresh Thyme had 70 stores across 10 Midwestern states as of January 2024.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/news/fresh-thyme-market-features-local-products-naturally-chicago |title=Fresh Thyme Market features local products via Naturally Chicago |first=Timothy |last=Inklebarger |date=January 26, 2024 |work=Supermarket News}}</ref>

==Marketing and sponsorship==
In 2006, Meijer donated to [[Calvin College]] in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to create the paid position called the Frederik Meijer Chair of Dutch Language and Culture. The previous chair was unpaid. Its purpose is to promote interest in the Netherlands and Michigan's Dutch cultural heritage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.calvin.edu/academic/dutch/meijer/|title=Frederik Meijer Chair in Dutch Language and Culture|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206173027/http://www.calvin.edu/academic/dutch/meijer/|archive-date=February 6, 2007}}</ref>

Meijer is the title sponsor of the [[Meijer LPGA Classic]], an annual women's professional golf tournament held near Grand Rapids.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nothaft |first=Patrick |date=2025-05-14 |title=Past champions set to headline field at 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2025/05/past-champions-set-to-headline-field-at-2025-meijer-lpga-classic.html |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=[[MLive]] |language=en}}</ref>

Meijer is the official grocery sponsor of the [[Detroit Lions]], [[Detroit Red Wings]], and [[Detroit Tigers]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Woods |first=Kory |date=2024-07-23 |title=Lions and Meijer announce enhanced partnership, unveiling new naming rights |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2024/07/lions-and-meijer-announce-enhanced-partnership-unveiling-new-naming-rights.html |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=[[MLive]] |language=en}}</ref> Since the [[2021–22 NHL season]], Meijer's logo has been featured on the Red Wings' helmets;<ref>{{Cite web |last=St. James |first=Helene |date=2021-09-15 |title=Detroit Red Wings to advertise Meijer on helmets this season |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2021/09/15/detroit-red-wings-meijer-helmets-sponsorship/8347465002/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]]}}</ref> and since the [[2023 Major League Baseball season|2023 MLB season]], Meijer has advertised on the Tigers' jerseys.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petzold |first=Evan |date=2023-05-20 |title=Detroit Tigers add Meijer logo patch onto iconic Old English D jerseys |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2023/05/25/detroit-tigers-jerseys-meijer-patch/70254868007/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Meijer also owns the naming rights to the Lions' training center.<ref name=":0" />

Meijer has sponsored the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-03-28 |title=Brewers announce partnership with Meijer |url=https://www.mlb.com/brewers/news/brewers-announce-partnership-with-meijer/c-70299322 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=[[Major League Baseball]] |language=en}}</ref> Meijer also sponsors the [[Cleveland Browns]] and [[Cleveland Guardians]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sackor |first=Mercy |date=2024-09-21 |title=Browns host Gym Class Takeover at Shoreview Elementary |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/browns-host-gym-class-takeover-at-shoreview-elementary |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=News 5 Cleveland WEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-07 |title=Cleveland Indians, Meijer, Dunkin' donate over 160,000 meals to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-cleveland-indians-meijer-dunkin-donate-over-160-000-meals-to-the-g |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Major League Baseball |language=en}}</ref>

Meijer is also a sponsor of the [[Michigan State Spartans|athletic teams of Michigan State University.]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Corporate Partners Of Michigan State Athletics |url=https://msuspartans.com/sports/2025/3/3/proud-corporate-partners-of-michigan-state-athletics |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Michigan State University Athletics |language=en}}</ref>

==Store design==
{{More citations needed|section|date=July 2021}}
{{Original research section|date=September 2025}}[[File:Meijer Pineapple.jpg|left|thumb|The Meijer Yellow "Pineapple" signature design of the mid-1990s Meijer stores, which housed seating for cafes inside the store]][[File:MeijerSouthgateInterior.jpg|thumb|Interior of a Meijer in [[Southgate, Michigan]] in 2014]]Meijer was the first retailer to launch the "supermarket" or "superstore" in the U.S., combining a multitude of merchandise under one roof, when they opened the first Thrifty Acres in 1962.<ref>Discount Merchandiser Magazine, July 1986, History 1962 - Founding of Thrifty Acres and Kmart</ref>

Meijer stores are typically designed with the [[supermarket]] section to one side and the general merchandise section to the other side. The chain's stores are almost always constructed from the ground up, with very few Meijer stores having been converted from other retailers. Exceptions include the:

* [[Fraser, Michigan]] location, which Meijer converted from its failed SourceClub concept store{{cn|date=September 2025}}
* [[Lincoln Park, Michigan]] and [[Portage, Indiana]] locations, converted from [[Super Kmart]] stores<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaffer |first=Mike |date=2004-11-16 |title=New look at Meijer |url=https://www.thenewsherald.com/2004/11/16/new-look-at-meijer/ |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=[[The News-Herald (Southgate, Michigan)|The News-Herald]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Joyce |date=2008-03-11 |title=Meijer pitches Portage location |url=https://indianaeconomicdigest.net/MobileContent/Default/Default/Article/Meijer-pitches-Portage-location/-3/-3/39934 |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Times of Northwest Indiana |language=en-us |via=Indiana Economic Digest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Joyce |date=2013-06-13 |title=Portage Meijer store opens for business |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/article_5024bf33-5a62-5f84-bda3-bc2c1c894bcd.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Times of Northwest Indiana |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Traverse City, Michigan]] location, a former [[W.T. Grant|Grant City]] store<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Look At (Some Of) Traverse City's Iconic Buildings |url=https://www.traverseticker.com/news/a-look-at-some-of-traverse-citys-iconic-buildings/ |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=The Ticker {{!}} Traverse City News & Events}}</ref>
* former [[Sterling Heights, Michigan]] location (closed 2002), also a former Grant City{{cn|date=September 2025}}
* former [[Newark, Ohio]] location (closed 2013), purchased from [[Twin Fair]]<ref name="book1"/>

Some stores built in the 1960s and 1970s, including a since-demolished location on Pierson Road in [[Mount Morris Township, Michigan]] (which marked the chain's entry into the [[Flint, Michigan|Flint]] market in 1972), included a [[balcony]], containing service tenants such as a barber shop and nail salon.{{cn|date=September 2025}} During the late 1990s, [[McDonald's]] restaurants also operated inside Meijer stores,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Courter |first=Eileen |date=1994-12-05 |title=Meijer Plans to Add More McDonald's Franchises |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/grocery-operations/meijer-plans-to-add-more-mcdonald-s-franchises}}</ref> primarily in those with balconies, though some locations without balconies like [[Taylor, Michigan]]; [[Muncie, Indiana]]; [[Wyoming, Michigan]], and the location on [[Ohio State Route 184|Alexis Road]] in [[Toledo, Ohio]], also had McDonald's locations; in addition, the first stores in the [[Metro Detroit|Detroit area]] featured a short-lived fast food concept called Thrifty's Kitchen,{{cn|date=September 2025}} which also operated a standalone location in front of the Meijer in [[Walker, Michigan|Walker]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dbusiness.com/May-June-2009/Hank-Meijer/#.VLA_c2TF98s|title=Hank Meijer|work=dbusiness.com|date=April 28, 2009|access-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref> Most stores feature a sit-down café, while some also feature a [[Starbucks]] coffee shop or a [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]] restaurant. Stores built between 1989 and 1993 featured a curved wall of windows that ran along the area between the entrances, examples include many early locations in Ohio and the Midland, Michigan store (many of these such stores have since been renovated into the current exterior design described below).{{cn|date=September 2025}}{{Original research inline|date=September 2025}}

[[File:Meijer (St. Charles, Illinois) 1.jpg|thumb|A Starbucks inside the Meijer in St. Charles, Illinois]]
Early in the 1990s, Meijer developed new integrated prototypes for their rollouts. One example was the "whimsical" design prototype introduced with the 1994 expansion into Indiana. Different shapes and roofing designs created the facade of the building. Most notable was the yellow pineapple constructed from yellow ceramic brick and glass blocks. The different shapes on the facade were to introduce Meijer to Indiana as a "store of discovery".{{cn|date=October 2024}}{{Original research inline|date=September 2025}}

Also notable was the use of a large translucent wall above the grand concourse facing the registers. This allowed natural light to filter into the area above the registers without actual windows. Another feature of these stores was the introduction of grey concrete panels and silver framing on windows and doors. Slight variations of this prototype were also introduced with the 1995 expansion into Illinois and the 1996 reentry into Kentucky.{{cn|date=October 2024}}{{Original research inline|date=September 2025}}[[File:Meijer Cascade.jpg|thumb|Store in [[Cascade Township, Michigan]]]]

On August 5, 1997, the store in [[Fort Gratiot Township, Michigan]], debuted a new prototype that evolved out of the mid-1990s prototype. This was the Presidential prototype, in which the logo was moved to the center of the building. Later Meijer stores of this design introduced the Meijer Fresh logo with the then-current Meijer logo and a large cursive "Fresh" on the right of the Meijer name. Most of these signs have since been phased out in favor of the current logo, with the lower-case "meijer" (in red) with blue dots over the 'i' and 'j'. In the year 2000 the Presidential prototype was replaced with the Village Square prototype, which featured fake storefronts running across the front of the building and a barn-like section on which the Meijer logo was situated. That prototype, however, was soon replaced by the Signature Series prototype, which removed the fake storefronts, which itself was replaced in the mid-2000s with the current prototype, which features emphasis on the entrances, which feature towering glass walls with a tilted roof, resulting in an "eyebrow" appearance.{{cn|date=October 2024}}{{Original research inline|date=September 2025}}

==Controversies and criticism==

=== Alleged religious discrimination ===
In 2003, Meijer was sued by the U.S. [[Equal Employment Opportunity Commission]], which alleged that the company engaged in [[religious discrimination]] and violated an employee's civil rights. Debra Kerkstra, a member of the [[Christian Reformed Church in North America|Christian Reformed Church]] who worked at a West Michigan store, was fired in 2001 for refusing to work on a Sunday, despite communicating to her manager that her religious practices [[Lord's Day#Reformed|prevented her from doing so]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2003-07-12 |title=Michigan retailer settles lawsuit with Christian over Sunday work |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2003/07/12/michigan-retailer-settles-lawsuit-with-christian-over-sunday-work/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref> Meijer settled the case in July 2003 after paying $22,000 to Kerkstra and agreeing to implement procedures to prevent repeat occurrences, such as training supervisors to avoid religious discrimination.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite web |date=July 11, 2003 |title=Christian News, Religion Headlines Commentary |url=http://www.crosswalk.com/1209216/ |access-date=November 14, 2012 |publisher=Crosswalk.com}}</ref>

=== Attempted recall of local government officials ===

In February 2007, Meijer was involved in an effort to recall the elected officials of [[Acme Township, Michigan]], because of the officials' reluctance to allow a new store along [[M-72 (Michigan highway)|M-72]] within the rural township east of [[Traverse City, Michigan|Traverse City]]. Meijer retained Seyferth, Spaulding and Tennyson, a Grand Rapids-based [[public relations]] firm, to help orchestrate the recall effort.<ref name="MCGILLIVARY"/>

Records indicate the PR firm retained by Meijer had arranged a meeting with a small nonprofit organization which favored the Meijer store, but had not yet formally taken a position on the recall. With the persuasion of the PR firm, the organization, known as the "Acme Taxpayers for Responsible Government", formed a recall committee and began to promote the recall election. Seyferth researched the plausibility of a recall, wrote justification for the recall and oversaw the agenda for the meeting with Acme Taxpayers.<ref name="MCGILLIVARY">{{cite news |last=McGillivary |first=Brian |date=December 23, 2007 |title=Meijer's Secret Plan |url=http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_357093334.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20080919050907/http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_357093334.html |archive-date=September 19, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2012 |work=Traverse City Record-Eagle}}</ref> The PR firm revised the organization's website and logo, devised talking points and campaign literature, and wrote ghost letters to Traverse City newspapers. The recall committee did not disclose any of the PR firm's assistance, or its affiliation with Meijer. The company was fined $190,000 for its actions.{{cn|date=September 2025}} The store eventually opened in November 2015, with thousands attending the long-awaited grand opening.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martinez, Shandra |date=November 5, 2010 |title=Controversial Meijer store opens, draws thousands |url=http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2015/11/controversial_acme_township_me.html |access-date=May 28, 2016 |publisher=Mlive.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://upnorthlive.com/news/local/shopping-more-convenient-with-acme-meijer-opening|title=Thousands attend opening day of Acme Meijer|last=Scott|first=Allison|date=November 5, 2015|website=WPBN|access-date=January 29, 2019}}</ref>

===Treatment of LGBT community===
Meijer scored 0% on the [[Human Rights Campaign]]'s 2008 [[Corporate Equality Index]], a measure of how U.S. companies treat [[gay]], [[lesbian]], [[bisexual]] and [[transgender]] employees, consumers and investors. Meijer was one of only three companies out of over 500 graded to receive a score of 0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fool.com/personal-finance/general/2007/11/06/corporations-getting-more-gay-friendly.aspx |title=Corporations Getting More Gay-Friendly |publisher=Fool.com |date=November 6, 2007 |access-date=November 14, 2012}}</ref>

In 2009, Meijer's score began to increase after the company amended its nondiscrimination policy to include sexual orientation. Other retail and grocery rivals' scores are [[Macy's, Inc.|Macy's Inc.]] (100%), [[Sears Holdings Corporation]] (100%), [[Target Corporation]] (100%), [[Whole Foods Market]] (90%), [[Kroger]] (75%) and [[Walmart]] (40%).{{cn|date=September 2025}} By 2016, Meijer had increased their score to 85%, having a similar score to its rivals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Corporate Equality Index 2016|url=http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/CEI-2016-FullReport.pdf |publisher=[[Human Rights Campaign]]|access-date=February 6, 2016}}</ref>

In 2020, Meijer's score increased to a 100% on the Corporate Equality Index, as one of 680 major U.S. businesses to earn a perfect score that year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Meijer Named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality|url=http://newsroom.meijer.com/2020-01-23-Meijer-Named-a-Best-Place-to-Work-for-LGBTQ-Equality|website=Meijer Newsroom|language=en}}</ref> As of 2025, Meijer still maintains a score of 100% on the index.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Corporate Equality Index 2025 |url=https://reports.hrc.org/corporate-equality-index-2025 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[Human Rights Campaign]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Firing of special needs employee===
In March 2024, a Meijer manager in [[Seven Hills, Ohio]] waited to fire a special needs employee who allegedly ate product over a period of three months until the value exceeded $100 so they could have him arrested rather than disciplined. After the body cam footage of the arrest leaked in August 2025, Meijer corporate has claimed to have made unspecified changes to their processes since the incident.<ref>{{cite web| last1=Lucas | first1=Suzanne | url=https://www.inc.com/suzanne-lucas/meijer-had-an-employee-arrested-for-stealing-110-worth-of-food-they-handled-it-wrong/91177911| year=2025 |publisher=Inc.| access-date=August 20, 2025 | title=This Grocery Chain Had an Employee Arrested for Stealing $110 Worth of Food. Here's Why They Handled It Wrong | work=Inc }}</ref><ref name="NBCChicago">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/meijer-issues-statement-after-video-of-employees-arrest-goes-viral/3813037/|title=Meijer issues statement after video of employee's arrest goes viral|last=Dvorak|first=Alex|work=NBC Chicago|date=August 21, 2025 |access-date=22 August 2025}}</ref>

== See also ==
* {{Portal inline|Michigan}}
* {{Portal inline|Companies}}
* {{Portal inline|Food}}

== Citations ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==References==
*{{cite book |last=Meijer |first=Hank |title=Thrifty Years: The Life of Hendrik Meijer |publisher=William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company |year=1984 |isbn=978-0-8028-0038-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/thriftyyearslife00meij}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{official website|https://www.meijer.com}}

{{Meijer}}
{{Supermarkets of the United States}}

[[Category:1934 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:Companies based in Grand Rapids, Michigan]]
[[Category:Companies based in Kent County, Michigan]]
[[Category:Discount stores of the United States]]
[[Category:Economy of Kentucky]]
[[Category:Economy of the Midwestern United States]]
[[Category:Supermarkets of the United States]]
[[Category:Superstores in the United States]]
[[Category:Hypermarkets of the United States]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in Michigan]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1934]]
[[Category:Meijer family]]
[[Category:Family-owned companies of the United States]]