Meijer Opens "Marketplace" Concept in Chicago

The move continues the push for big retailers to open smaller formats in urban areas such as Chicago.

August 26, 2011

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Meijer announced earlier this week the unveiling of its first new format store, Meijer Marketplace, in the Chicago area.

The grocery store, located in Melrose Park, spans 90,000 square feet, roughly half the size of the company€™s largest supercenters. It includes grocery items, a full-service pharmacy and general merchandise.

"Meijer is thrilled to bring our newest store concept to this great community," said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO of Meijer. "Our team has worked very hard to bring the great Meijer experience to our new customers in the Melrose Park area, and we're very proud to join this vibrant neighborhood."

The store celebrated a grand opening yesterday, during which it presented a check for $25,000 to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, which will support local youth programs and the Parish€™s food bank.

"We are proud to welcome Meijer to our community, as a great place to both shop and work," said Mayor Ronald Serpico. "Meijer along with other new businesses in Melrose Park are helping to lead the charge in the economic re-development of the near-west suburbs. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with them."

The store represents the company€™s "mini" supercenter concept, with a focus on customized grocery items. It includes Hispanic produce, Italian deli meats, European cookies, a sushi bar, and more than 40 varieties of Hispanic beer, all serving the ethnically diverse community nearby.

Including the new Melrose Park store, Meijer operates 14 stores in the Chicago area, including two grocery-focused stores in Niles and Orland Park. The new concept store joins Walmart in Chicago as a major retailer opening smaller, neighborhood format stores.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement