GRAND RAPIDS — Less than a year after Meijer opened a supercenter at the historical Michigan State Fairgrounds on Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, the retailer continued its investment in the city of Detroit today with a formal groundbreaking ceremony for a second supercenter at the site of the former Redford High School on the city’s west side and is expected to open in early 2015.
The planned supercenter represents the retailer’s commitment to the city and its residents, as well as its philosophy of serving the needs of families by providing quality merchandise, fresh produce and a full-service, drive-thru pharmacy that puts family health care first.
“The opening of our store in the city of Detroit last summer marked a significant milestone in our company history, and the beginning of a promise to be a part of this community long into the future,” Co-Chairman Hank Meijer said.
“The first Meijer store in Detroit has shown how tremendous the market is in the city for quality shopping,” said Detroit Mayor MikeDuggan,who was among several government and Meijer representatives in attendance. “Adding this second store is a real testament to Meijer’s commitment to Detroit and Detroiters’ love for what Meijer adds to our community. Having these two retail anchors in our neighborhoods fills a great need for our residents and is a major selling point for others who are considering moving into the city.”
Located at Grand River Ave. and McNichols Road, the planned northeast Detroit store is expected to create up to 500 jobs and will embody the commitment to community that has guided the family-owned retailer over the years. Meijer donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charitable organizations, including food banks and pantries. The company also partners with local farmers and businesses, when available, to provide locally-grown produce and other local products.
In addition to the retailer’s traditional grocery and merchandise offerings, garden center and gas station, the planned store will feature the Meijer pharmacy and its free prescription program, as well as clinical services and immunizations designed to promote family health. The free prescription program includes leading oral generic antibiotics with a special focus on prescriptions most often filled for children, prenatal vitamins and medications for those with diabetes and high cholesterol.