Meijer breaks ground for new store in Detroit

Grand Rapids, Mich. -- Meijer on Monday broke ground on a supercenter in Detroit, on the site of a former high school on the city’s west side. The groundbreaking ceremony comes less than a year after Meijer opened a supercenter at the historical Michigan State Fairgrounds in the Motor City.



"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. "We could not be more pleased with its success, and look forward to opening another supercenter here in Detroit."



Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan was among several government and Meijer representatives in attendance.



"The first Meijer store in Detroit has shown how tremendous the market is in the city for quality shopping," Duggan said. "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."



The planned new 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% 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.



Construction of a new Meijer supercenter typically takes a year, and hiring announcements for the second Detroit store will begin in early 2015.