Retailer collects customer reactions in video of the fun-filled events
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2014-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer made the holidays very merry for 213 unsuspecting customers recently when those shoppers received a big surprise upon checkout – their entire shopping cart filled with gifts and groceries given to them as a holiday gift by the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.
During the Very Merry Meijer event, one customer at each of the retailer’s 213 stores across the Midwest was randomly selected on Dec. 13 to receive their purchases free – an unprecedented gesture in its 80-year history.
“The holidays are a time for kindness and joy, and the Very Merry Meijer event was a perfect opportunity for us to share the spirit of the season with those we hold dear: our customers,” Co-Chairman Hank Meijer said. “Our family has always believed that our customers don’t need us, but that we need them. That philosophy still guides us today. We are very thankful for our customers, and wanted to find a special way to wish them a very Merry Christmas.”
The Very Merry Meijer event resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in “gifts” to Meijer customers – with shopping carts ranging from $350 to upwards of $1,200 in value – along with a mixture of emotions that spurred tears, laughter and even speechlessness from very happy customers. For some, the surprise brought hope in the true meaning of Christmas; for others it provided tremendous relief during a time that can be quite stressful.
Meijer released a video today that showcases how the retailer surprised its customers during the busiest holiday season of the year. In most cases, the store director revealed the gift upon checkout, but Hank Meijer, his brother and Co-Chairman Doug Meijer, and Meijer President J.K. Symancyk also helped spread holiday cheer.
“As a retailer, we work hard all year long to provide value to our customers through the quality products we sell, the experience we provide and the many ways we offer savings,” Symancyk said. “The Very Merry Meijer event was our fun way of making the season bright for our customers. That is what the holidays are all about – simple acts of kindness.”
The Very Merry Meijer event resulted in some very happy customers, but it also made an impact on the Meijer team members who were involved in the surprise.
“We know the holidays can be a stressful time of year for many reasons. But, this is also the time of year that is full of joy and laughter,” Doug Meijer said. “The Meijer team members and I who played Santa may have been more excited before, during and after our surprises than the recipients. That’s how much fun we had spreading Christmas cheer.”
To view the Very Merry Meijer video, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lVm16t2qQY
To view the Very Merry Meijer Fact Sheet that provides a breakdown of shopping cart items, please visit:http://newsroom.meijer.com/Media/Default/images/Meijer%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Very%20Merry%20Meijer.pdf
Editor’s Note: To follow the Very Merry Meijer conversation in the social space, please look for the hashtag #MerryMeijer.
About Meijer
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 213 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, garden centers and electronic offerings. Additional information on Meijer can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan atwww.facebook.com/meijer.
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 616-791-3814, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
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