190,000-square-foot stores in Rockford and Machesney Park feature fresh produce delivered daily and pharmacy services promoting family health
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2015-5-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer has opened two new supercenters in Northern Illinois, Co-Chairman Hank Meijer announced today. The 190,000-square-foot stores in Rockford and Machesney Park together have created more than 500 new jobs and will provide local residents high quality products, fresh produce and a full-service pharmacy that puts family health care first.
With 25 stores throughout Illinois, the new stores are built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and will be open 24 hours a day. They are among 11 new stores the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based family-owned retailer is opening this year in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Meijer now has 217 stores throughout the Midwest.
“As a pioneer of one-stop shopping, we’ve always strived to offer easy, affordable solutions to our neighbors, and we look forward to serving new customers in the Rockford area,” Hank Meijer said. “Whether it’s shopping for a family meal, getting your yard ready for summer or seeking answers about a nagging health concern, these supercenters represent our ongoing commitment to help provide a healthier, balanced lifestyle for anyone who steps through our door.”
Meijer said the new supercenter offerings include more than 600 varieties of farm-fresh produce and a meat department that features Certified Angus Beef and custom cuts of meat. The bakery specializes in custom-decorated cakes and fresh bread baked four times daily.
Opening celebrations began with a ribbon-cutting event at each store, followed by remarks from Meijer leadership and local officials. The stores also demonstrated their commitment to the community by making donations to local organizations. Shaun Bonner, store director for the Rockford location at Perryville Rd. and Rote Rd., presented a $25,000 check to the Eisenhower Middle School for additional laptops in its computer lab. Josh Weaver, store director for the Machesney Park location at Perryville and West Lane Rd., presented a check for $25,000 to the Harlem High School Fan Club to help fund the school’s new artificial turf football field. Additionally, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army each received $5,000 in April to help those affected by the tornado that struck Boone County and the Fairdale, Rochelle, and Kirkland communities.
As part of its ongoing community support, Meijer donates more than 6 percent of its net profit to charitable organizations annually, and each of its stores works with local food pantries and banks to help fight hunger at the local level. Since 2008, the retailer’s Simply Give program has generated nearly $14 million for its food pantry partners throughout the Midwest.
In addition to the retailer’s traditional grocery and merchandise, garden center and 24-hour gas stations, the new Rockford and Machesney Park Meijer pharmacies will offer drive-thru pick up and the company’s free prescription program. The 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. Since its inception in 2006, the Meijer free prescription program has filled nearly 26 million free prescriptions, saving Meijer customers more than $376 million.
“Our team has worked very hard to get these supercenters ready and we’re excited to bring the Meijer difference to our new neighbors in Rockford and its surrounding communities,” Hank Meijer said.
About Meijer:
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 217 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 electronics offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
Contact: Joe Hirschmugl, 616-791-3943, joseph.hirschmugl@meijer.com
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