Meijer celebrates new store in Macomb Township with local brands, charitable giving

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Macomb residents will have a new store to shop at on Jan. 26, as Meijer opens up its new grocery-focused concept at 24 Mile and Hayes roads.

Dubbed Meijer Grocery and opening alongside a similar store in Lake Orion, the new concept aims to provide shoppers with a convenient experience focusing on everyday essentials.

“For this location, we still offer the value and convenience of a supercenter on a smaller footprint,” Cindy Griggs, Macomb Meijer store director, said. “The convenience of one entrance with all your grocery needs is really what sets us apart.”

The format falls in between Meijer’s existing concepts, which are the full-size supercenters that compete with brands like Walmart and Target, offering a wide variety of grocery and other goods, and the smaller “market” concept that brings fresh foods to areas where size is at a premium. “Market” stores can be found on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit and at the “Woodward Corners” development between Woodward Avenue and 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak.

Meijer Grocery’s model upscales the food-focused “market” concept and adds other amenities like a pharmacy, full-service deli and butcher departments, as well as non-food items like health products and pet goods. This approach for Meijer finds it in a similar supermarket space alongside names like Kroger, though the new stores bring some new brands to the table to set themselves apart.

Troy-based Crispelli’s Bakery is bringing its breads to market at Meijer, while Rinaldi Sausage is excited to supply the stores with fresh meat made only miles away in Shelby Township.

“It’s exciting,” Nick Perrone, owner and president of Rinaldi Sausage, said about selling food to local shoppers. “Someone just mentioned that they have our stuff for holidays, and that’s always been humbling and an honor. It’s a really good feeling to know that you have an impact in this community.”

Other Michigan brands shoppers can expect at Meijer Grocery include Dearborn Brand meats, Buddy’s Pizza, Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Achatz Handmade Pie Co. and The Brinery pickled goods.

Meijer marked the debut of its new concepts with a series of charitable donations. The Macomb location donated $10,000 to the Macomb Charitable Foundation, and the Lake Orion location donated the same amount to Woodside Bible Church’s food pantry.

State Rep. Doug Wozniak, R-Shelby Township, presented Meijer with a special tribute commemorating the store’s opening.