Meijer introduces new store format in Chicago suburb

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Meijer is focusing on innovation with the opening of a new, smaller format, grocery-focused store in Niles, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.

The new Meijer in Niles, which opens after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, is about half the size of most Meijer supercenters at 102,000 sq. ft.  The store is grocery- and pharmacy-focused, while still providing some general merchandise offerings. The Niles Meijer will be the 12th Meijer store in suburban Chicago.

The new store will feature many grocery items geared toward the diverse community that surrounds it.

"For several years, we have worked hard throughout the Midwest to offer specific grocery items that are relevant to the unique customer base in the communities we service," Meijer president Mark Murray said. "The Niles community is represented by a variety of cultures, and we are thrilled to be able to serve such a diverse community."

Meijer also announced plans to expand this new concept in the Chicago area by building a second grocery-focused store in Orland Park, Ill. Construction of the planned store will begin in the coming weeks and includes a full renovation of a currently vacant retail site. The opening of the Orland Park Meijer is currently planned for later this year and will create up to 150 new jobs inside the store.