Meijer makes its debut in 'cheesehead territory'

MILWAUKEE, - Meijer on Tuesday officially opened its first two Wisconsin supercenters. 

 

Initially announced last month, the 192,000-square-foot stores in Grafton and Kenosha feature new pharmacies witgh drive-thru pick up and the Meijer free prescription program. Since its inception in 2006, the program has filled nearly 26 million free prescriptions, saving Meijer customers more than $376 million. 

 

"It's been nearly 20 years since we've chosen to enter a new state, so we are grateful for the enthusiastic response we've received as we've built these first stores,"  stated Meijer president J.K. Symancyk. "We are serious about our commitment to Wisconsin and plan to add two to three new stores per year through 2019."

 

In August, Meijer will open two additional stores in Wauwatosa and Oak Creek. The retailer has plans for continued growth in Wisconsin.

 

"We are proud to open our doors on this first historic day in Wisconsin," Meijer co-chairman Hank Meijer said. "Since announcing our intention more than two years ago, we've done our best to understand the Wisconsin market and truly become a part of the community. We think our neighbors in southeastern Wisconsin will be really pleased with the fresh options they can experience beginning today."

 

Opening celebrations began with a ribbon-cutting event at each store, followed by remarks from Meijer leadership and local officials. The stores demonstrated their commitment to the community by making donations to two local organizations.

 

In Kenosha, Meijer donated $25,000 to Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha to revamp and reopen its "Kids in the Kitchen" program, which teaches youth members about healthy eating habits, as well as how to prepare and cook fresh meals and snacks for their families. In Grafton, Meijer donated $25,000 to the Village of Grafton to install five new informational kiosks and new pavilion as part of the community's Riverwalk.

 

Meijer now operates 219 stores in six states and employs more than 65,000 team members throughout the Midwest.