Meijer’s “Made in Michigan” Initiative Focuses on Small/Local Business Products

Meijer operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores through Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. The brand has been a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” experience, and has evolved through the years to include meat, produce and pharmacies in their shops.

Meijer started an initiative in January of 2012 to focus on products and businesses made in Michigan and based on customer support and sales, they’ll be expanding the program to the whole state.

“The response we received from our customers last year about this initiative was overwhelming, which is why we decided to further invest and expand this selection into all our Michigan stores,” said Meijer Co-Chairman Doug Meijer. “Meijer is committed to supporting Michigan businesses, and the Made in Michigan initiative is a great opportunity to highlight some fantastic small businesses throughout the state.”

The initial “Made in Michigan” product lineup consisted of 49 grocery items, including marinara sauce, blueberry butter, and gluten free baking mixes. Meijer says these products made an impact of $400,000 statewide. The chain’s expansion plan for the initiative includes making the products more prominent and visible inside of all 102 Meijer stores in Michigan. The store hopes the expanded product lineup which includes barbeque sauces, cherry butter, salsas, guacamole and kettle chips will generate an estimated economic total of $900,000.

“It’s been a fantastic opportunity for all Michigan businesses to have this local section at Meijer; many of them see amazing results,” Matt Birbeck, High Impact Venture Action Team project manager said. “Now that it’s in every Michigan Meijer store, everybody gets to see and taste the diversity of this great state.”

Source: Meijer