Meijer continues its investment in Detroit with the grand opening of its 200,000-square-foot supercenter on the city’s northwest side. Built on the site of the former Redford High School, the new Meijer will provide the residents of Old Redford, Brightmoor, and surrounding communities “the opportunity to walk – rather than drive – to get fresh groceries” Meijer officials say.
On hand at the official-ribbon-cutting ceremony were Meijer Co-Chairman Doug Meijer, Meijer President J.K. Symancyk, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, and a number of other local and state elected officials.
“We always work hard to find locations that will best serve communities, so we are proud that this neighborhood store will provide our new neighbors a fresh grocery option,” Meijer said. “We’re very excited to offer a one-stop shopping experience and do our part in helping this neighborhood continue to grow and thrive.”
The new Detroit Meijer, at the intersection of Grand River and McNichols Ave., creates more than 300 jobs and demonstrates a commitment to community that has guided the family-owned retailer through the years.
When Store Director Jay Mahabir was asked about whether he had a unique challenge in serving this community, he said he wouldn’t call it a ‘unique challenge.’
“I’m born and raised in Detroit; it’s not about it being a challenge; it’s really about us raising the standard so we can give this community what they really need,” he said. “It isn’t a challenge for us, it’s more of setting a commitment level to move Detroit forward, not just Meijer.”
Mahabir said that his store’s commitment is about making sure that they deliver high quality standards and service, and being able to employ everyone they hired on the team.
“We employed 325 people; 70 percent of them came from right here in this community,” Mahabir said. “To me, that’s our commitment. Our commitment is about everybody moving forward.”
During the ribbon-cutting-ceremony Mahabir awarded six organizations with awarded with checks totaling $55,000. Fellowship Chapel, Gompers Elementary, Murphy Elementary and Christ the King were all awarded $5,000; Forgotten Harvest $10,000 and Old Redford Academy $25,000, for their commitment to the community.
The opening of the supercenter comes about two years after Meijer opened its first Detroit store at 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue in the Gateway Marketplace.
“The opening of a second Meijer store in Detroit is the latest example of our ability to attract new investment in our neighborhoods,” said Duggan. “Having two Meijer stores to serve as retail anchors is filling an important need in our city and creating significant job opportunities for Detroit residents as well.”
“Were truly excited to be apart of the neighborhood with so much history, pride, and so many great people who have lived their whole lives in the city,” said Symancyk. “We’re ecstatic to provide the kind of healthy options to this community. Our experience with the store at Eight Mile and Woodward really helped us to realize and learn that Old Redford and Brightmoor are going to love shopping here, getting everything from your family gatherings to planning for the meal to taking care of your health care needs.”
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