60 years ago, Meijer, Inc. opened its first supercenter called “Thrifty Acres” in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The location built on Meijer’s general merchandise department store with 25 departments by adding a supermarket, café, pharmacy, and other services. “The opening of “Thrifty Acres” in June 1962, was history in the making, although I’m not sure our dad and grandfather realized it at the time,” said Meijer Executive Chairman Hank Meijer.
Today, the Grand rapids based retailer operates 266 supercenters and supermarkets throughout the Midwest including Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
Meijer’s has been committed to philanthropy over the years with their “Simply Give” program that has generated more than $69 million since 2008 to help midwestern food panties. Additionally, the Meijer “Team Gives Program” gives store and distribution facility team members the opportunity to select the nonprofits the retailer supports based on their local ties. Meijer is also a leader in environmental advances with their cooling systems and truck fleets.