Meijer Marks 75th Anniversary; Continues to Innovate, Expand

From a small storefront in Greenville, Mich., supercenter pioneer Meijer, Inc. has evolved into a regional retailing powerhouse that’s currently celebrating its 75th anniversary by rewarding its customers and team members with a number of events, promotions, and contests scheduled throughout the summer.

“This is an impressive milestone for any company; but for Meijer, it’s proof that innovation and an intense focus on our customers’ wants and needs are the foundation for our longevity and success,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman/CEO of the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based chain, and grandson of the founder.

Meijer president Mark Murray concurred: “In our business, you don’t make it to 75 years without having a consumer-centric focus. We have always put the customer first, and that’s why our 75th anniversary isn’t so much about us, as it is about rewarding our loyal customers.”

To that end, Meijer will give shoppers in all of its 189 supercenters the chance to win trips and cash prizes, meet with celebrities, and receive discount coupons. The family-held retailer will kick off its summertime celebrations June 27 with a festive 75th Anniversary Block Party featuring kids’ activities, food and prize giveaways, contests and entertainment. A few days later, the retailer will launch its “Anniversary Bucks” program, in which shoppers will receive discount coupons valued from $3 to $20 to be used toward the purchase of any one general merchandise item.

Through July 4, shoppers can also take advantage of Meijer’s Anniversary Bonus Program, which awards a 5 percent discount coupon for every general merchandise purchase of $75 or more. In addition, Meijer is teaming up with Hewlett-Packard to create the “It’s In The Bag” photo contest, which enables consumers to send in their digital photos of a Meijer shopping bag prominently visible at a unique or far-flung location. Grand prize is a trip to the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Over the next few months, Meijer will also conduct exciting contests and sweepstakes for customers, including the “75th anniversary Best of the Midwest” sweepstakes, which will award a number of prize vacations to famed Midwest locations and events. Additionally, local sports stars and celebrities will be making appearances at local Meijer stores in select markets throughout the summer.

For its nearly 60,000 team members, Meijer’s diamond anniversary includes such events as a cake-decorating contest (with the winner traveling to New York to attend the Fancy Food Show), a “Heart of Meijer” essay contest and various team picnics held throughout the summer.
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