Meijer Prepares for WI Entry

Meijer Inc. is acquiring a distribution center in southeastern Wisconsin, as the Michigan-based superstore chain prepares to open its first stores in the Dairy State.

Meijer has struck a deal with Supervalu to purchase, for an undisclosed sum, a 580,000-square-foot distribution complex in Pleasant Prairie, Wis., just north of the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, MLive.com has reported. Meijer has signed agreements for five Wisconsin sites.

Supervalu reportedly will continue to operate the distribution center into early 2013. Meijer does not have immediate plans to operate or staff the facility, but the retailer plans to upgrade the two-decade-old complex.

Meijer operates 199 stores in Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.