August 25, 2011 Grand Rapids, MI based Meijer Inc. is planning to open a smaller version of Meijer Superstores called Meijer Marketplace. Meijer Marketplace is geared toward highly populated urban communities (localization), the 1st being in Chicago, Illinois. The smaller marketplace which will be about half the size at 96,000 sq. ft. and will still have all the departments as the superstores just on a smaller scale. If the project goes well they will consider expanding across the county into other urban markets including Michigan.
I am glad to hear large companies are starting to grow and looking to urban markets as the gateway, giving urban areas a chance. I say this because many inner city residents drive to the suburbs to pay their hard earned money to places like, Meijer, Wal-Mart etc. Why not build closer to the people who are supporting your establishment. I know it's not super simple to just build a 100, 000 sq. ft building but making the moves to take the idea past "just talks" is awesome. All the Meijer Marketplaces will not be the same. The Chicago location will have a focus on Hispanic and Italian foods because they have a large population in the area. Meijer has a goal to cater to the community that they are serving. AWESOME
I will definitely be following the progress of the Meijer Marketplace in Chigaco, Illinois because in a couple of years we will be going through the same commercial growth with Whole Foods. I will most certainly have my eyes peeled on the local residential market as these stores move in looking for answers to questions like, will home values increase or stay the same? Will the home owner/ renter population increase? What other large store chains will follow?
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