GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - Meijer has opened five 159,000-square-foot supercenter stores across the Midwest. The stores are in Manitowoc, Wis., Sycamore, Ill., Bad Axe, Mich., and Brimfield and Lorain, Ohio. 

"These new stores reinforce our ongoing commitment to serving the needs of communities at a time when everyone is looking for a one-stop shopping experience," said Rick Keyes, president and chief executive officer of Meijer. "We look forward to providing our customers with fresh options and innovative ways to shop so they can get the items they need while keeping their families safe." 

The supercenters offer over 600 varieties of farm-fresh produce, 150 USDA-certified organic items, and a full-service meat department. The new Meijer stores also offer a pharmacy and general merchandise items more often found in specialty stores, including women's apparel, beauty care, an expansive baby department and a pet department that offers 200 pet toys, 500 varieties of treats for dogs and cats and premium pet foods. 

The new stores are currently operating under adjusted hours and maintaining strict coronavirus safety measures. Inside stores, safety decals will be visible on the floor where customers typically gather, and protective plexiglass shields are at every checkout station. Additionally, team members receive daily health screenings and temperature checks, and are recommended to wear masks. Customers are requested to wear face coverings consistent with applicable state or local guidelines. 

The retailer anticipates its digital solutions will be popular at the new stores. The company's usage of Shop & Scan allows customers to scan barcodes via a mobile app and bag items as they shop to make checkout easier. The new stores will also offer home delivery and pickup services. 

"Throughout the past few months, our Meijer team members have worked diligently to prepare these new stores amid unprecedented challenges, and for that we are all proud and inspired," Keyes said. "Our store teams are ready to keep our stores stocked and provide the cleanest shopping environment possible as we work together in the new communities that have welcomed us."