Meijer opens grocery concept store

Meijer introduces its new grocery concept store in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The company announced the opening of Bridge Street Market on the corner of Bridge St. and Seward Ave., The neighborhood grocery store, which is owned by Meijer, is a first of its kind in the region, according to Store Manager Ken Bair.

"We are very excited to debut our new, local grocery store with the community," Bair said. "Bridge Street Market is unique, and while it's smaller than a traditional Meijer, we've worked diligently to ensure we have the best products on our shelves to meet the community's needs."

According to Meijer, the 37,000-square-foot store offers a unique shopping experience, featuring a full assortment of fresh and prepared foods, including bakery items, fresh meat and deli offerings; an estimated 2,000 local, artisan groceries; and Meijer and national brand products. The new concept store hosts a Mayan Buzz Café coffee shop, a beer, wine and liquor counter and basic cleaning, health and beauty care products.

The market's first day of business featured a ribbon-cutting event with comments from Bair, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Guillermo Cisneros and Meijer leadership. The market also demonstrated its commitment to the community by awarding $5,000 donations to five community organizations: Other Way Ministries, West Side Collaborative, Steepletown Neighborhood Services, Oasis of Hope and the West Grand Neighborhood Association.

"We are excited about what Bridge Street Market means for the community, this West Side development and for Meijer," Meijer President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Keyes said. "This is new territory for us, but we believe this is not only a smart business move and addresses the need for new ways to serve our changing customers, but it also positively impacts our community."