Meijer Prepares for WI Entry

[Sherman A1]

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.

http://www.progressivegrocer.com/top-stories/headlines/industry-intelligence/id36577/meijer-prepares-for-wi-entry/

[madrchsod]

1. meijer`s is a upscale walmart.

walmart,target,and meijer are all about the same. imported goods from south east asia, central america ,and domestic and imported food.

[catbyte]

5. It's the only place I can get Diet Ginger Ale Faygo

The only pop I drink.

[FrodosPet]

11. They are a bit more expensive than Wally World

But I do believe that, unlike Walmart, they are a union store.

[myrna minx]

2. They'll have to compete with the employee owned Woodman's, which is an institution in WI.

[Sherman A1]

3. Went to a Woodman's in Rockford, Il

very impressive store.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

6. It's an instituion with only 11 locations in Wisconsin

That not much competition. Other chains (including Wal-Mart) are far more formidable.

[LTR]

8. Their approach is to build massive supercenters

As I stated in my longer post, they take their time expanding, as they like to build new stores using cash, and also like to devote energy to new locations. That translates to about 1-2 new stores per year, but those stores are massive and do tons of business covering a large area. They're building a new store in West Milwaukee now.

All in all, I just like having more options than the dreaded Pick N' Save. And did I mention a new Trader Joes is opening on Blue Mound on the Wauwatosa/Brookfield border?

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

9. Oh yes...

I live just a couple of miles away from the new Trader Joes, and we were all getting pretty tired of driving to Bayshore. Also looking forward to the new Woodman's that's just a couple of miles the other direction. Joe's is opening in the next few weeks (days?) while the Woodman's will be next year.

[LTR]

4. Suddenly, there's a lot of grocery competition in SE Wisconsin

A few years ago, Kohl's Foods shut down completely. And Jewel pulled out of the market completely. Pick n' Save swooped in and grabbed the best Kohl's and Jewel locations, leaving Sentry with the scraps (though the small, upscale Sendiks chain grabbed a few). For several years, Pick n' Save enjoyed a near monopoly and also let their overall quality tank. There was a serious opening for competition.

Woodman's started expanding into the area a few years ago, but they build about a store a year, as they refuse to take on debt. Piggly Wiggly came storming back into the market, though they've mostly been pushing out the dying Sentry chain. And just this year, Wal-Mart began expanding their grocery locations by building new superstores and stand-alone grocery stores. Some other chains are slowly creeping in, such as the impressive Cermak's. And a new Meijer is going to be built near my house.

I like seeing the new competition, as it makes everyone work to be better. Pick n' Save has been abusing and insulting its customers for years. The stores are mostly bland, and the employees don't give a shit. Sentry just seemed to give up. Sendiks is known for its high quality and interesting offerings. Piggly Wiggly produce won't rot on two days like Pick n' Save's does. Woodman's is incredible - it's huge, has a great selection at amazing prices and has outstanding employees. Wal-Mart is Wal-Mart, and the best thing they've done is to scare the crap out of Pick n' Save. I'm impressed with Cermak's, and know that if they had more locations, they could rule the market. I'm looking forward to Meijer, as I've heard good things.

Meanwhile, Pick n' Save and Chairman Bob can go pound sand.

[KharmaTrain]

7. We've Had Meijer Here...

...south of the Cheddar curtain for over a decade and it's a very good alternative to Wally World. The competition is definitely a good thing and their prices and selection are very good. Also...this helps create new jobs in the Kenosha area...not a bad thing. Now get rid of that scary congresscritter and things will get even better...

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

10. Before I was Jeff in Milwaukee

I was Jeff in Cincinnati. I went from being represented in Congress by Steve Chabot to being represented in Congress by Jim Sensenbrenner. I'm currently working on an assignment in Illinois where the Congressional Representative is Joe Walsh.

It would appear that I'm an Asshat Magnet (tm).

[KharmaTrain]

12. Welcome To The "Hood"...

I'm also in the 8th...and hopefully next week we'll celebrate the end of Walsh's political career. I'm sure you've learned a little of the history out here...how we've gone from crimson red (Phil Crane) to purple/blue. Walsh slipped by cause Melissa Bean's blue dog games cost her the votes to beat him. This time its a new district, new candidate and new story. Good luck next week!

Cheers...

[Vidar]

13. With the exception of a single store, Meijer's is unionized.

[Sherman A1]

14. Precisely

That is a very important point in this whole mix of things......