Meijer Seeking 2K Hyperlocal Products for Small Format Store

Meijer is searching for hyperlocal products to fill the shelves of its fourth small format store, Rivertown Market.

Construction is currently underway on the 42,000-square-foot standalone neighborhood market in the East Jefferson Corridor in Detroit, MI. Rivertown Market is a new neighborhood grocery store operated by Meijer that focuses on bringing fresh food and value to customers in a market-like setting.

Expected to open later this year, store manager Marcus Reliford set a goal of 2,000 local products and is inviting local businesses to submit their offerings for consideration here.

“We want to help local businesses succeed,” said Reliford, a Detroit native who joined Meijer in September 2020 to lead its first Detroit small format store, which will be located in the city’s East Jefferson Corridor. “We want to showcase all Detroit has to offer and believe Rivertown Market is place to do it.”

Much like the retailer’s three other small format stores – Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids, Woodward Corner Market in Royal Oak, and Capital City Market in Lansing – Rivertown Market will focus on offering customers a unique shopping experience and feature a vast assortment of fresh food; artisan groceries; and Meijer and national brand products.

Meijer will leverage its ongoing partnership with RangeMe, an ECRM company and online product sourcing platform, to manage all Rivertown Market’s product submissions by qualifying and connecting suppliers with the appropriate buyers. Reliford and his team will review products weekly to determine if they should be added to the store’s assortment.

“Our small format stores have always had the autonomy to stock the local products that fit their communities’ needs,” said Justin Stricklen, director of Market Format Stores for Meijer. “This is the first time we’ve put out a call for those vendors to raise their hands and showcase their offerings. We believe there is a lot of potential out there, and we’re excited to begin building those lasting partnerships to benefit our customers.”