Meijer Expands West: The Michigan Retail Giant Heads to the St. Louis Area

From the humble Thrifty Acres in Grand Rapids to regional retail super behemoth, Meijer is an integral part of life for many in Michigan. That influence has spread. It's comforting to many from Michigan who travel around the region to find a Meijer on their route.

News reports say Meijer is set to enter a market they've never been before: St. Louis.

The chain plans to open a location on the Illinois side of the St. Louis area, a region known as Metro East. Meijer plans to open its first St. Louis area store in the Illinois suburb of O'Fallon according to KSDK which sourced its story from the St. Louis Business Journal.

The Midwest's Retail Footprint: Meijer's Expanding Influence

Many St. Louis area residents who were either Michigan natives or have ties to the region were quick to share with those unfamiliar their joy in shopping at Meijer.

I am from the Grand Rapids area and grew up with Meijer. It’s a one stop shop. Super employer.

I grew up in Grand Rapids Michigan and only shopped at Meijer. When I moved to the St Louis area I thought it was so bizarre that grocery stores only had groceries!

I grew up with Meijer as it’s a Michigan based store and boy do i miss it! I drive 90 minutes to another state a few times a year to their store and stock up

Charting the Extremes: Where Meijer Stores Stand Geographically

A St. Louis area Meijer would appear to be the westernmost Meijer. That crown is currently held by a store in Springfield, Illinois, northeast on Interstate 55 from the planned one in Metro East.

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Nor would the location be the furthest south. That would appear to be a location in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

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A bit of irony about Meijer coming to St. Louis? The chain is opening in St. Louis, Missouri before it puts a store in St. Louis, Michigan. Residents of the city famously in the Middle of the Mitten, need to head to neighboring Alma to shop at Meijer.