At 102,000 square feet, the store is still much larger than most of the [image-nocss] new breed of smaller-format grocery/convenience stores such as Trader Joe's and Tesco's Fresh & Easy at about 10,000 square feet, Wal-Mart's Marketside at about 15,000 square feet and Jewel-Osco's Urban Fresh at about 16,000 square feet.
"Not only does this store represent a new approach to the way we go to market, it also reinforces our commitment to invest and grow in Chicagoland," said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO of the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.
"For several years, we have worked hard throughout the Midwest to offer specific grocery items that are relevant to the unique customer base in the communities we service," said Meijer president Mark Murray. "The Niles community is represented by a variety of cultures, and we are thrilled to be able to serve them."
Construction of the Niles Meijer, which will begin in the coming weeks, includes a full renovation of a currently vacant retail site. The opening of the Niles Meijer will create up to 150 new jobs inside the store.
Meijer operates 189 supercenters throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.
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