What shoppers can expect at a new southwestern Illinois Meijer grocery store

Walmart, Schnucks, Shop ’n Save, Dierbergs, Aldi— and now Meijer.

With so many grocery store options in the metro-east, what will set your newest choice apart?

Here’s what to expect from shopping in a Meijer superstore, which plans to open in Glen Carbon:

What is it like in a Meijer store?

Meijer describes itself as a supercenter pioneer, opening its first supercenter in 1964 — 26 years before Walmart. Meijer stores average between 150,000 and 250,000 square feet and stock more than 220,000 items.

In a Meijer store, you’ll find fresh produce and meat, apparel, pet supplies, toys and electronics, as well as a garden center and pharmacy.

Meijer states on its website that it gets its produce from over 250 local farmers in the Midwest and that its meat and seafood are delivered fresh six days a week.

In the pet supply department, Meijer stocks more than 500 varieties of dog and cat treats, according to the website.

Clothing and shoe brands at Meijer include Adidas, Skechers and Carhartt.

Where are Meijer stores?

Meijer stores are located in six Midwestern states: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Michigan. Right now, the closest store to the St. Louis region is in Springfield.

The Glen Carbon expansion is planned at the 52-acre commercial district called Orchard Town Center. That development is at the former site of the Foucek tree farm on the southeast corner of the Plum Street and Governors’ Parkway intersection.

Meijer spokesman Frank Guglielmi confirmed the company has a contract with the developer who purchased the land in Glen Carbon, the Staenberg Group, but declined to comment further in the early stages of the process. Meijer still needs the village’s approval before it can start building.

Tim Lowe, senior vice president of leasing and development at the Staenberg Group, said Meijer is supposed to have its first meeting with Glen Carbon officials later this month.

What do customers say about Meijer?

Online customer reviews mention the wide variety of items stocked at Meijer stores.

“Usually good quality vegetables and meats, huge selection,” a reviewer said.

“Went in for eggs, came out with shoes and fruits,” another wrote.

As far as how it compares to other stores, one reviewer described Meijer as having “Walmart selection with Kroger and Target quality.”

This story was originally published May 12, 2022 at 2:58 PM.