‘Extra Special’ Very Merry Meijer Filled With More Surprises

Recognizing how difficult this year has been for its shoppers as the pandemic that began in March continues into the New Year, Meijer expanded its annual Very Merry Meijer tradition of surprising customers with a $1,000 shopping spree by also giving 1,300 additional guests $100 gift cards.

"We recognize that many holiday traditions may look different this year, which is why we believe it was more important than ever to uphold our Very Merry Meijer tradition," Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said in a release. "Each year we look forward to spreading holiday cheer and showing our customers and team members our appreciation through this event, and 2020 was no exception."

On Dec. 5, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer surprised an unsuspecting customer in each of its 256 supercenters and stores across the Midwest with the $1,000 shopping spree, as well as five additional people with a $100 gift card. And it wasn't just the customers who were surprised. Each store also gave two Meijer team members a $100 Meijer gift card to thank them for their efforts.

"This is the largest Very Merry Meijer event we've ever had," Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. "The communities we serve have faced a very challenging year, so we wanted to do something extra special to help bring joy to our customers this holiday season."

One such customer was Emma Meara who walked the aisles their Fruitport, Mich., Meijer with her husband, Jeremy, and 2-year-old daughter Aria. In addition to the challenges of 2020, Aria had recently undergone eye surgery. After watching them carefully peruse the toy aisle, Meijer Board Member Doug Meijer surprised the young family with a $1,000 gift card. Emma Meara immediately burst into tears. "I have heard about stuff like this happening to people, but I never thought it would happen to us," she said. "[It] makes me believe that there are still good people in the world."

In the seven Very Merry Meijer events held since 2014, Meijer has gifted 3,000 customers with toys, clothes, electronics, groceries and small appliances.