Meijer Seeks Out More Diverse-Owned Brands, Service Suppliers

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer is expanding its third Supplier Diversity event to include diverse-owned service providers as well as retail-ready products for its shelves. The March 29-31 event will showcase these products for interested Meijer buyers and procurement teams.

“Our supplier diversity efforts reach beyond just the brands customers see on our shelves," said Meijer EVP of Merchandising and Marketing Peter Whitsett. "We aim to support diverse-owned businesses throughout our stores, from the products we offer to the signage we hang and the services that keep the stores running. That's why we're excited to include a broad range of business categories in this event."

Diverse-owned brands with merchandise in beauty and personal care, over-the-counter and wellness, general merchandise and grocery categories can apply for the event on RangeMe's website.

The retailer is also accepting submissions from diverse-owned business service providers offering inbound transportation carriers, construction and facility maintenance, business services, supplies, packaging, MRO and signage, environmental, real estate and new site services, as well as store fixtures, manufacturing and warehousing equipment.

Certified minority-, LGBTQ-, woman-, veteran- and disability-owned businesses with products or services in the listed categories can apply on the Meijer website by Feb. 7 for consideration.

"As we continue on our supplier diversity journey, we're pleased to grow this event to be inclusive of all the kinds of businesses we partner with in our stores," said Group VP of Indirect Procurement and Supplier Diversity Jamie Akemann in a statement.