New Details Emerge on Meijer’s Small-Format Store in Detroit

Meijer has revealed new details of its forthcoming Rivertown Market small-format store, which is set to open later this year in Detroit’s East Jefferson Corridor and have a pedestrian-friendly design with outdoor fresh produce and floral areas.

The design of the 42,000-square-foot store—and Meijer’s forth small-format concept—also includes 23-foot ceilings with open air elements and three garage-style doors, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer said in a release.

Inside the neighborhood grocery store, customers will find an expansive 4,700-square-foot produce department with a 52-foot wet wall; an extensive alcohol assortment, featuring a 24-foot wide by 14-foot tall liquor wall with rolling ladder; basic cleaning items and health and beauty care products from local, black women-owned businesses; and fresh and prepared foods, including bakery items, fresh meat and deli offerings.

Additionally, the store will feature a Mudgie’s Deli, the second location for the Detroit-based establishment, and a Great Lakes Coffee coffee shop that specializes in nitro brews and low/medium roasts.

Local will also be a major focus of the store: Meijer, which previously announced it was searching for 2,000 hyperlocal products to fill its shelves upon opening, said it has received more than 1,000 submissions so far for consideration.

Some of the local, artisan products customers can expect include Pietrzyk Pierogi, Ma Cohens and Cyntsational Popcorn.

Meijer also announced that Detroit native Marcus Reliford, who joined Meijer in September 2020 with 15 years of retail experience under his belt, will lead Rivertown Market. Reliford worked his way up from various hourly roles to store manager at retailers in Georgia and Michigan.

Marcus Reliford; Photograph courtesy of Meijer

“I grew up on the west side of Detroit as a kid, and came back recently to help give back and contribute to my community and city,” said Reliford, who lives three blocks from Rivertown Market. “This is our first store in downtown Detroit. There’s no one who wanted this job more than me. It feels good to be home.”

Meijer’s other three small-format stores—in Michigan—include Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids, Woodward Corner Market in Royal Oak and Capital City Market in Lansing.

The Rivertown Market location will reportedly bring about 60 jobs to the area.