Dear Michigan: Please Stop Adding This to Store Names

We have a lot to be proud of in our fine state. We've got an incredible work ethic, pride in our communities, and a desire to preserve Michigan's natural resources. As wonderful as all of that is, we do something to the English language that should be considered a crime.

For reasons that I can only imagine, Michigan residents feel the need to add a letter to the end of nearly every store's name. As you are well aware, that letter is "S."

If You Didn't Go to More Than 1, It's Just 'Meijer'

"I'm going to Meijers, need anything?" Why? "Aldis doesn't have bags." Stop! "Is Krogers open?" Please rip my ears off; I can't take it anymore!

Unless you plan on traveling to multiple Meijer stores, the question is, "Do you need anything from Meijer?" No "s" needed, wanted, or called for.

Why Do We Add an "S" to Store Names?

Other than seeing phantom "s"'s, I think the reason we do it may be, and Hendrick, I'm sorry to say this, partially Meijer's fault (that's a possessive "s" by the way). Meijer wasn't always the grocery giant's first and last name.

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The first store was dubbed Thrifty Acres, with others referred to as Meijer's Thrifty Acres. The 'Thrifty Acres' was dropped in the mid-80s, but the "s" has lingered, though no longer possessive in nature, it now stands as the cringe-worthy end that isn't limited to Meijer. As a result, this may be why people feel the need to go to Krogers, Aldis, and (gulp) Walmarts. Please stop. Read the signs. Please.