Michigan Meijer Stores Considering Return To ‘Open 24 Hours’?

It's hard to believe it's been nearly five years since we've been able to stroll into a Michigan Meijer store at 2:43 a.m. for some day-old donuts, a gallon of milk, a new spatula, and a leaf blower. Whatever you were shopping for at that time had to have either been A. important or B. because you don't like dealing with other people.

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Will there ever be a time when our late-night cravings for WD40, cat litter, and a new Kuerig can once again be satisfied at a Meijer that's open 24 hours a day, 364 days a year? Is a shift in schedule part of the Walker, Michigan-based supercenter's growth strategy?

Meijer Supercenters Growth Strategy

According to a spokesperson for Meijer who spoke with Crains Business Grand Rapids, the retail giant isn't looking to the past for growth. In fact, Meijer is planning on opening more smaller locations, similar to Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids and Lansing's Capitol City Market.

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The spokesperson also stated that Meijer continues to expand its delivery and pick-up services and credits customers with enjoying the convenience of pulling into the parking lot and opening their trunks.

Will Meijer Return to a 24-Hour / 364-Day-a-Year Schedule?

For those who hope to someday return to Meijer at 4:21 a.m. to satisfy their Hot Pocket, chicken salad, laundry detergent, and toothpick cravings, don't hold your breath. Despite the recent outcry for it, as covered in the US Sun, the spokesperson claimed they were "uncertain" about whether they would consider returning to the 24-hour-a-day format, closing only for Christmas. Honestly, why would they?

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Since Meijer began closing its stores overnight in 2020 for cleaning and restocking, a lot has changed. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were still baggers, cashiers, and team members to keep carts from smacking your car. Now, they have YOU for that. At least Sandy's still a penny.