GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Down with the superstore—the era of convenience stores has begun! This year, a wave of retailers announced plans to design, debut, and open smaller format stores that cater to on-the-go consumers. Meijer is the latest retailer to unveil its own convenience store format, with a new 5,500-square-foot location slated to open adjacent to the retailer’s Grand Rapids-based headquarters August 28.

“We are proud to continue to roll out what we see as the future of convenience for our gas station patrons,” said Adam Whitney, Vice President of Gas Stations and Convenience Stores. “We believe our customers will appreciate the ease and accessibility that the new design offers and the expanded assortment of freshly-made options that reflects their desire for healthier snacks.”

Meijer’s new convenience store will offer fresh produce, protein-based snacks, organic items, and grab-and-go meals, including freshly-made sushi, hand-crafted pizzas, chicken tenders, and locally-prepared doughnuts. Along with a large seating area with free Wi-Fi and phone-charging stations, the convenience store also includes a self-serve coffee station, fountain bar, and a beer cave.

As part of the convenience store design, a full-service Starbucks will operate in conjunction with the store’s gas station—a first of this design for Meijer, according to a press release.

Will Meijer’s hot take on fresh, organic, and healthy convenience topple competitors’ own designs? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Meijer