GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Meijer’s virtual “Roadmap to Retail” series will be taking place November 7–8 next month. For Military Family Appreciation Month, the retailer is hosting an event to offer veteran-owned businesses nationwide the opportunity to showcase their products and services for consideration on store shelves.

“Supporting veteran-owned businesses isn’t just about honoring their service; it’s about harnessing the incredible potential they bring to the business world,” said Todd Weer, Senior Vice President of Stores and Executive Sponsor of mVets at Meijer. “Veterans are equipped with a unique set of skills, including adaptability, teamwork, and unwavering determination. By supporting these businesses, we not only salute their sacrifice but also unlock innovation and opportunity that can benefit us all.”

Led by the Meijer Supplier Inclusion team, in partnership with mVets, the Meijer Team Member Resource Group (TMRG) for veterans, active military members, and their families, the retailer invites veteran-owned businesses to participate in the event.

As noted in the release, the event will focus on a discussion addressing various forms of doing business with Meijer and is intended for any business that is not a current Meijer vendor. Meijer aims to build relationships with veteran-owned suppliers to expand its veteran-owned product offerings in categories storewide. Once applications for the event are submitted, the Supplier Inclusion team will invite vendors to join the virtual Roadmap to Retail Webinar by tomorrow, October 27.

This is the retailer’s latest supplier diversity effort to ensure its products best represent its customer base. Meijer began focusing on supplier diversity in 2020 as part of its DEI journey.

“The Meijer supplier inclusion program has grown tremendously this year, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see these small, yet mighty, vendors thrive and expand their products across our six-state footprint,” said Carla Hendon, Director of Supplier Inclusion at Meijer. “Supporting diverse businesses aligns with our values, as it not only empowers these entrepreneurs on their own journeys but also enriches our communities.”

The retailer’s strong commitment to veterans, active military members, and their families is demonstrated by support for team members and ongoing partnerships with veterans’ groups and veteran-affiliated charitable organizations across the retailer’s Midwest footprint.

To learn more, click here.

Keep reading ANUK for more unique events like this one.

Meijer