GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Back in August, Meijer announced that it would open a new, smaller format store called Woodward Corner Market. Set to open in Royal Oak, Michigan, the new format was touted as having a focus on fresh, local, and convenient foods. The company recently made an update to that report, claiming that the new store has officially opened, measuring up to its rumored 41,000 square feet.

"At Meijer, we are committed to being a good neighbor," Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said. "We are excited to join the innovative Woodward Corners by Beaumont commercial development and share our newest fresh market with the community."

According to a press release, this is the first small format store opened by Meijer in the Metro Detroit area. In addition to a fresher focus on food, the new store will only offer sustainable bag alternatives that are made to be reused up to 125 times.

"We've been looking forward to offering our new, local grocery store for quite some time," Store Manager Natalie Rubino said. "Woodward Corner Market is unique, and our team has been hard at work to ensure we have the best products on our shelves to meet the community's needs."

The market's first day of business featured a ribbon-cutting event with comments from Rubino, Meijer, Royal Oak City Commissioner Patricia Paruch, and Beaumont Health Chief Operating Officer Carolyn Wilson. The market also demonstrated its commitment to the community by awarding $5,000 donations to three community organizations: Yad Ezra, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and the Royal Oak Youth Assistance.

The store offers a wide assortment of fresh and prepared foods, as well as an expansive international food aisle with eight ethnic backgrounds, including Middle Eastern, kosher, Hispanic, European, and Asian foods. Featuring open-air elements with 25-foot ceilings and a pedestrian-friendly design, the Woodward store also has an outdoor fresh produce and floral area to operate in warmer months. It is the largest tenant in the Woodward Corners by Beaumont commercial development.

"We knew it was important to have a grocery store in this development for our patients, families, staff, and, of course, our neighbors. We were impressed by this neighborhood market concept. We love that Meijer has committed to filling its shelves with local fresh and healthy products. That local connection was so important to us," Wilson commented.

Where will Meijer’s small concept be touching down next? Follow along with us at AndNowUKnow as we report on the latest.

Meijer