By: Ashmar Mandou

The Berwyn community welcomed the latest addition to its booming business district, Meijer Marketplace on Tuesday morning during a grand opening ceremony. “We are very pleased to continue our growth in the Chicago area,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman of the Grand Rapids, Michigan based retailer. “Our team has worked very hard to get our news Berwyn store ready and we are proud to bring the Meijer difference to customers in Berwyn and the surrounding communities.”

In partnership with the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC), Meijer Marketplace, situated in Cermak Plaza, 7111 W. Cermak Rd., brings with it a new concept for customers to enjoy, especially for their Hispanic clientele. Meijer’s prides itself in carrying a diverse selection of Hispanic brands, such as Cacique, LaLa, and Jarritos to name a few. As well as work closely with local vendors to provide an assortment of confections. “After assuming my role as Mayor, recruiting a high-quality grocery chain into Cermak Plaza was one of my top priorities,” said Mayor of Berwyn Robert J. Lovero. “I am so pleased to be here today to welcome Meijer Marketplace and their neighborhood concept into Berwyn.”

The new store is Meijer’s 15th unit in the Chicago area with stores ranging in size from full supercenters to the smaller Marketplace concepts. At more than 91,000 square feet, Meijer Marketplace Berwyn will offer competitive prices, feature national and Meijer own brand grocery items, along with a full-service pharmacy. According to BDC, Meijer Marketplace will be Berwyn’s largest retailer, top sales tax producer, and ‘will fall into Berwyn’s top five percent of employers based on the 180 new job creation.’

“Berwyn is able to achieve efficient and effective development as is the case with Meijer Marketplace due in large part to the strong partnerships and spirit of cooperation that are fostered between the BDC, our city administration and our development partners,” said BDC Executive Director Anthony Griffin. In conjunction with the back-to-school season, Meijer Marketplace will host a back-to-school event at their new location in Berwyn on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 11am to 2pm.