Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer held its ninth annual Very Merry Meijer event Dec. 3, surprising customers with holiday shopping sprees.
In each of the retailer’s 262 stores across the Midwest, directors and executives gave one in-store customer a $1,000 shopping spree and two pickup customers received $250 coupons, along with gift bags.
“For most families, the holidays are a time for celebrating traditions, and our family is no different,” said Hank Meijer, executive chairman.
“Very Merry Meijer is among our favorite holiday traditions because we get to spread cheer and give thanks to our customers and team members. Seeing the joy on their faces when we surprise them warms our hearts and reminds all of the true spirit of the season – which is why we keep doing this every year.”
The retailer returned to the tradition’s roots by surprising customers with a $1,000 gift card upon checkout, just as they were about to pay for their purchase.
“The look of surprise on their faces always brings us such cheer,” said Rick Keyes, president and CEO. “Very Merry Meijer embodies the spirit of the season that giving is truly better than receiving. Our teams look forward to it every year.”
In total, the nine Very Merry Meijer events held since 2014 provided an estimated 4,200 customers with more than $1.8 million in toys, clothes, electronics, groceries and small appliances.
Dillon and Jenna Pearce were recipients of the $1,000 surprise at the Meijer in Springfield, Illinois. The parents of three were committed to sticking to a tight $400 budget during their holiday shopping trip after unexpected home repairs this summer depleted much of their Christmas fund. The pair also shared the news that their youngest would need to have surgery soon at less than a year old.
“We are very unsure what exactly we did, or said, or if we appropriately shared our gratitude through the utter shock and disbelief that we had been selected,” the Pearces said in a letter to the store following the event. “After leaving your store, and the shock subsided, we cried together as we felt the huge impact and relief this gift provides for our family.”
The parents went on to say they would use the surprise to not only give their children a happy holiday, but also to stock their pantry for several grocery trips to come.
Meijer also continued its tradition of celebrating its employees through the Very Merry Meijer festivities, surprising three workers in each of its stores with $200 shopping sprees as well.
“I was completely shocked,” said Lois Smith, a cashier at the Meijer store in Cedar Springs, Michigan. “With all the health issues I’ve had recently and not being able to work, this means so much. It will help a ton. Meijer has taken such good care of me.”
For additional information on Meijer, visit meijer.com.
