Meijer is sourcing for new businesses to achieve their Supplier Diversity Program and Lift Local Supplier Event, giving local businesses across the retailer's six-state footprint the opportunity to virtually showcase their offerings to Meijer buyers and procurement teams. A few notable Women-Owned brands available at Meijer include TPH by Taraji, Caulipower, Happy Baby, Hacienda Mexican Foods, and The Little Potato Company.
"We’re committed to making sure diversity, equity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of our business. Focusing on supplier diversity is an important part of this mission. It’s our hope that this partnership will not only drive success for your business, but amplify growth in our communities and economy, while better serving our customers."
Specifically focused on the following categories:
- Grocery, including fresh, deli and bakery
- Baby
- Beauty and personal care
- Over-the-counter and wellness
Meijer announced the return of its Lift Local Supplier Event, in April 2022, giving local businesses across the retailer's six-state footprint the opportunity to virtually showcase their offerings to Meijer buyers and procurement teams.
“After a successful first event, we're excited to further grow our community of local business vendors," said Jamie Akemann, Group Vice President of Global Sourcing, Indirect Procurement, Supplier Diversity and Product Quality at Meijer. "This isn't just an opportunity for fully-developed brands, but a chance for us to build relationships with small, local businesses and invest in their long-term success."
The summit follows the retailer's third Supplier Diversity event in March, during which Meijer buyers and procurement teams met with more than 200 certified minority-, LGBTQ+-, woman-, veteran- and disability-owned businesses to diversify their vendor base and better serve their customers. These events are part of the retailer's ongoing efforts to enhance the diversity of its business partners and amplify development in its communities.
Once event applications are submitted, Meijer teams will review and select the vendors they would like to meet and will be invited to a virtual or in-person meeting. Suppliers not chosen for the event will still be accessible through the RangeMe registration tools and may be reviewed by Meijer buyers again in the future as business needs change.
