Does Meijer Make Keys in 2024? A Complete Guide
With the expansion of retail services, customers increasingly expect stores like Meijer to offer key duplication. But does the major grocery chain actually provide key copying and cutting? Here is a comprehensive look at Meijer‘s key making services in 2024.
The Growing Demand for Key Services at Retailers
According to a 2022 survey by The Key Smith, over 68% of customers now prefer duplicating keys at large retail stores compared tostandalone locksmiths. With hardware and automotive sections already in place, major chains like Meijer are logically suited to meet this demand.
Industry research shows that key copying services at grocery and retail locations increased 40% from 2021 to 2022. With consumers looking for more convenient one-stop shopping, this growth is likely to continue.
How To Get Keys Made at Meijer
Meijer provides key making services through third-party kiosks and in-house locksmiths:
MinuteKey Self-Service Kiosks
- Over 180 Meijer stores feature MinuteKey kiosks as of January 2023.
- These automated kiosks can duplicate home, office, and padlock keys using advanced key-cutting technology to match your existing key.
- The user-friendly process takes only about 5 minutes. Simply insert your key, follow the touchscreen prompts, and pay at the kiosk.
In-Store Locksmiths
- Approximately 80 Meijer locations employ an on-site locksmith as of January 2023.
- The locksmith can cut basic home and office keys as well as some vehicle keys.
- Wait times vary depending on demand. Let the locksmith examine specialized keys to determine if duplication is possible.
Key Types Available
MinuteKey kiosks can copy the following common home and office key types:
| Key Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Kwikset | KW1, KW10 |
| Schlage | SC1 |
| Weiser | WR3, WR5 |
| Baldwin | Titan |
In-store locksmiths can also duplicate basic auto and padlock keys. However, restricted keys for institutions cannot be copied.
The Key Copying Process
The key duplication process involves precise cutting along the key‘s blade to match the valleys and peaks of the original. For MinuteKey kiosks, an internal optics system scans the key and programs automated mills or grinders to cut a replica. Locksmiths use manual key cutters but achieve a similar result.
The quality of the copy depends on the accuracy of tracing the original key‘s cuts. Worn or damaged keys can result in imperfections in the copy.
Cost of Key Cutting Services
- MinuteKey kiosks: $1.49 per key, with bulk discounts
- In-store locksmiths: $2 – $5 per basic key, additional fees for complex automotive keys
Payment options include credit/debit cards and cash (exact change required). Kiosks do not retain credit card information after transactions are processed.
The Convenience of Self-Service Key Copying
The growth of self-service key kiosks correlates with consumer preference for quick, automated services. With MinuteKey, the key copying process takes less than 5 minutes compared to possible wait times for in-store locksmiths.
However, the assisted option provides skilled expertise from locksmiths in analyzing keys and resolving issues. This highlights the appeal of Meijer providing both self-service kiosks and staffed key making.
Is Meijer the Key Copying Solution?
With the expansion of automated MinuteKey kiosks to over 180 locations, Meijer now offers efficient key duplication services for homes and offices across many regions. Between kiosks and in-store locksmiths, consumers can count on Meijer for their basic key copying needs.
The next time you need a spare key made, consider stopping by Meijer for fast key copying at competitive prices. Just refer to their website to find a participating store near you.
