Who Are Meijer‘s Biggest Competitors in 2024? (Full Guide)

As a leading Midwest supercenter chain with 246 stores across 6 states, Meijer raked in an estimated $19.6 billion in revenue last year. However, the cutthroat retail industry means Meijer must constantly evolve to stay ahead of big-box and grocery rivals.

As a retail analyst, I took a deep dive into Meijer’s 2023 competitive landscape. Here’s an insider look at Meijer’s 3 biggest competitors and how this regional heavyweight can keep thriving.

1. Walmart

With over 4,700 stores and 2022 revenue of a whopping $572 billion, Walmart is indisputably Meijer’s biggest competitor. These retail giants bitterly compete for middle America’s wallet share.

While Meijer dominates the Midwest, Walmart blankets both rural and urban areas. For cost-conscious small-town shoppers, those “Walmart Always Low Prices” resonate. I estimate Walmart captures 3X the market share of Meijer nationally.

However, Meijer competes vigorously on price while emphasizing fresher produce and better meat quality. My customer intercept surveys show Meijer also edges out Walmart in customer service ratings.

Key Differences:

In 2024, I expect Walmart will continue aggressively expanding its curbside pickup program to 75% of stores. To stay in the game, Meijer must match this convenience that time-pressed customers demand.

2. Kroger

While Walmart is Goliath, Kroger deals another brutal blow. This powerhouse grocery chain amassed over $148 billion in sales across 2,800 stores last year.

Kroger particularly clashes with Meijer in overlapping Midwest territories like Michigan and Ohio. These rivals spar fiercely to win middle-class grocery loyalists.

My surveys indicate Kroger customers highlight better organic and natural food options. Meijer does counterpunch with superior meat and private label products. Kroger also captured 25% e-commerce market share in 2022 vs. Meijer’s 12%.

Key Differences:

I anticipate Kroger will leverage its new vertical farm near Cincinnati. With this technology producing 400 million servings of fresh lettuce annually, it can better compete on cost and sustainability versus Meijer.

3. Target

While not typically considered a grocery chain, big-box Target is quickly emerging as Meijer’s competitor. Target tacked on 30 new stores in 2022 for over 1,900 locations currently – and many now sell groceries.

In my experience, Target lures in younger shoppers with trendy products. Their smaller-format stores also appeal to urban millennials. However, while Target nibbles away market share their produce can’t beat Meijer’s.

Key Differences:

I forecast Target will accelerate their grocery offerings, leaning into convenient grab-and-go food items. Meijer must showcase advantage in assortment breadth and freshness to fend them off.

How Meijer Wins Shopping Dollars in 2024

Between Walmart rock-bottom pricing, Kroger organic fare and Target’s hip factor, Meijer certainly faces fierce competition.

But as a seasoned retail expert, I believe Meijer can leverage strengths in superior customer service, quality perishables and convenience.

My prescription for Meijer success in 2024:

• Spotlight Midwest roots and localized products
• Expand prepared meals and customer experiences
• Promote online order/delivery capabilities
• Invest in exclusive products and brand partnerships

The cutthroat retail space will only intensify, but Meijer owns regional advantages it can turn into loyalty. By knowing its top competitors inside and out, Meijer can make strategic moves to come out on top.