GRAND RAPIDS, MI – One year after the coronavirus pandemic, Meijer looks at how the global health crisis has affected the residents of the Midwest store.
Take-out meals, yoga mats and dumbbells, as well as pillows and accessories for home offices had increased sales. The same goes for puzzles, bikes, pools and grids. On the other hand, gas sales at Meijer filling stations declined.
“We continue to deploy our shopping teams that worked throughout the pandemic to find solutions that will help our customers find the products they need while keeping their family safe,” said Peter Whitsett, executive director. vice president of retailer and marketing, said statement. “It was a year full of challenge, and although it was not over yet, we see a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Meijer, a private retailer, operates 256 supermarkets and grocery stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
Here’s a look at some of the shopping trends Meijer has seen over the past year:
Entertainment: Meijer says customers have turned to new video hardware and accessories, board games and puzzles to keep themselves busy and entertained. ‘The retailer also noted that fishing rods and equipment are experiencing a 60% increase as an estimated 9 million new anglers have picked up the hobby to fill their time. ‘Meijer also said he sold more bicycles, swimming pools and rosters than in recent years.
Pre-cooked meals: Meijer believes that it has “had a dramatic increase in cutlery and easy meals for families to eat together at home,” he said. Popular choices include rotisserie chicken (Meijer says he sold more than 500,000 last month alone), as well as pre-made meals from local restaurants sold by Meijer.
Buy bulk: Meijer says customers store potatoes, tomatoes and apples in bags, rather than buying each piece of fruit separately. The retailer also said that “buyers have focused on boosting their immunity, adding oranges, lemons, grapefruits and supplements to their shopping lists.”
Exercise equipment: Customers also filled home health equipment. These include yoga mats, curling irons, dumbbells, exercise bands and more. Meijer said the items “started selling at the beginning of the pandemic with more than a 300 percent increase in demand.”
Bed pillows: Meijer has sold more than 1 million bed pillows. “Although work is expected to eventually move from home, Meijer expects the double-digit growth of bed pillows to continue this year,” the retailer said in a news release.
Home offices: Meijer says sales of weighted blankets and thermal curtains have grown by more than half compared to last year, an increase that the retailer attributes to the customer’s desire to ‘keep heating bills low and block light in their home offices’ . The retailer also said spa-themed candle sales have risen 160% since the start of the pandemic.
Detergents: Masks, hand sanitizers and surface cleaners were top sellers last year, Meijer said. Meanwhile, ‘disposable dishes, aluminum foil, baking paper and food storage have had a huge increase as more meals, bread and other viral cooking challenges have been prepared in homes than ever before’, the retailer said.
Meijer filling stations: The Walker-based retailer saw an “expected decline in gas sales due to less commuting” during the pandemic. However, the retailer said its filling stations ‘became de facto destinations for customers looking for fast travel, as closures reduced the retailer’s hours.’ In addition, Meijer said he sees an increase in double digits in firewood and propane sales for backyard events and camping trips. ‘
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