DETROIT (WWJ) -- Meijer’s new Rivertown Market that is coming to downtown Detroit later this year will be led by a native Detroiter and feature a slew of popular local vendors and products.
Meijer announced Thursday that Detroit native Marcus Reliford will lead Rivertown Market when it opens later this year in the city’s East Jefferson Corridor, just east of downtown. Reliford, who grew up on the city’s west side, joined the Meijer team in 2020 and has 15 years of retail experience in Michigan and Georgia.
The smaller-format Rivertown Market, set to bring community vibes to downtown Detroit, will focus on offering customers a unique grocery shopping experience, similar to Meijer’s three other small store locations -- Woodward Corner Market in Royal Oak, Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids, and Capital City Market in Lansing.
Reliford, who lives three blocks from the site of the new market, says he’s cherishing the opportunity to come back home and “to help give back and contribute to my community and city.”
“This is our first store in downtown Detroit. There’s no one who wanted this job more than me. It feels good to be home,” Reliford said in a press release.
The 42,000 square-foot Rivertown Market is setting a goal of carrying 2,000 local products to feature on the shelves, on top of a vast assortment of fresh food, artisan groceries and Meijer and national brand products. Reliford says the market has already received more than 1,000 item submissions so far for consideration.
Adding to the local flair, Rivertown Market will feature the award-winning Mudgie’s Deli, a Great Lakes Coffee Shop, Pietrzyk Pierogi, Ma Cohens seafood products and Cyntsational Popcorn. It will be the second Mudgie’s location in Detroit.
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Other features of the market will include a flower shop featuring local Avanti Greeting Cards, an expansive 4,700-square-foot produce department -- complete with a 52-foot wet wall -- fresh and prepared foods, including bakery items, fresh meat and deli offerings, and a wide assortment of alcohol, featuring a 24-foot-wide by 14-foot tall liquor wall with a rolling ladder.
Rivertown Market will feature 23- foot ceilings with open-air elements and a pedestrian-friendly design with three garage-style doors and an outdoor fresh produce and floral area.
An opening date for the new market has not been announced, but it is expected to be up and running by the end of 2021.