Talk:Meijer/Archives/2014

bogus invention claim

I believe the assertion of "inventing" membership stores without qualifications ("SourceClub also introduced the concept of offering membership to anyone (instead of people with certain restrictive requirements), a concept which was picked up by the competition and continued to this day.") to be entirely bogus. I and members of my family joined G.E.M. Company in the 1960s, Price Club in the 1970s, and Sam's Club in the early 1980s ALL without any qualification requirements. Although there may have been other categories of membership additionally available. Filterbob (talk) 18:34, 8 October 2009 (UTC)

Headquarters

I changed the location of the headquarters, as it is located in Walker, MI not Grand Rapids, MI. RodFlanders 05:13, 2 May 2008 (UTC)

Somebody changed the location again. I changed it back. It's not Grand Rapids. It's only has a Grand Rapids address, but the headquarters are in the city of Walker. RodFlanders (talk) 08:12, 16 May 2008 (UTC)

• Hi! I just saw this. I am adding a source showing the Walker city map. Also I added a page notice to tell all editors that, no, the HQ is in Walker, not Grand Rapids. Thanks! WhisperToMe (talk) 23:20, 25 December 2012 (UTC)

Alleged Bias edits

I removed the section about alleged bias based on sexual preference because it was misleading and deceptive. Meijer does not respond to external surveys such as the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, which is why they received a score of zero, not because of bias. According to one member of Meijer's senior leadership team, "we believe that we should continue to focus our internal efforts on ensuring that we are providing a positive, inclusive work environment…this year on our climate survey we asked about how our team members felt about Meijer’s commitment to diversity, including sexual orientation and had an 83% positive score; we have also broadened our EEO/diversity inclusion policy to include sexual orientation." This alleged bias is a null issue that sprung up in the gap of any official comment on Meijer's part and has no foundation in fact. As to a previous comment on the company being run by conservative Dutch Christians, anyone with knowledge of the Meijer family knows only the middle adjective has any truthful basis.

Questions? [email protected]

Statewins 18:42, 6 July 2007 (UTC)statewins

The quote you're using to back up this gay-friendly view is from "one member of Meijer's senior leadership team". Also is 83% positive good? Surely if less than 17% of employees are L/G/B that would make sense?... I think the point of the HRC CEI is to provide an independent measure. Rather than relying on the companies, who will never say they discriminate!

In summary, I think something like "Meijer was one of only three companies to score 0 out of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index 2006 which surveyed the 1,520 largest companies." should be put into the article. If not this article is obviously not NPOV. The other 2 companies that scored zero have this result mentioned in their articles. I don't believe Meijer should get special treatment. Lionfish0 12:58, 24 August 2007 (UTC)

To represent a true NPOV I added the dozen store chains that didn't even respond to HRC's survey. I will be surprised if it isn't reverted by TENPOUNDHAMMER. It is obvious HRC has an agenda to promote gays and their lifestyle. It is only fair to include complete information from the report. The fact that so many stores didn't even respond is relevant to inform the reader and remove slant from the previous article. Why would Meijer respond to the survey if they were in fact anti-gay? --Howdoyoudoit (talk) 14:24, 14 May 2008 (UTC)

Super Center concept

Can we get a citation on the super center date? The article states "pioneering the modern 'super center' concept in 1962" but it links to the Fred Meyer article which says "In 1931, he opened his first suburban one-stop shopping center in the Hollywood District of Portland."

--Joshuadfranklin 18:38, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

In reading the Fred Meyer article, it is written as though he had separate buildings (grocery store, drug store) on one cite. They hypermarket is described as being one building, save, perhaps, the gas station. Kphorak 16:56, 14 March 2007 (UTC)

Hollywood Fred Meyer was one building. There were walls between sections and there was a separate cashers for each section.12.145.73.51 12:17, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

• Reference #4 - From the July 1986 issue of Discount Merchandiser magazine - I have the location of the "First" Thrifty Acres" store as being located in Grand Rapids, MI at 100,000 square feet. The 1980's being prior to common use of the Internet I have no "on-line" link, only a photo copy of the section of the magazine from the library in 1986. I had an unusual interest in stores as being a worker in Kmart in the 1980's and read these magazines. There is what would be a copyrighted photo in black and white of the store on the page. An airplane hanger style arch store with flat roofed extensions on both sides.Kidsheaven 22:55, 19 March 2007 (UTC)
• Two magazines, publisher info that I used to read back in the 1980's, online collections only go back to the 1990's that I can find:

Discount Merchandiser Schwartz Publications 233 Park Ave. S. 10th Floor New York, NY 10003 ( 212) 979-4860 Kidsheaven 22:58, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

Monthly magazine with news about operations, buying, merchandising, administration, trends, and research.

Discount Store News

Lebhar-Friedman Inc.

425 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10022

(212) 756-5000

http://www.DiscountStoreNews.com/

Bi-weekly national newspaper describing marketing developments and productivity reports for executives in full line discount stores, catalog showrooms, warehouse clubs, and specialty discount chains.

http://eresources.lib.unc.edu/ejournal/exacthandler.php?titlewords=Discount merchandiser

Kidsheaven 22:55, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

Working at Meijer and Philanthropy sections

I think there needs to be some discussion about this page.

The Working at and Philanthropy sections in particular- are they comparable to the pages of similiar type businesses- Wal Mart, Kmart, Target, ect?

Like many wikipedia pages, I think both sections read as "fluff" and can be considered extraneous, or placed in other pages? Redneb 15:16, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

I agree. Most large companies provide a level of philanthropy/advertising. This page makes it seem like they're a charity, not a company. I wonder whether the authors were completely NPOV? I'm not critising the donations, but I think (especially when name changes are required) that they should be put in context. Lionfish0 12:46, 24 August 2007 (UTC)

After some thought, and looking at other articles about large companies, the expression "Marketing - Sponsership" would be more appropriate to most of the 'philanthropy' section. Lionfish0 13:14, 24 August 2007 (UTC)

The problem with the "Marketing / Philanthropy section is that it is combining the marketing/sponsorship activites of the company (Community Rewards, Katrina relief, IRL sponsorship) with the philanthropy of the Meijer family (Meijer Gardens, GVSU, Civic Theater, etc.). It would be more appropriate to separate these activites in to separate sections or even move the "Philanthropy" section to an entry about Fred Meijer himself. Mortussel (talk) 15:58, 21 November 2007 (UTC)

=gay critisim

Meijer's low score makes this store all the more attractive - good to see that some businesses resist the so-called mainstream and preserve their values! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.208.251.201 (talk) 01:46, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

this should be included see the link

Furthermore the company has angered many in the LGBT community since it is not gay-friendly. The company does not provide employee's same-sex partners or spouses with benefits nor provides an anti discrimination clause. The Human Rights Campaigne has consistantly rated it a 0 on its index of gay-friendliness since it began compiling its report on major companies in 2002.[1]

It's founded and run by conservative Christian Dutch people. It's unlikely to change its ways. Funny how the immigrants are so different from the modern Dutch with their tolerence for gays. 82.93.133.130 13:00, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

This is true, moreover the vast majority of Meijer stores are located in equally oppressive areas, where the gay population is likely low and the population of people with values that oppose Homosexuals is high --moreover management is comprised of people with these values. Be that it is prominently displayed that crude humor and cursing is not tolerated anywhere in Meijer stores by employees it's not an enormous leap for most of corporate or local store management to be anti-gay. It's prominently displayed in our break room @ store 26 that in one year in the 90s Meijer fired something like 500 employees for 'crude behavior and language'. Paintbait —Preceding comment was added at 23:14, 9 February 2008 (UTC)

There is no merit for calling Meijer anti gay. Meijer maintains a detailed policy to protect all employees from harassment or being singled out. There are many ways to report such abuse, and a policy prohibiting retaliation for making such report. Meijer embraces traditional family values and will not offer insurance to same sex couples (like many other companies). --Howdoyoudoit (talk) 15:17, 14 May 2008 (UTC)

Possessive Form

The previous incantation of the article read, "Meijer is often referred to as Meijer's by residents of Michigan and Ohio (note the possessive), probably a holdover from the days of Meijer's Thrifty Acres". This is not so: it was never possessive (although the original Greenville store was called "Meijer's Thrift Super Market", this predates the names given the chain stores). I realized this when I added a reference which shows their old logo. Further, their own website, as well as a Google search for "Meijer Thrifty Acres", confirms this form of the name. I've changed the opening paragraph accordingly (along with an IPA pronunciation). — VoxLuna ^(talk)  14:43, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

I grew up in Grand Rapids and while we always said we're going to Meijer's, we never said we're going to Kmart's or anyone else (we did say going to Perry's (Perry Drugs) and Walgreen's). Nobody in GR goes to "Wal-Mart's". So is this really true or is this an out-of-stater's impression after hearing "Meijer's" and Walgreen's but seeing MEIJER on the storefront? 82.93.133.130 12:58, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

I've seen it inexplicably written as "Meijers" with no apostrophe in many places.

Growing up near Detroit, I've heard this referred to as a Michigan accent (adding "'s" to a company name). It's not uncommon to hear someone say "I'm going to Meijer's" or "I work for Ford's." Typically it would be used with the company name, not its product (I drive a Ford, but I work for Ford's). Kphorak 16:59, 14 March 2007 (UTC)

I agree with Kphorak, it's a part of the Michigan accent to add possessives to names, especially company names. Nearly everyone does call it "Meijers" in Michigan. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ekm02001 (talk • contribs) 22:35, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

It doesn't matter whether the "Meijer's Thrifty Super Market" etymology was correct. If people call it "Meijer's"--and they do--then that should be noted somewhere in the article.--WadeMcR 22:30, 8 April 2007 (UTC)

paid breaks?/ "payment" section

I know that this is hardly worth mentioning, but I've never heard of a Meijer that has paid breaks... I know from personal experience that the employees of Meijer #27 (Ypsilanti, MI) and Meijer #173 (Ann Arbor, MI) have to clock out for their two 15-minute breaks.

75.45.177.104 06:56, 19 May 2007 (UTC) former clerk

I may not work at Meijer, but at my store, we do have to punch out for breaks. That said, we still get credited for them in terms of hours worked. 69.242.66.38 05:16, 3 June 2007 (UTC)

Well, legally, in Michigan at least, you must be allowed a paid 15 minute break for every X number of hours (I think four), but you don't have to take it. Mahern 04:29, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

Actually it would depend on which union a given Meijer employee belongs to, different regions have different unions I do believe. For Example the West-Michigan (/West Grand Rapids) Market Employees belong to UFCW951 and in the contract UFCW951 has with Meijer Employees are entitled to two PAID breaks in an Eight Hour shift, and an unpaid meal after 5 and one quarter hours (this is often not practiced by Employees under this contract because it's a minimum of 30 Minutes and it extends your shift by an equal amount). I'll navigate to the UFCW951 and see if I can't find a PDF or I can call our Union Rep and scan a bloody copy. And I work at Meijer #26 (Jenison, MI), that's our contract. -Paintbait —Preceding unsigned comment added by Paintbait (talk • contribs) 23:19, 9 February 2008 (UTC)

Article 8.11, Page 18 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Paintbait (talk • contribs) 23:24, 9 February 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, this entire section neglects to mention that local unions actually vary in requirements. I'm UFCW 1059 in Ohio (been there for more than six years as a lead cashier -- a union-member position that administers breaks according to union regulations), and our terms are different from those stated in the article. I have a union booklet right here and these are the stipulations (verbatim)...

SECTION 6. REST PERIODS.

(a) Employees working six (6) hours or more in any one day shall receive two (2) uninterrupted fifteen (15) minute paid rest-periods during that day; one rest period shall be scheduled in the first part of the work day and one rest period shall be scheduled in the second part of the work day. Breaks will be scheduled as near as possible to the middle of each half shift.

(b) Employees working at least three (3) hours but less than six (6) hours shall receive one (1) uninterrupted fifteen (15) minute paid rest period during such working period.

SECTION 7. LUNCH BREAK.

For each employee who is scheduled for more than a six (6) hour shift, thirty (30) minutes on the employee's own time shall be allowed for lunch on each working day. This lunch period shall not be scheduled until an employee has worked two and one-half (2 1/2) hours. The lunch period may be extended or waived by mutual agreement. Lunches will be scheduled as near as possible to the middle of of each full shift.

This section should make it known that the various unions vary and should NOT state such things as universal fact. IMHO, it should state this variance or be deleted entirely. In central Ohio at least, it is demonstrably wrong.Vordabois (talk) 10:14, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

Abortions In China?

The claim is out of place in the article which suggests it might have been added maliciously. If it is true, it needs to be cited --N Vale 20:11, 15 August 2007 (UTC)

I'm sorry about lack of knowledge of proper protocol, but unless someone corrects me I plan on taking out the aforementioned abortion quote soon. I googled meijer and china together and didn't find much. I then did meijer, abortions, and china, and the only page near the top of the 100 results referring to THIS particular Meijer was this Wikipedia entry. I'll check back in the next several days and remove it if there is no citation or argument for its continued conclusion. --N Vale 20:48, 20 August 2007 (UTC)

Biometrics

If meijer is involved in biometric scanning, why is it "wrong" to identify that fact on wikipedia? Mika'el (talk) 22:16, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

• I didn't say it was wrong. I simply removed the information because it wasn't sourced, and I can't find any sources that say they are involved in biometrics. Ten Pound Hammer and his otters • ^{(Broken clamshells•Otter chirps)} 22:20, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

It's not. The problem is that the information had no source. Find a reliable source that says they're using biometrics, and then add the information with the reference. Aleta ^Sing 22:22, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, M, your eyes are not a reliable source by Wikipedia standards. I'm not saying you are incorrect, but that's original research, which is not allowed by WP policy. Find a citeable source for the info, and it can go back in the article.

I happen to work at meijer and know for a fact they use biometrics to personally identify cashiers. I will try to locate a credible source for this. Aleta ^Sing 23:00, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

I concur. I have been working at Meijer for almost six years, and I was the primary 2nd shift lead cashier when our store made the switch.

Biometrics are used. Vordabois (talk) 08:04, 28 June 2008 (UTC)

I was just looking over this section and noticed that somewhere along the line things got arranged so that it looks like I made the statement that I work at Meijer and have personal knowledge of it. I don't know when or how that happened, but that was not I. To my knowledge, I've never even seen a Meijer, much less been employed thereby or have any personal knowledge thereof. Aleta ^Sing 19:12, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

Meijer uses Digital Persona U.Are.U fingerprint readers at all checklanes and satellite registers. It's only mentioned in passing here, but the company itself notes Meijer by name: http://www.digitalpersona.com/index.php?id=pr_20060516 Cashiers are also now required to clock in and out at their lanes, which enforces Meijer's considerably more strict new enforcement.68.43.116.51 (talk) 00:01, 17 February 2009 (UTC)

Would that be a credible source then, the actual manufacturer stating that Meijer uses them? Dasbrick (talk) 19:41, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

Are so many pictures necessary?

I, for one, don't find it necessary to have so many pictures showing the exact same thing. Should we get rid of some? 216.73.233.248 (talk) 15:55, 9 August 2008 (UTC)

It seemed very disingenuous to call a section specifically about Gay rights, "Human Rights Concerns", as human rights typically would be much broader. When I first read the article, I expected mention of sweat shops, or other things like this. To clarify, I changed the heading to "Treatment of the Gay, Lesbian and transgendered Community"--67.194.199.77 (talk) 00:44, 21 August 2008 (UTC)

Treatment of LGBT community

This section seems like it doesn not belong here in my opinion. How notable is this in the grand scheme of things? The only reference in the section is the report itself, and it does not reference any 3rd party sources to show that this has been a notable scandal. -Brougham96 (talk) 01:30, 13 September 2008 (UTC)

I disagree. Your question, "How notable is this in the grand scheme of things?" could really be asked about this entire article. How notable is Meijer in general?? Some might say delete the entire article, by those standards. In addition, if you look at the wiki pages for other retail outlets such as Target and Walmart, they both have "Criticism" sections. In addition, most wiki pages for companies have these same sections. It is left up to the reader to determine how notable the topic is. -whoasuckaa 01:12, 14 September 2008 (UTC)

It seems notable enough to me to stay in the article. It's properly sourced and relevant as a criticism of the company. Dayewalker (talk) 01:34, 14 September 2008 (UTC)

I also agree with Brougham, if this article were notable, it would be on the wiki-pages of the other stores mentioned. I checked them all, and none of them have a similar article. I recomend its removal. --Sokolok (talk) 14:32, 4 June 2009 (UTC)

Of course criticisms are relevant. The Difference between the Target and Wal-Mart criticism sections and this paragraph is those sections cite reliable 3rd party sources. Citing the organazation making the accusation is not a reliable 3rd party source. If smoeone could find a newspaper article or the like about the report, and it's low rating of Meijer, I would be fine with it. See WP:V#Reliable sources. -Brougham96 (talk) 21:52, 14 September 2008 (UTC)

I have added an article reference from The Motley Fool-whoasuckaa —Preceding undated comment was added at 23:24, 14 September 2008 (UTC).

Pictures

Do we really need 4,000 pictures of Meijer stores in this article? Also, how about some copy editing? The prose goes all over the place, and the pictures only make it even worse. Ten Pound Hammer and his otters • ^{(Broken clamshells • Otter chirps • HELP)} 03:41, 30 September 2008 (UTC)

--I would suggest cutting the amount of photos down but adding one not already there. Though one that should be added is 28th and Kalmamazoo. that is the oldest Meijer store still in operation. Store #11 was also the first to have the hypermarket concept thus why it should have a photo. Dwp49423 (talk) 02:40, 4 April 2009 (UTC)