Photo: Meijer
Meijer knows something about college towns. It is based in Grand Rapids, MI, which has 15 colleges and universities in the area. Every fall, the big box retailer holds back-to-college events for around 40,000 freshmen from campuses in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio and Wisconsin in addition to its home state. It buses students from their campuses to local stores for late night events known as “Meijer Mania” where kids can get free samples, coupons, take part in interactive contests to win stuff for their dorms and school, listen to DJs and more.
Meijer has been spreading its mania around Midwestern college towns for 10 years. This year’s promotion will see the chain hosting 22 separate events at 20 colleges. Many of the kids may already be familiar with the chain if they grew up with it, but others coming to the region may be seeing Meijer for the very first time. Each event draws about 1,700 students.
“Our Meijer Mania events provide new students the opportunity to shop for their first living spaces away from home and share a fun-filled bonding experience with classmates,” said Cathy Cooper, senior director of promotions and sponsorships at Meijer, in a statement. “We are pleased to partner with so many colleges and universities to help ease the transition of moving into a new living environment for these students.”