Meijer to host virtual summit to find local products made in the Midwest

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Do you own a small, local business and dream about having your products sold by national retailer?

Meijer is looking for products made in the Midwest, and it will host a virtual event for local businesses to pitch their products, according to a company press release.

The Grand Rapids-based retailer announced it will host what it calls the Lift Local Supplier Event on April 1.

“We are proud to be a Midwestern retailer and want to carry products that highlight our communities,” said Peter Whitsett, an executive vice president at Meijer. “Each Meijer store should represent its customers and the community that makes those customers unique. This event gives us the chance to source products from our customers’ hometowns, which makes their shopping experience even more meaningful.”

The event will focus on the following categories:

Grocery, including fresh, deli and bakery
Baby
Beauty and personal care
Over-the-counter and wellness

The company said that businesses that manufacture or grow products in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan or Wisconsin can apply for consideration here. The deadline is Friday, Feb. 19.

Meijer will review applications and select vendors they would like to meet at the virtual event.