As one of the largest supercenter chains in the Midwest, Meijer is known for its wide selection and competitive prices on everything from groceries and household essentials to electronics and clothing. But did you know that Meijer is also a major player in the retail liquor market?
With over 240 stores across six states, Meijer is a go-to destination for beer, wine, and spirits. In fact, alcohol sales make up a significant portion of Meijer‘s annual revenue. According to industry publication Shanken News Daily, Meijer sold over $1 billion worth of beer, wine, and spirits in 2021, accounting for nearly 10% of the company‘s total sales.
So what makes Meijer a great place to shop for liquor? As a savvy retail expert and picky consumer, I‘ve spent countless hours exploring the Meijer liquor department to uncover the best tips, deals, and insider info. Whether you‘re a casual sipper or a cocktail connoisseur, here‘s everything you need to know about buying alcohol at Meijer.
Inside the Meijer Liquor Department
First, let‘s take a closer look at what you can expect to find in a typical Meijer liquor department. While the exact selection varies by store and state, most locations offer an impressive array of beer, wine, and spirits to choose from.
Beer Bounty
Meijer has an extensive beer selection that rivals many dedicated beverage stores. You‘ll find all the major domestic brands like Bud Light, Coors, Miller, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Michelob, as well as popular imports like Corona, Heineken, and Guinness.
Craft beer fans will be delighted by the variety of brews from both national and local craft breweries. Meijer stocks hundreds of craft beers in a range of styles, from crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and fruity sours. Look for big names like Sierra Nevada, Sam Adams, and New Belgium alongside regional favorites.
According to Meijer beer category manager Jake Teshka, IPAs are consistently the top-selling craft beer style at Meijer stores, with brands like Bell‘s Two Hearted Ale and Founders All Day IPA leading the pack. Seasonally, pumpkin beers are a hit in the fall while summer sippers like Oberon and Leinenkugel‘s Summer Shandy fly off shelves during warmer months.
Other popular picks in the Meijer beer section include hard ciders, non-alcoholic beers, and trendy hard seltzers like White Claw and Truly. Meijer also regularly features limited-edition and small batch beers as part of its rotating selection.
Wine Wonders
Oenophiles will find plenty to love at Meijer, with a wine selection spanning all the major varietals and regions. Whether you prefer bold reds, crisp whites, or sweet rosés, Meijer has a bottle to fit your palate and budget.
The wine department is neatly organized by varietal, with additional sections for sparkling wines, dessert wines, and local picks. Well-known wine brands like Barefoot, Yellow Tail, and Kendall Jackson are well-represented, along with pricier premium bottles for special occasions.
"We strive to offer a wide range of price points and styles to appeal to both casual wine drinkers and serious collectors," said Meijer wine buyer Melissa Gerlach. "Our goal is to make wine accessible and approachable for all our customers."
Some of the best-selling wines at Meijer include:
- Apothic Red Blend
- Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
- La Marca Prosecco
- Meiomi Pinot Noir
- Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Meijer also offers an impressive international wine selection as part of its "Wines of the World" program. Each month, the retailer features a different wine region, with special displays and promotions on unique bottles from places like Greece, South Africa, and New Zealand. It‘s a great way to explore new wines and expand your palate.
Spirited Selection
Of course, no liquor department would be complete without a robust selection of distilled spirits. Meijer stocks all the essentials for a well-appointed home bar, from vodka and gin to whiskey and rum.
You‘ll find all the top brands like Tito‘s, Jack Daniel‘s, Bacardi, and Smirnoff, as well as premium spirits like Grey Goose, Hendrick‘s, and Johnnie Walker. Tequila fans will appreciate the range of blancos, reposados, and añejos, including favorites like Patrón, Don Julio, and Casamigos.
Meijer also offers an array of liqueurs, cordials, and mixers to elevate your cocktail game. Stock up on triple sec, vermouth, bitters, and simple syrup to mix classic drinks like margaritas, martinis, and old fashioneds. In the mixer aisle, you‘ll find an assortment of juices, sodas, tonics, and syrups from top brands like Q Mixers, Fever Tree, and Powell & Mahoney.
In addition to major national brands, Meijer supports local and craft distilleries in each of the states where it operates. Look for special displays featuring spirits from Michigan‘s Traverse City Whiskey Co., Indiana‘s Hotel Tango, and Wisconsin‘s Dancing Goat Distillery, among others.
According to Meijer spirits buyer Scott Albers, whiskey is consistently the top-selling spirits category, with vodka coming in second. "Bourbon in particular has seen tremendous growth in recent years," said Albers. "We‘ve really expanded our selection to keep up with demand for both new and established whiskey brands."
Private Label Liquor
In addition to major brands, Meijer offers a selection of private label liquors at budget-friendly prices under its own brands:
- Meijer Classics: Includes American vodka, blended whiskey, spiced rum, and other basics
- Meijer Reserve: Features premium spirits made with high-quality ingredients
- Rivertown: Includes craft-style spirits like small batch bourbon and gin
- Horseshoe: Mexican-made tequilas in blanco, reposado, and añejo expressions
Meijer‘s house brand liquors offer excellent value and have earned accolades from spirits competitions. For example, Meijer Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey recently won a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where it was praised for its smooth, well-balanced flavor.
"We work closely with our suppliers to create unique spirits that deliver exceptional quality and value to our customers," said Meijer corporate liquor buyer Trisha Belstra. "Our private label products go through rigorous taste testing and quality control to ensure they exceed expectations."
While some may be skeptical of generic liquor, I‘ve blind-tasted Meijer‘s offerings against comparable name brand spirits and have been consistently impressed. For basic mixed drinks and cocktails, they‘re a great way to save money without sacrificing flavor.
Liquor Pricing
So how does Meijer‘s liquor pricing compare to other retailers? Generally speaking, Meijer aims to be competitive with other major grocery and big box chains like Kroger, Walmart, and Costco.
To get a sense of how Meijer stacks up, I compared prices on several popular liquor items at Meijer vs. Kroger in Michigan. Here‘s what I found:
| Item | Meijer Price | Kroger Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Daniel‘s (750 ml) | $24.99 | $25.99 |
| Tito‘s Vodka (1.75 L) | $29.99 | $28.99 |
| Captain Morgan (1.75 L) | $24.99 | $25.99 |
| Crown Royal (750 ml) | $26.99 | $27.99 |
| Bacardi Superior (750 ml) | $14.99 | $15.49 |
As you can see, Meijer‘s everyday prices are generally on par with or slightly lower than Kroger‘s. However, Meijer often runs promotions and discounts that can save you even more, especially if you buy multiple bottles.
For even deeper savings, consider shopping Meijer‘s 10 for $10 liquor sale, which typically runs a few times per year. During this promotion, select 50 ml "airplane" bottles are just $1 each when you buy 10. It‘s a great way to sample new spirits or stock up on single-serving bottles for parties and travel.
Tips for Shopping the Meijer Liquor Department
As a retail expert and experienced Meijer shopper, I‘ve picked up a few tips and tricks for navigating the liquor department over the years. Here are my top suggestions:
-
Know your state‘s liquor laws: Rules for purchasing alcohol vary widely by state. Some Meijer stores can only sell beer and wine, while others also offer spirits. Brush up on your local regulations before you shop to avoid disappointment at the register.
-
Shop the sales: Meijer runs frequent promotions on liquor, from seasonal discounts to buy-one-get-one deals. The best sales tend to occur around major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and New Year‘s Eve, so stock up strategically.
-
Join mPerks: Meijer‘s free rewards program, mPerks, often includes digital coupons for liquor. You can also earn rewards on your alcohol purchases that can be redeemed for future discounts.
-
Look high and low: Some of the best deals on liquor at Meijer are located on the top or bottom shelves rather than at eye level. Don‘t be afraid to squat or stretch to find hidden gems.
-
Ask for help: If you‘re overwhelmed by the selection or looking for a recommendation, don‘t hesitate to flag down a Meijer team member. Many stores have dedicated beer, wine, and spirits specialists who can help you find the perfect bottle.
-
Buy in bulk: If you entertain often or just want to stock up, consider buying liquor in larger formats like 1.75 L bottles. You‘ll generally get a lower per-ounce price than on smaller sizes.
-
Mix and match: Meijer often runs mix-and-match deals on wine and beer where you can build your own six-pack or case from a select assortment. It‘s a great way to try new brands and save on your favorites.
-
Don‘t be afraid to experiment: With such a wide selection, Meijer is the perfect place to branch out from your go-to order. Try a new craft beer, sample a different varietal of wine, or mix up a cocktail with an unfamiliar spirit. You might just discover a new favorite.
The Bottom Line
Whether you‘re stocking your bar for a party or just grabbing a six-pack for the weekend, Meijer is a one-stop shop for all your liquor needs. With a vast selection, competitive prices, and knowledgeable staff, it‘s no wonder that Meijer is a top destination for beer, wine, and spirits in the Midwest.
Of course, as with any alcohol retailer, Meijer takes its responsibility as a seller very seriously. Stores strictly enforce age requirements and work to prevent sales to intoxicated individuals. Meijer also partners with organizations like Responsibility.org to promote responsible drinking and reduce underage alcohol consumption.
So the next time you‘re in the market for a new bottle of bourbon or a crisp chardonnay, head to your local Meijer and raise a glass to great selection, savings, and service. Cheers!
