Meijer Launches New Independence Market to Serve Clarkston Community

Meijer Launches Independence Market in Clarkston

On May 1, 2025, Meijer, a prominent retailer in the Midwest, celebrated the grand opening of its newest Independence Market in Clarkston, Michigan. This supermarket is designed to provide fresh, affordable groceries while meeting the convenience needs of local residents in both Clarkston and Independence Township. It marks the sixth neighborhood market opened by Meijer and the fifth in the state of Michigan.

Nestled within a new mixed-use development near Sashabaw and I-75, the Independence Market integrates residential living spaces with shopping facilities. Robert Lajcaj, the Store Director, shared sentiments on the store’s purpose, emphasizing the need for nearby shopping options that align with the busy lifestyles of the community members. “Independence Market will serve as a vibrant and welcoming space, fulfilling the needs of the neighborhood and its surroundings,” Lajcaj stated.

The store opened its doors at 7:00 AM to a warm reception filled with cheers from excited customers. The opening ceremony featured prominent figures such as Hank Meijer, executive chairman of Meijer, and Rick Keyes, president and CEO of the company. Keyes highlighted Meijer’s commitment to investing in local communities: “This philosophy will guide how our Independence Market team embraces the community.”

Located at 5820 Waldon Road, Clarkston, this new market spans an impressive 50,000 square feet, making it Meijer’s largest neighborhood market to date. Customers can expect a diverse selection of grocery items, including fresh meats, deli products, a bakery, and numerous items under the Meijer brand as well as national brands. Additionally, the market is focused on sourcing local products, featuring items from Shaded Bloom Coffee Roasters, Allow Nourishment, and Cook's Dairy Farm.

A unique addition to the Independence Market is Honcho A-Go-Go, a restaurant and café offering a blend of coffee, baked goods from Union Joints, and popular Latin street food. Guests can savor dishes like smoked meats in tacos, burritos, and rice bowls, including the fan-favorite Honcho Walking Taco. This eatery not only adds culinary variety but also has indoor seating for 36 patrons, plus outdoor patio access, enhancing the dining experience.

The market also features a stunning mural created by local artist Chelsea Hensbergen from Earth and Ether Art, which pays homage to community engagement, the region’s lakes, and locally sourced products.

Shopping at Independence Market provides added benefits through the Meijer mPerks rewards program, enabling customers to earn points for future discounts. The store’s strategic location near new housing developments and community trails, along with electric vehicle charging stations, underscores its commitment to accessibility and convenience. It also participates in WIC and SNAP benefit programs, making it an essential resource for many locals.

In the spirit of giving back, the Independence Market team demonstrated community support by donating to several significant local organizations. Notably, they contributed $10,000 to Social Medium, which provides a safe space for teens to engage in art therapy. They also donated $10,000 to On a Dragonfly's Wings, an initiative focused on reducing mental health stigma, along with $5,000 to The Happy Teeth Project, which aims to fund dental care for underprivileged children.

Meijer is known for its philanthropic efforts, giving at least 6% of its net earnings to charitable causes annually, and collaborates with local food banks to combat hunger continuously. Since its inception in 2008, the Simply Give program has donated millions to food pantry partners across the Midwest, with the Independence Market selecting Clarkston United Methodist Church Food Pantry as its inaugural partner.

As a family-owned retailer, Meijer operates over 500 supercenters, grocery stores, and neighborhood markets across the Midwest, continually striving for excellence in creating a convenient shopping experience. With over 70,000 team members, the company remains dedicated to offering quality products and maintaining a positive community presence.

For more insights on Meijer and its community initiatives, visit Meijer Newsroom.