Meijer's Turns to David Rockwell

A report in Crain's Detroit Business said that hypermarket retailer Meijer Inc. (Grand Rapids, Mich.) has turned to renowned New York architect David Rockwell to redesign its stores.

Rockwell is well-known for designing cutting-edge retail, themed restaurants, luxury hotels and most recently Broadway stage sets.

Meijer operates nearly 160 combination grocery and general merchandise stores; about half are in Michigan, while the rest are in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. Its huge stores (which average 200,000 to 250,000 square feet each, or about the size of four regular grocery stores) stock about 120,000 items, including Meijer private-label products. Customers can choose from about 40 departments, including hardware, apparel, toys and electronics.