It has been nearly nine years since my original review of this Meijer location, an eagerly…read moreanticipated arrival for me as a longtime fan of Meijer.
An updated review is long overdue.
First off, the anticipated battle between Wal-Mart and Target has been a non-starter. All three still co-exist within about a mile or so of each other with Target, in particular, blossoming with the growth of Glendale Town Center.
While my original review was for opening weekend, this review is now several years in with hours changed, staffing patterns established, and a sense of the mundane established. ADA still tends to be fine (and slightly better than Target in my opinion.
The Ben's Pretzels that was here is long gone. The South Bend Chocolate Company spot that was planned never came to be. The area where you can buy pizza is a small dining area at the back of the store with a few tables and a vastly reduced selection.
The pharmacy here is still a highlight. I've always appreciated the staff - something I can seldom say about the rest of the store.
As a chain, Meijer has a long history of hiring people with disabilities and frequently for more than being a doorway presence.
In the battle of the three major stores (Target, Wal-Mart, Meijer), there's no question Target's the winner. I primarily head to Meijer for certain items, for pharmacy (I don't care for CVS pharmacy, a Target partner), and for ice. I also head here because the accessible parking is superior to Target and Meijer has small carts that are easier for a wheelchair user to manage.
Customer service? Clearly a Target win. It's not even close. Even at opening, Meijer fell short and it's only gotten worse here.
Last night, I visited Meijer in search of a few items.
I can almost never find help to reach an item. Customer service continues to carry on personal conversations in lieu of serving people. The self-serve check-out is nearly always unreasonably long. Actual check-out lanes are typically 2-3 available with ungodly long waits. As an ostomy wearer (if you don't know, you probably don't want to), mine actually popped last night because I was in line so long waiting. Seriously.
Seriously inexcusable.
I live about 2 miles and five minutes from this location. I frequently get in my car and drive all the way to McCordsville because that location is better staffed, friendly, has greater selection, and is immensely cleaner. I realize it's newer, but it's actually been a while and I consistently have a better experience.
Yes, I know McCordsville is a small town. Yes, I know 56th and Keystone is a bit rougher area (as evidenced by the fact that security and/or IMPD is consistently a presence here). But, really? If you're going to have this location why not show some pride in it? My feelings of "meh" have given way to feelings of embarrassment to the Meijer chain for this location.
I should not have an ostomy pop because I've waited in line for so long trying to check out. The cashier? Perfectly fine (I do tend to view Meijer employees as Stepford employees...incredibly robotic and devoid of personality).
Am I done here? Probably not. It's too convenient. However, more and more I'm giving my hard-earned dollars to Target and/or making the trip to McCordsville. This area deserves more than a dirty and under-staffed Meijer with a worse selection. I absolutely want Meijer to continue to be here - I just want this Meijer to be representative of the best of Meijer instead of the worst.
