Eager shoppers line up early for Austintown Meijer opening

Customers gathered before sunrise Thursday in anticipation of the 6 a.m. opening of the new Meijer supercenter in Austintown.

A line of people, some of whom brought lawn chairs, lined the sidewalk in front of the store, located at 5800 Mahoning Ave., which marks the retailer’s 58th location in Ohio.

To celebrate the grand opening day, starting at 6am, the first 200 customers through the door received a Meijer gift card.

The 159,000-square-foot store occupies the former site of Austintown Middle School and offers a range of departments, including grocery staples, fresh produce, a bakery, meat and deli sections, floral and garden centers, and home goods.

 The store also features a pharmacy, health and beauty care items, a pet department, electronics, toys, sports equipment, and apparel. A Meijer Express gas station adjacent to the supercenter opened previously.

Patrick Hughes, a Valley native with prior experience at Meijer stores in Columbus and Cleveland, will serve as the store director. In a statement released before the opening, Hughes emphasized the store’s commitment to customer service and community partnerships.

Starting at 6 am on Friday, the first 200 customers through the door will receive a reusable shopping bag containing some Frederik’s by Meijer™ items.  

Starting at 6 am, Saturday, the first 200 customers through the door will receive a reusable shopping bag containing Meijer vendor products, samples and coupons.

Meijer operates more than 500 stores across six states, including existing locations in nearby Howland and Boardman.