The founder of Meijer was Dutch-American businessman Hendrik Meijer.
Hendrik Meijer was born on December 28, 1883, in Hengelo, Netherlands.
At the age of 12, Meijer worked at a Stock B.V. mill. Anarchist and socialist views were imposed on Meijer during this time. He began distributing pamphlets and posters in support of these ideologies and criticizing Dutch colonialism.
Meijer then joined the Dutch military to avoid further factory work. After leaving the military, he met Gezina Mantel, the daughter of anarchist and socialist organizers. He immigrated to the United States with his parents and sister in 1907.
In 1934, Meijer entered the grocery business during the Great Depression in an unrented building he constructed beside his barbershop. At the time, he borrowed $338.76 to purchase goods for the unused space, believing that if they did not sell, his family could use them. With the help of his son Frederik, the two began to operate the grocery store.
In 1962, Meijer and his son Frederik pioneered the superstore concept with the opening of Thrifty Acres in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
On May 31, 1964, Meijer died at the age of 80 and Frederik took his position to lead the supermarket chain.
By the twenty-first century, the Meijer supermarket chain grew into one of the largest private companies and retail stores in the United States.
He had two children; Frederik Meijer and Johanna Meijer.