BOARDMAN — Thursday marked a milestone for Boardman Township, as the highly anticipated Meijer opened for business.

Among those transferring their purchases to their vehicle were Charlie and Kristi Masenheimer of Canfield.

They were excited for the store’s opening, as they have shopped with the retailer before in Polaris Fashion Place shopping center near Columbus.

“They have good sale prices,” Kristi said, with Charlie adding he likes the produce selection.

Although they don’t have pets, Charlie likes its large pet section, too.

Customers vied for parking spots, and although at times every space was taken, inside was a smooth operation, the Masenheimers said.

“There are so many workers” giving attention to customers, Kristi said.

Originally, Meijer planned on hiring 250 employees, but that number swelled to more than 320 as the hiring process began, store Director Dessie Szklany said earlier this week.

While the Masenheimers packed their groceries away, Szklany was outside, weaving through the parking lot to interact with people.

Seizing the opportunity, Charlie had a quick suggestion: Bring more Pittsburgh-based merchandise.

“It’s all Cleveland in there, we need Steelers,” he said, in a friendly tone.

Szklany, who has worked with local produce and meat suppliers to partner with the local Meijer, welcomed the recommendation and said those discussions are already underway to bring the apparel to the racks in the near future.

The 155,000-square-foot store is located on U.S. Route 224, just east of Tippecanoe Road.

There is an entrance on Tippecanoe, with lights helping to guide traffic.

As of Thursday afternoon, no traffic problems were reported, police Chief Todd Werth said.

Officers were contracted through Meijer with the Fraternal Order of Police at no cost to the township, Werth said. Meetings with the company have occured over the last couple of years, including with the local loss prevention team.

“When they first started looking at Boardman, I spoke with three different police chiefs that have a Meijer,” Werth said. “They had nothing but positive things to say.”

Also having a positive experience were Amy Mains and her 4-year-old daughter Emma, both of Canfield.

Before Thursday, Mains had never been to Meijer.

The traffic surrounding Meijer wasn’t nearly as bad as what she thought it would be, even with the filled parking lot, she said.

Overall, she and Emma enjoyed their first time at the store.

“We thought it was pretty great,” Mains said, noting employees were friendly and the opening day was well-organized.

She was also pleasantly surprised at the amount and quality of departments, she said, along with what most other shoppers are curious when shopping: competitive pricing.

“I was just surprised at how big it is. I didn’t know a veterinarian section would be available,” Mains said.

Also impressing her was the fact that during the pandemic, Meijer was able to complete the store construction and open.

“I thought they were on top of business to finish their goal,” Mains said.

Meijer is open 6 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week.

afox@vindy.com