Meijer Looks For Next Great Toymaker In Small Business Toy Contest

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer, has announced the launch of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest that will give two small U.S. toymakers the chance for their toy to receive exclusive distribution on Meijer.com this holiday season.

The contest, the first of its kind hosted by Meijer, is open to small toy companies and entrepreneurs in the United States with 50 employees or less. Eligible toys must fit in one of two age categories 1-3 or 4-8 years of age.  To enter, toymakers will send one sample toy along with a contest entry form to Meijer. Entries will be judged on uniqueness, educational relevance, creativity and quality.

"Meijer strives to provide our customers the best selection of toys in-store and online during the holiday season," said Liwanag Ojala, vice president of e-commerce for Meijer.  "This contest allows us to offer something exclusive to Meijer.com shoppers while supporting small businesses here in the U.S., something we know is important to our customers."

Contest Details

• Contest is open to U.S. toy companies  with 50 employees or less
• Entries must for one of two age categories: 1-3 or 4-8 years of age
• Entries must be postmarked by Aug. 13 and received by Aug. 17 to be eligible
• Winners will be chosen by a panel of Meijer judges
• Meijer Facebook fans can vote for their favorite toy on Aug. 29-Sept. 4 at www.facebook.com/meijer
• Two winners (one from each age group) will be announced on Sept. 7.
• Winning toys will be available on Meijer.com  for at least six months, beginning  Nov. 21

The Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest winners will be chosen by a panel of Meijer judges including representatives from e-commerce, toy purchasing and quality assurance. Meijer Facebook fans can also weigh in, voting for their favorite toy on the Meijer Facebook page Aug. 29-Sept. 4.

"Meijer.com is the go-to destination for holiday toy shopping and we're excited to add these new toys to our huge online selection of nearly 8,000 toys," said Ojala. "With free shipping to local Meijer stores, Meijer.com makes it simple to experience the joy of giving this holiday season."

The winners will be announced on Sept. 7 and available for purchase at Meijer.com on Nov. 21.

For more information and official rules for the Meijer Next Great Toymaker Contest, visit www.meijer.com/toycontest.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 198 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

SOURCE Meijer