Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars (left) signs the ceremonial “ribbon cutting” two-by-four at the Taylor Menards Mega Store soft grand opening June 25. The two-by-four was later chainsawed in half and will be on display at the store, 15525 Racho Road in the new Trader’s Pointe development.
TAYLOR — Menards recently celebrated openings of Mega Stores in Taylor and Belleville with weeklong grand openings planned beginning July 8.
The 250,000-square-foot Taylor facility is at 15525 Racho Road, on the southern-most end of the new Trader’s Pointe development near I-75 and Eureka Road.
The Belleville store is at 10010 Belleville Road, north of I-94.
The Taylor store celebrated a soft grand opening June 25 for contractors and officials.
In a ceremony unique to Menards, the company had a two-by-four signed by the various officials on hand and then cut in half by Mayor Rick Sollars — a cutting of the “ribbon,” so to speak. The two-by-four will eventually be displayed inside the store.
Menards’ General Manager Chris Fisher said everyone on staff had been “busting tail for seven weeks to get ready” to open. Assistant Operations Manager Dave Harrington said that the facility was Menards’ “biggest, newest prototype store” and the first of its kind in Michigan.
“We’re super excited,” Sollars said during the brief ceremony. “I know you guys (at Menards) said you were excited to be here, but the whole city of Taylor and the Downriver area are excited to have you here.”
During the Grand Opening, each of the two stores will give away more than $20,000 in prizes, including four $500 Merchandise Credit Checks on each of the seven days. Plus, there will be product demonstrations, a special appearance and deals on merchandise.
Chainsaw carver John Gage will make wood carvings from simple logs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13 and 14 in Taylor and July 11 and 12 in Belleville. Gage’s carvings will be available for public sale.
“We’ve only been open a few days, but we’re very grateful as the response in both stores has been fabulous,” Taylor Menards General Manager Chris Fisher said. “The grand opening events should be a great way to showcase Menards.”
Menards is open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Menards, the anchor and owner of the entire 83-acre Trader’s Pointe development, will make other announcements soon. At least two other “big box” retailers are expected to be located there, along with other smaller businesses and restaurants.
Trader’s Pointe has the potential to be the largest business development in the city of Taylor since Southland Mall was created. In tandem with renovations at Southland Center, the Menards/Trader’s Pointe development has created new opportunities along Eureka Road, which is currently considered one of the top development corridors in the state.
Brands like Wahlburgers, La-Z-Boy, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery, Cinemark, PizzaPapalis, Hilton Home2Suites and others have invested in the corridor, creating a major resurgence in the Taylor business community.
Menards built its reputation through the years by recognizing that people expect high quality guest service, competitive pricing and shopping convenience. Menards has full-service lumberyards, garden centers, landscape blocks, lighting options, tools, hardware supplies, doors, windows, flooring, plumbing supplies, cabinets, appliances, patio furniture, home décor items and more.
Menards figures that most people are very busy, therefore has a line of convenience groceries, pet and wildlife products, lawn and garden supplies and several unique, impulse items as a one-stop shopping destination.
“There is literally something for everyone at Menards,” spokesman Jeff Abbott said. “Whether you’re a casual shopper, beginning do-it-yourselfer or more experienced contractor, we can help with all of your home improvement needs.”
A family-owned and run business since 1958, Menards has steadily grown throughout the years. With 312 stores in 14 Midwestern states, Menards has relied on being the low price leader while winning people over by treating them like family in a hometown hardware store atmosphere.