Meijer stores, similar to this one in downstate Flat Rock, Mich., that opened in August, will open in Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie in 2017 and Marquette in 2018.

GRAND RAPIDS — Meijer stores are coming to the Upper Peninsula.

The Grand Rapids-based retailer plans to open stores in Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie next year and Marquette in 2018.

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, clothing departments, garden centers and electronics offerings.

Since 2008, the retailer’s Simply Give program has generated nearly $24 million for its food pantry partners throughout the Midwest.

The Sault St. Marie and Escanaba stores will be 190,000 square feet and include a gas station and drive-through pharmacy. The Escanaba site is 50 acres.

The Marquette Township Planning Commission unanimously approved the preliminary site plans for a project in June. Before the commission grants final approval, Meijer will be required to meet additional conditions, including receiving the proper permitting through county and state agencies.

Overall, the Marquette development is valued at about $7.4 million, according to township documents.

The 192,000-square-foot grocery store in Marquette will be situated on a 24-acre parcel of property directly north of Lowe’s Home Improvement, while a 2,500-square-foot gas station is to be situated on a 4-acre parcel at the northwest corner of the U.S. 41 and Brickyard Road intersection.

Each store will employ more than 280 workers.

Meijer operates 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin, more than 100 of which are in Michigan alone. Most are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Vanessa Dietz’s email address is vdietz@mininggazette.com.