Apples headline 'Meijer Mania' back-to-college parties

Meijer Inc. plans to give up to 40,000 freshmen entering college a proper welcome through the retail chain's "Meijer Mania" shopping parties.

Through the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer's in-store parties, the students are to be welcomed to campus with 1.6 million pounds of apples, according to a news release.

Via buses, Meier's plans to send the students to their local Meijer stores for a night of back-to-college events which assists the students through collecting last-minute items for dormitories and classrooms, according to the release.

The retailer kicked-off the Meijer Mania events the week of Aug. 14 and plans to host 22 events at 20 Midwestern colleges and universities through early September.

Meijer expects to help about 1,700 freshmen per event.

Typically, a disc jockey would entertain the crowd as students participate in interactive games and contests, snap pictures in the photo booth and stock their carts with snacks and school supplies.

Meijer's also provides samples and coupons and hosts contests.

More than a decade ago, Meijer's began hosting the parties to give students a chance to get to know their peers in a fun atmosphere and to introduce Meijer's to those unfamiliar with the chain, according to the release.

"Our Meijer Mania events provide new students the opportunity to shop for their first living spaces away from home and share a fun-filled bonding experience with classmates," Cooper, Meijer's senior director of promotions and sponsorships, said in the release. "We are pleased to partner with so many colleges and universities to help ease the transition of moving into a new living environment for these students."