Meijer to Open New Store on Former Geauga Lake Site

The 159,000-square-foot store will be the retailer's 59th in Ohio, bringing jobs and economic development to Aurora and Bainbridge.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:07am

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After nearly a year of construction, a new Meijer store is set to open on May 6 in Bainbridge Township, Ohio, on part of the former Geauga Lake property. The 159,000-square-foot store will be Meijer's 59th location in the state and is expected to bring around 300 jobs to the area. The store is part of a joint economic development district between Aurora and Bainbridge, which will share the income tax revenue generated.

Why it matters

The new Meijer store is a significant development for the former Geauga Lake site, which has been largely vacant since the amusement park closed in 2007. The store's opening is expected to attract more people to the area, benefiting nearby businesses in Aurora and Bainbridge. Additionally, the revenue-sharing agreement between the two communities through the joint economic development district could provide funding for infrastructure improvements and other community initiatives.

The details

The new Meijer store will feature a wide assortment of fresh produce, grocery staples, bakery, meat, seafood, and deli departments, as well as a floral area, garden center, apparel, home goods, and a full-service pharmacy with a drive-thru. Meijer purchased the 16.45-acre parcel for $4.9 million in October 2023, and construction began in spring 2025. The store is located within a 332-acre joint economic development district between Aurora and Bainbridge Township, which was formed in 2020 to facilitate the sharing of income tax revenue between the communities.

  • Construction on the Meijer store began in spring 2025.
  • Meijer purchased the 16.45-acre parcel for $4.9 million in October 2023.
  • The new Meijer store is slated to open on May 6, 2026.

The players

Meijer Stores Limited Partnership

The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based retailer that is opening the new 159,000-square-foot store in Bainbridge Township, Ohio.

Ann Womer Benjamin

The mayor of Aurora, Ohio, who represents the city on the governing board of the joint economic development district with Bainbridge Township.

Kristina O'Brien

The trustee of Bainbridge Township who represents the township on the governing board of the joint economic development district with Aurora.

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What they’re saying

“The feedback we've received from customers about the value and convenience we offer is consistently positive, and we are excited to bring that experience to our neighbors in Aurora and Bainbridge Township.”

— Todd Anderson, Vice President of the Ohio Region for Meijer

“We are to use that to maintain the utilities that we are providing.”

— Ann Womer Benjamin, Mayor of Aurora

“We're looking forward to working with Bainbridge as the joint economic development district develops and provides revenue opportunities for both our communities.”

— Ann Womer Benjamin, Mayor of Aurora

What’s next

The governing board of the joint economic development district between Aurora and Bainbridge Township is expected to meet this spring or summer to discuss the progress of the Meijer store and other development projects in the area.

The takeaway

The opening of the new Meijer store on the former Geauga Lake site represents a significant economic development opportunity for the Aurora and Bainbridge communities. The revenue-sharing agreement through the joint economic development district could provide funding for infrastructure improvements and other community initiatives, while also attracting more visitors to the area and supporting local businesses.