Supercenter chain Meijer plans to open a new smaller-format, grocery-focused store in the Chicago suburb of Niles, Ill.

“Not only does this store represent a new approach to the way we go to market, it also reinforces our commitment to invest and grow in Chicagoland,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO of the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.

The new store, which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2010, will be 102,000 square feet, about half the size of typical Meijer supercenters. It will also be grocery and pharmacy focused, while still providing some general merchandise offerings -- all tailored to its local community.

“For several years, we have worked hard throughout the Midwest to offer specific grocery items that are relevant to the unique customer base in the communities we service, and the Niles community is represented by a variety of cultures,” said Meijer president Mark Murray.

Construction of the Niles Meijer will begin in the coming weeks and include a full renovation of a currently vacant retail site.

Meijer operates 189 supercenters throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.