Capital City Market Puts a Focus on Local Community

Wood paneling, the signature Meijer industrial finish, a gift shop teeming with greeting cards and bouquets, ten towering shelves of spirits, an open café, and widespread graphic design that reaches for neighborhood familiarity — this is Capital City Market.

Since the corner grocery store opened Oct. 14 at Michigan Avenue and Larch Street in downtown Lansing, the novelty of the new business has extended beyond regional convenience. Like the similar Meijer neighborhood stores in Grand Rapids and Royal Oak, Capital City Market features 3,500 products unique to the state of Michigan.

The Lansing location is able to distinguish itself. It features three vendors — Hissho Sushi, Capital City Deli and Ferris Coffee — giving the store a welcome breadth.

“We have a genuine passion to help support as many local businesses as we can,” said store director Mitchell Cook. “This has become even more important during times where our local businesses need it the most.”

Cook pointed to the market’s direct connection with local organizations. Since opening day, Capital City Market has given $3,000 community support donations to the Salus Center of Michigan, Impression 5 Science Center, Friends of the Lansing Regional Trails, All of the Above Hip Hop Academy and the Allen Neighborhood Center.

It’s something more artisanal than your traditional neighborhood grocery store, with an environment that is Whole Foods but much more in line with a Michigan temperament.