Hiller’s Launches Hometown First Program

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Spend $100 at Hiller’s, get a discount at locally-owned restaurants. Easy as a piece of decadent pie or a glass of delightful wine – which many shoppers might now be able to afford with the collaboration unveiled today at Southeast Michigan’s largest and longest-held locally-owned grocery chain, Hiller’s Markets.

“In tough times like those we face now, the power of community is one crucial element to getting us through,” CEO Jim Hiller wrote to area restaurateurs, asking them to sign on to the Hiller’s Hometown First Project. “We support one another, we cheer for one another, we come together because the power of a group proves stronger than the power of an individual.”

Starting Monday, February 2, any shopper who spends $100 or more during a trip to Hiller’s will receive a Hometown First card. That card is redeemable for one time use at a participating restaurant; a current list, with promotional details, is available on the Hiller’s website, www.hillers.com, and at the service desk of every Hiller’s store.

“It is my hope that this program will inspire many local entrepreneurs to realize the value in working together to boost our economy,” says Jim Hiller. “We are launching with a very select group of excellent restaurants, though we welcome others who may be interested in participating. We all need to find ways to patronize local businesses, even in tough times like these.”

Hiller’s has long been committed to showcasing locally-made, grown and produced food items. Over the years, Jim Hiller has nurtured local entrepreneurs and helped many launch viable food businesses.
Hometown First participating restaurants include Bombay Grille, The Boneyard, Cherry Blossom Japanese Restaurant, CJ’s Brewing Company, Commerce Grill, Eve, Jerusalem Pizza & Bagel, Musashi, Sposita’s Ristorante and Sweet Lorraine’s.

“With so many jobs lost and the economy spiraling, I want to do what I can to communicate to shoppers that there are multiple levels of value to shopping at Hiller’s,” says Jim Hiller.

For a while now, Hiller’s has indicated Michigan products by green shelf tags in every store. In the months to come, Hiller’s will unveil other initiatives to partner with local businesses in an effort to rebuild the economy, including a Michigan foods fair March 21-22 and periodic circulars devoted to Michigan products sold at Hiller’s.

Hiller’s groceries are located in Ann Arbor, Berkley, West Bloomfield, Northville, Plymouth, Commerce Township and a new 52,000 square-foot store in Union Lake. Many company employees have been at Hiller’s for decades – symbolizing the quality behind the brand. Hiller has always been guided by the societal impact of store activities and corporate decisions.

News coverage about Hiller's Hometown First Project:

'Made In Michigan' Campaign
WXYZ Channel 7 Action News view segment

Hiller's Market Offers 'Hometown First' Card
WDIV Local 4 News

Hiller's Launches Hometown First Program
Progressive Grocer

Hiller's Markets offers restaurant discounts
By SUSAN SELASKY • FREE PRESS TEST KITCHEN DIRECTOR • February 2, 2009

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