DETROIT – Security is in place as the new Meijer Supercenter opens on 8 Mile Road at Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
Inside the Meijer gas station the Detroit Police Department will have its own space. Police will be a constant presence on the corner.
The idea is not to scare shoppers but to reassure them that everything is being done to keep them safe.
"We thought it was important to make sure that the police presence was here to be the protector for the people," said Mayor Dave Bing.
Ike McKinnon, a security expert, is a former Detroit police chief who knows security has to be a top priority especially to show other retailers that moving to Motown makes sense.
"Know that the people are well-trained, the officers are well-trained and that it will be a good time shopping," said McKinnon.
Earlier this year, Whole Foods opened a store in Midtown. A security guard is always present right at the front door.
At Meijer, the beefed-up security plan already is helping the neighborhood grown. Rhonda Morris opened her cheesecake shop just last week right across the street. The additional security is a big draw.
"I have my family in here and, you know, we work hard and I just want us to be safe," Morris said.
The Meijer store officially opens to the public at 6 a.m. Thursday.
Security cameras watch over the Meijer parking lot.