Meijer is weighing a new supercenter in Obetz that could become the retail anchor for the sprawling Buckstone mixed-use development on Rathmell Road. City officials flagged an agreement with the retailer this week as Meijer conducts due diligence on the site. If the deal sticks, the store would be the latest in a wave of grocery investments that is rapidly reshaping central Ohio's retail map.
Deal Quietly Emerges In City Posts And Company Emails
According to The Columbus Dispatch, the City of Obetz posted on social media on March 24 that Meijer will build on the Buckstone site, while the company told the outlet via email it was "excited about the potential opportunity to be part of the community." The Dispatch also reported that Meijer operates roughly 10 stores in the central Ohio region and nearly 60 across the state, and noted that Kroger announced about a $112 million investment in central Ohio this week, including plans to open new stores in Delaware and Canal Winchester.
What Buckstone Is Bringing To The South Side
Buckstone is an 800-acre mixed-use project centered at the Lockbourne and Rathmell roads corridor, planned to bring housing, retail and services as the area grows. The City of Obetz has described Buckstone as a cornerstone of its long-term development strategy and recently approved parcel sales and residential phases for the site, according to City of Obetz.
Why Grocers Are Zeroing In On Central Ohio
Part of the draw is Buckstone's proximity to the Rickenbacker logistics hub and major road corridors, a combination that can support both shoppers and supply chains. Audit and municipal documents indicate Buckstone's full buildout could top $1 billion in investment, a scale that makes the area appealing to large-format retailers such as Meijer and Kroger, according to the Ohio Auditor's Office.
What Happens Next For The Obetz Site
Meijer is still in the due diligence phase and has not committed to a construction or opening timeline. Any project would need site plans, permits and traffic studies signed off before construction can begin. As reported by The Columbus Dispatch, a city representative did not respond to a request seeking comment. Officials with the Buckstone team and nearby developers say decisions on major anchors often take months as deals, design details and community feedback are worked through.
If Meijer ultimately plants its flag at Buckstone, shoppers would gain another full-service option that covers groceries, pharmacy needs and general merchandise, with the potential to add local jobs and spur more retail activity. For now, residents and local leaders are watching the due diligence process for clues on store size, access points and when, exactly, construction might start.
