Meijer helps blind, low vision customers shop via a free app

Meijer is partnering to give vision-impaired customers increased accessibility and ease in their shopping trip. 

The Midwest retailer is among the first in the Midwest to provide customers free access to the Aira app while shopping at any of its supercenters or neighborhood markets. Aira is a service that connects blind and low vision people to highly trained, remotely located agents through the cameras of their smartphones. 

At the touch of a button, Aira will connect customers who need immediate visual assistance with anything from reading in-store signage to product labels.  Previously, the app had been accessible for a per-minute fee in Meijer stores. But the new partnership allows customers to shop without paying a premium for accessibility. Upon entering any Meijer location, any Aira user will receive a notification that their use of the app will be complimentary. In addition, the app can be accessed using the free Wi-Fi available in all Meijer locations, eliminating all potential costs to the customer.

"Our mission is to enrich lives in the communities we serve," said Tim Williams, VP of diversity and inclusion at Meijer, which operates 248 superstores and grocery stores throughout the Midwest.  "We are happy to offer this tool that ensures our low vision customers experience the same independence as any other customer with quick and easy access to the information they need."