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A2 for UMich Parents - Where to Shop for Dorms Near UM - A mother and daughter unload dorm supplies from an SUV

Where to Shop for Dorm Supplies Near University of Michigan

Are you wondering the best places for dorm shopping near University of Michigan? I’ve got the scoop on all the Big Box Stores near Ann Arbor – Target, Meijer, and more.

A2 for UMich Parents

This post is part of our new section A2 for UMich Parents. My “Ann Arbor Kid” started college in fall 2024! I joined UM parent groups and found parents asking for the local “scoop”. After answering a few questions, other local parents familiar with Ann Arbor with Kids suggested I continue to provide my experience on A2 for UMich Parents.

A2 for UMich Parents What You Need to Know from a Local UM Parent - Arbor Annie cartoon owl

Map of Big Box Stores near Ann Arbor

Target Near University of Michigan

In UM Parents group, I frequently saw people posting that they plan to shop for dorm supplies at Target on State St which is just steps from UM campus. This is a small footprint store that does not carry a full range of products. Target only allows pickup of items that are in stock at the store.

There are 3 Targets near University of Michigan. The closest is the State St location which is just steps off campus – particularly close to North Quad dorms. However, this is a small footprint store. It is great for students who need to replenish toiletries, buy a few groceries, birthday cards, school supplies, etc. It does not have a full range of items. I did a spot check in June and they don’t carry mini refrigerators, quilts, pegboards, and other items we were looking at. They were out of stock or had limited options on items like microwaves, towels, and sheets.

The Ann Arbor Target (Waters Rd) and Ypsilanti Target (Carpenter Rd) are both convenient to campus. Which one is closer will depend on where you are living on campus. North campus is closer to Ypsilanti Target, the Hill is roughly equal, East and South Quad are closer to Ann Arbor Target. These are both regular size Targets that are typically well-stocked for back to school. They both carry some groceries, but are not full grocery stores.

Meijer Stores Near UM

Have you visited Meijer? Unlike Target, Meijer has a full grocery store and all of the other housewares, electronics, and clothing. They can truly be a one-stop shop.

There are 3 Meijer locations near UM. The Ypsilanti Meijer is next door to Target on Carpenter Rd, making it easy to shop both stores since you can walk between them. The Ann Arbor Meijer is on Ann Arbor-Saline Road. It is just about across the street from Target (although I don’t recommend walking between them). The Scio Township Meijer is a bit further west of town. It will be less convenient than the others. But, if you are staying in a hotel nearby, it is a good option.

Walmart near University of Michigan

If you are a dedicated Walmart shopper, you will have a bit of a drive to get to Walmart. The nearest one is in Saline at State St and Michigan Avenue, about a 20 minute drive from UM dorms.

Warehouse Clubs near UM Dorms

Do you want to stock the kids up with snacks, drinks, and other items? If you have a membership, a warehouse club might be a good choice – but remember dorm storage is limited.

The Ann Arbor Costco is off State St south of 94, about 10-15 minutes from campus.

The Ypsilanti Sam’s Club is located on Michigan Avenue at US-23. It is not far from the Ypsilanti Target, Meijer, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.

Home Repair Stores near University of Michigan

Are you looking for a hardware store? Consider a local option like Stadium Hardware (2177 W. Stadium Blvd).

But, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Menards all have locations near UMich.

  • Lowe’s Carpenter Rd – 3900 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti
  • Lowe’s Scio Township – 5900 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor
  • Home Depot Carpenter Rd – 3300 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti
  • Menards – 6405 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor

Other Shopping Near University of Michigan

Beyond the stores above, there are a few other shopping options:

  • Briarwood Mall – Anchor stores: JC Penney’s, Macy’s, Von Maur. Other notable stores: Apple, MDen, Clothing Stores
  • Near Meijer on Ann Arbor-Saline Road – Kohl’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy
  • Home Goods – 215 N Maple Rd Suite B. & 3645 Washtenaw Ave (Arborland Shopping Center)
  • At Home – 3100 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti
  • Ikea – 41640 Ford Rd, Canton (about 30 minutes from campus)

Taking the Bus to go Shopping from University of Michigan

The Ride buses are operated by Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AATA) and provide connections from University of Michigan to many of the stores listed above. Students can ride the buses for free with their MCard.

  • Carpenter Rd Stores – Meijer, Target, & Lowe’s
    • Catch bus 6 on State St or bus 5 at William and Thompson. Both will drop off at Meijer. Target is in the same complex. Lowe’s is across Carpenter. On route 6 there is a stop across Ellsworth from Lowe’s.
  • Costco
    • Take the Route 6 bus from State St.
  • Ann Arbor-Saline Rd – Meijer and Target on Waters
    • Either walk or take the bus to Blake Transit Center and use route 25 or 27
  • Jackson Rd – Meijer
    • Either walk or take the bus to Blake Transit Center and use route 30
    • Lowe’s is a 0.7 mile walk from Meijer and involves crossing Jackson Rd.
    • Menards is a 1.1 mile walk from Meijer

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