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A family-owned department store chain decided to give customers at each of its 213 midwestern stores the ultimate Christmas surprise. All their items at check out time — whether toys, electronics or kitchen appliances — were given to them for free, compliments of Meijer stores.

Contents in the shopping carts ranged in value from $350 to $1,200, according to Meijer, which released a video sharing the emotion-filled reactions of customers (see below).

One lucky Ohio shopper said on Facebook, “I can’t even believe I am posting this…still in so much shock! My husband and I were just shopping at Meijer buying a huge amount of Christmas gifts. When we went to get in line the store manager came over (and) introduced himself (I thought we were in trouble)… He then says to us, on behalf of Meijer they would like to wish us a Merry Christmas and pay for our Christmas shopping!”

“The holidays are a time for kindness and joy, and the ‘Very Merry Meijer’ event was a perfect opportunity for us to share the spirit of the season with those we hold dear: our customers,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman of the 80-year-old company. “Our family has always believed that our customers don’t need us, but that we need them.”

(WATCH the video below or READ more at Michigan Live)

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