Art Van Furniture to open Petoskey and Onaway stores in October

Michigan's largest furniture retailer, Art Van, says it is opening two new stores in northwest Michigan's Petoskey and Onaway, former showrooms for Brewbaker's Furniture, in October. That makes 33 Michigan locations for the Warren-based company, which is celebrating its golden anniversary in 2010.

"At a time when many businesses are closing their doors, we are growing and adding jobs to the state's economy," says Gary Van Elslander, president of Art Van Furniture.

Art Van acquired the assets and real estate of Brewbaker's -- another family-owned furniture company that had been in business more than 50 years -- and also will retain Brewbaker's 80-plus employees, including two sons who helped manage the Petoskey and Onaway stores.
 
"It's one Michigan family business shaking hands with another Michigan family business," says Art Van Elslander, Gary's father and Art Van founder, chairman and well-known philanthropist.

According to marketing director Diane Charles, the Petoskey store is at 1619 Anderson Road, across from the Walmart shopping center. The Onaway store, at 20902 Washington Avenue, will receive some upgrades for the Art Van look.

Charles says Art Van plans a grand opening of the Onaway and Petoskey stores in early October.

Source: Diane Charles
Writer: Patty LaNoue Stearns