Art Van opens three new stores, including one in Petoskey

Northwest Michigan is getting an early dose of Art Van this year with the state's largest furniture retailer cutting the ribbon on its new showroom in Petoskey last week.

The opening centered around the ribbon cutting and food, clowns and music throughout the weekend. In addition to their location in Petoskey, Art Van also opened a new store in Onaway, located about 50 miles to the east, on the same day.

"We're excited to be growing in northern Michigan," says Art Van founder Art Van Elslander, who was at both ribbon cuttings in person. "We're not just opening a new location, we want to become part of the neighborhood. It's what we've done in Michigan communities for more than 50 years, creating local jobs, hiring local contractors and giving back whenever we can."

The new locations for the furniture giant came about after Art Van recently acquired the real estate and assets of Brewbaker's Furniture, another family-owned business which had been operating for more than a half century in Northern Michigan. Art Van will retain Brewbaker's 80-plus employees, including two sons who helped manage Brewbaker's Petoskey and Onaway stores.

Art Van also cut another ribbon last week, opening a store at the Great Lakes Crossing mall in Auburn Hills.

"This is a highpoint for Art Van and for the furniture business across the country," Van Elslander says. "I can't recall any American furniture chain having three grand openings in one day."

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Art Van Elslander, Art Van