Art Van Furniture Sets Franchise in Upper Michigan

August 2, 2013  by in Business Strategy, Industry, Store Openings   

The Warren, Mich.-based furniture retailer has signed an agreement with Erickson Appliance & Furniture to open a franchised store. The store will be called Art Van Furniture & Erickson Appliance.

"The Erickson family possesses over 45 years of retail expertise in this region, and partnering with Art Van Furniture adds up to almost a century of offering the finest products and outstanding customer service," said Art Van Elslander , founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture. "Working with three generations of the Erickson family, including founders Keith and Joanne Erickson and their sons Don and Tom, is an exciting new chapter for the community."

The new store will be located in a 24,000-square-foot location that housed a former Shunk Furniture store.

"We recently had the opportunity to purchase Shunk Furniture, a well-known brand and family business in our community for more than 50 years," said Tom Erickson, manager of Erickson Appliances. "From one family-owned business to another, we are proud that the new Art Van Furniture & Erickson Appliance store will open in the former Shunk furniture site, continuing a legacy of commitment to the residents of Sault Saint Marie."

Renovation on the property is set to begin this month, and the store is scheduled to open by Nov. 1. The retailers said a dozen new jobs will be created.

Earlier this summer, Art Van said it will open another franchise in Marquette, Mich., also located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.