Art Van Going Out Of Business: Liquidation Sales To Start Friday

UPDATE:  Below is a statement from Erickson Furniture, owners of the local Art Van Furniture store:

Art Van Furniture of Sault Ste Marie is a locally and family owned and operated home furnishings store, proudly located in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. The business is owned by Erickson’s.

Contrary to many rumors and misleading statements, events at Art Van Corporate in Warren, Michigan have no effect on operations here. The Erickson family has been blessed with the opportunity to serve the home furnishing needs of the EUP for many years and will continue to do so for many more as Erickson Furniture once again.

Thank you for your continued support.

(WWJ) – Art Van is closing its doors for good.

The furniture retailer announced Thursday it is shutting down operations and will begin liquidating all assets.

Liquidation sales start Friday, March 6 at all Art Van Furniture, Art Van PureSleep, and Scott Shuptrine Interiors in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Missouri, and select Wolf stores in Maryland and Virginia. 

“Despite our best efforts to remain open, the company’s brands and operating performance have been hit hard by a challenging retail environment,” spokesperson Diane Charles said in a statement. “We recognize the extraordinary retail, community and philanthropic legacies that Art Van Furniture has built for decades in the community.”

The company operates under the brands Art Van Furniture, Art Van PureSleep and Scott Shuptrine Interiors. Levin & Wolf Furniture in Ohio and Pennsylvania will be sold to Robert Levin, pending court approval. Eight Wolf Furniture stores in Maryland and Virginia will also be liquidated. 

“On behalf of the company we want to offer our sincere appreciation to our employees for their dedication, commitment and hard work. We also want to extend our gratitude to the many customers, vendors, franchisees, charities and communities who have supported these retailers,” Charles said.

Art Van Furniture started in 1959 as a single store on Gratiot Avenue and grew to the number one furniture and mattress retailer in the Midwest with more than 200 stores. The company was purchased by Boston-based public equity firm Thomas H Lee Partners in 2017.

Art Van Elslander, who started the company, died on February 12, 2018.