Grand Rapids Once Furniture Capital, Now 5 More Stores Close

Grand Rapids was once the furniture capital of the world and now 5 more furniture and appliance stores are closing in the region.

When Was Grand Rapids The Furniture Capital of the World?

Grand Rapids, Michigan, was the furniture capital of the world from the 1870s to the 1930s. Grand Rapids had access to lots of natural resources like nearby lumber and the Grand River to provide water power.

👇BELOW: See Michigan Furniture Stores From 1900-1950👇

Grand Rapids used to host a furniture market which was a semi-annual trade show that brought buyers and sellers from around the world.

Here is a list of reasons why the furniture industry moved from Grand Rapids:

• Aging factories needed costly repairs.
• Cheaper workforce in the south so factories moved.
• Dwindling forests due to over-harvesting lumber.
• The Great Depression of the 1930s reduced the value of stylish living and people needed simple and lower cost options.
• Post-war recovery was slower in Grand Rapids and families had less spending money.

Read More: Should Michigan's Upper Peninsula Become Its Own State?

5 More Furniture and Appliance Stores to Close in Grand Rapids Area

The furniture industry left Grand Rapids almost 100 years ago but many of the the largest office furniture companies are still in the area. Unfortunately, many furniture stores have closed in the area over the past 20 years and now you can add 5 more to the list.

According to WOOD, All-American Freight has over 370 locations across the United States with 15 in Michigan. Sadly 5 locations in West Michigan will be closing including the stores in Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Muskegon, and the two locations in Portage.

All American Freight has struggled with inflation and growing economic challenges and has filed for bankruptcy. This may be an opportunity for those looking to buy furniture to save money with their going-out-of-business sale.