KENTWOOD, Mich. -- Gardner White plans to open two retail stores in West Michigan this spring.
One of them will be in Portage and the other will be at 4375 - 28th Street SE, between East Paris and Patterson avenues in Kentwood.
They are two of nine stores the Warren-based furniture retailer is opening this spring in Michigan and Ohio.
Gardner White has been locating many of the new stores at former Art Van Furniture locations, including the two in West Michigan. CEO Rachel Stewart told WOOD Radio News in a phone interview that one reason is because very large stores are required for furniture and mattresses.
"Of course, we've been really excited about West Michigan for a very long time," she said. "And we've scoured every inch of appropriate retail. So, when these became available we jumped, because they were established stores that worked. But most important was the adequate size to show a real selection, so we can bring sort of the breadth and depth of what we do well to West Michigan."
Stewart said there will be a big grand opening of the Kentwood store this spring.
"Hopefully, not a traditional grand opening. We'd like to make it more of a party and a celebration," she said. "One thing that's really important to us is these stores become real community hubs. One good thing about furniture stores it's always comfortable, so easy to host."
Gardner White will have 30 stores in operation once all the grand openings take place. Below is a list of them.
"Grand Rapids is a thriving community, and Gardner White is growing and very committed to Michigan. And I think this really underscores our belief in our state," Stewart said.
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- Grand Rapids (Kentwood): 4375 28th Street SE
- Lansing: 8748 W. Saginaw Hwy
- Traverse City: 1775 Oak Hollow Dr
- Chesterfield: 50400 Gratiot Ave
- Clinton Township: 33801 S. Gratiot Ave
- Portage: 550 Ring Road
- Flint: 4577 Miller Road
- Novi (Second Location): 27775 Novi Road