Art Van Furniture looking at Chicago

Michigan retailer recruiting GM position for city

Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, April 12, 2012

WARREN, Mich. — Art Van Furniture, which announced plans earlier this year to franchise its full-line stores in second-tier Michigan markets, now has its eye on Chicago.

The Warren, Mich.-based Top 100 company has been advertising on the business-oriented social media site LinkedIn for a "vice president-regional general manager-Chicago" position. According to the ad, more than 100 people have applied for the position since it was posted March 14.

"Our expansion plans include opening several full-line and mattress only stores throughout the Chicago market over the next two years," the retailer said in the post.

Art Van CEO Kim Yost could not be reached for comment.

In the post, Art Van said the general manager will be responsible for "all aspects of the entire Chicago project including full P&L responsibility, project management and ongoing day-to-day multi-unit store operations."

The company said it's looking to bring the position on board as soon as possible.

"This is the first of many exciting expansion opportunities we plan to undertake in the next five years," the post said.

In March, the retailer announced plans to franchise its full-line Art Van store format in small markets throughout Michigan, preferably by recruiting the leading existing furniture retailers in each market.

In September, Art Van announced plans to expand its PureSleep chain nationally through franchise and licensing agreements in both free-standing and in-store formats.