WARREN, Mich., Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Young Appliance, Inc., a fixture in Alpena for more than a century, enters a new era today by becoming the first Art Van Furniture franchise in the state of Michigan.

Bob and Naoko Young, who operate the 33,000 square foot appliance and furniture store in downtown Alpena will join Michigan‘s largest furniture retailer. “We are so excited to be a part of one of the strongest brands in the state, and to offer our guests more selection and more value,” said Bob Young, owner of Young’s Appliance. “The name may change, but the Young family will run the day to day business and continue to be a part of community.” The new franchise will be called: Young’s/Art Van Furniture.

Young will convert more than 20,000 of its square footage to showcase Art Van Furniture including Art Van PureSleep and Clearance Center. The new partnership is exciting news for Alpena, with Bob Young planning to hire ten additional employees to its staff of twenty three. Also active in the sales and management of the business are Bob and Naoko’s children: Benjamin, Jason and Katie. Ben heads up the flooring business, Jason manages distribution and Katie handles the marketing and internet efforts. Bob’s sister, Mary, is also secretary, treasurer and office manager. “The Youngs have retail in their blood and we believe this is a perfect fit for the Art Van family,” says CEO Kim Yost. “We are looking forward to serving the Alpena region.” Remodeling will begin shortly with a grand opening scheduled for January 1, 2013.

About Art Van Furniture
Art Van Furniture is Michigan‘s largest furniture retailer and America’s largest independent furniture retailer. The company operates 34 stores in 33 communities throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website, plus six freestanding Art Van PureSleep bedding stores in Canton, Troy, Rochester Hills, Brighton, Ann Arbor and New Hudson, Michigan. Founded in 1959, the company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Mich. Check out artvan.com for more information.

SOURCE Art Van Furniture