Home furnishings retailer West Elm recently opened a new store in Breton Village, in Grand Rapids.
West Elm, whose flagship store is in Brooklyn, New York, has one other Michigan location: Birmingham. Why Grand Rapids for the new location? "Grand Rapids is a city known for its rich history in furniture manufacturing and craftsmanship," said West Elm president Jim Brett. The design of West Elm Grand Rapids uses material influences from the city's history as a lumber resource and furniture-manufacturing hub. Structural features include oak skin planks that create the cash wrap and reclaimed floorboards with a distinct patina from years of exposure.
The 10,000-square-foot store features West Elm's pre-fall assortment and suite of complimentary design services. Crafted goods from 10 Michigan-based artists and creators will be featured as part of West Elm's LOCAL initiative, which supports more than 200 independent artists and designers across the country. The company is committed to offering Fair Trade Certified, local, and hand-crafted products.
"The Grand Rapids location incorporates visual cues from Brooklyn, with local touches. Each store has its own personality," said Dru Ortega, West Elm public relations manager. "The Grand Rapids store reflects the convergence of the new and the traditional, with a nod to the area's history."
The Grand Rapids LOCAL assortment will include these makers:
All Things Grow
Arthur's Plaid Pants
Cellar Door Soaps
June & December
Meant To Be Sent
Reed Wilson Design
Revisions Design Studio
The Pear Tree Press
Type Shy
Whimsy + Wild
"Our stores are a 'play pen'," Ortega said. Customers can mix and match dinnerware, linens, and color palettes; meet with design experts (free!), and be inspired by seasonal displays. A gift registry is also available.
For up-to-date information on in-store promotions and events, customers are encouraged to like the store page on Facebook and follow the store on Instagram: @westelmgr. West Elm Grand Rapids is located at 1958 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids. The store phone number is 616.949.0978.
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Reynolds.
