WARREN, Mich., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan retail giant Art Van Furniture received national recognition as the 2009 Furniture Retailer of the Year last night at a national conference in Naples, Florida. Chairman and founder Art Van Elslander accepted the award at the 13th Annual FurnitureToday Leadership Conference. "Buildings are just the brick and mortar, but the heartbeat of a company is its people. This award is really theirs, not mine," said Mr. Van Elslander. "It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of the 2,500 dedicated employees of Art Van Furniture."

The award was given both in recognition of the company's 50th anniversary and the perennial leadership and success of the company on the national level. The family-owned company began in a 4000 square-foot store in 1959 and has grown to 31 stores in 29 communities throughout Michigan. Even in this challenging economy, Art Van opened 2 stores in the last 12 months. They are recognized as the nation's largest independent furniture retailer and have continued their growth by providing guests with exemplary service, high value and a broad product assortment.

The theme of the conference is "Thriving in a Survivors World", focusing on growth strategies in a down market. Retailers from around the country listened as Mr. Van Elslander shared his formula for success: "Today, success is all about innovation. Be relentless in your pursuit for creative ways to do business, and build community relationships by giving back. Do things that set you apart from your competition. Take risks. Think big. It will pay off."

This award caps a year of celebrations including the Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge, 50th Anniversary Charity Galas, the 1959 Corvette Giveaway and other celebrations around the state of Michigan. Mr. Van Elslander was the Grand Marshal of America's Thanksgiving Parade last week, in recognition of his 20 years of support for the Parade.

About Art Van Furniture

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Art Van Furniture is Michigan's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer, operating 31 stores in 29 communities throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website plus a new freestanding bedding store in Canton, Michigan, 'Art Van Pure Sleep.' The company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan. For more information, visit artvan.com.

CONTACT:
Diane Charles, Director of Corporate Communications
Art Van Furniture
dcharles@artvan.com
586-983-3022

SOURCE Art Van Furniture

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