by ST. JOHN, Ind. — DeYoung Interiors prepares for the end of an era after 97 years as a family-owned business and three generations of exceptional service. The company will close its doors following total liquidation and sale of its building, a decision prompted by the owner’s retirement.
Promotional sales specialists Planned Furniture Promotions (PFP) is managing the going-out-of-business event for DeYoung Interiors. The PFP team is working closely with the DeYoung family and staff to ensure customers continue to experience the same care and quality that have defined the store for nearly a century.
“DeYoung Interiors is more than a store — it represents generations of hard work, dedication, and service to the community,” said Roy Hester, senior vice president of PFP. “It’s a privilege for us to support the DeYoung family as they bring this remarkable chapter to a close, and we share in honoring the legacy they’ve built.”
DeYoung Interiors was founded in 1928 as DeYoung Furniture and Funeral Home by Nick and Cora DeYoung. Guided by a commitment to relationships and customer service, the couple transitioned the business into a full-line home furnishings store in 1959. Upon their retirement in the 1960s, their sons Sidney, Gerhard and Arnold took over the business. In 1972, the next generation of sons and sons-in-law—John and Gerald DeYoung, Robert Scheuneman, and Tom McGehee—became co-owners, leading the company through four decades of success. Ten years ago, John took sole ownership, and with the help of his son, Kyle, the business has been thriving. After dedicating his life to carrying on his grandparents’ legacy, John plans to close the 97-year-old family business and retire.
The success of DeYoung Interiors over its history went beyond its original South Holland location. A second store in Lansing, Illinois opened in 1939, and after decades of serving both communities, the family consolidated operations by opening the current showroom in St. John in 2005. Situated along busy U.S. 41 across from Lake Central High School, the move placed DeYoung Interiors in a highly visible, growing area that has been its home for the last 20 years.
Beyond the family business, the DeYoungs were deeply involved in their community. They have always been active in local churches, youth softball and baseball, and Chamber of Commerce events, further strengthening their ties to the region. Their customer-first approach earned them recognition every year since 2005 in the Times Media Company “Best of the Region” in the categories of Best Furniture Store, Best Mattress Store, and Best Home Décor Store.
DeYoung Interiors opens to the public its going-out-of-business sale on September 18. The 28,000-square-foot building is for sale and interested parties may contact John DeYoung at (219) 365-8362. For more information on the liquidation sale, visit www.deyoungsale.com.
