by 50,000-square-foot store will be about the same size as its existing location in nearby Pekin
PEORIA, Ill. — Retailer Steger’s Furniture in Pekin is doubling its footprint by adding a second 50,000-square-foot store in Peoria, Illinois, this summer.
Expected to open in June, the new store will be located in the North Point Shopping Center, about 25 miles from its current location in Pekin. The real estate the company is purchasing in the shopping center is about the same size as its current store.
While not revealing a specific cost related to the investment, the company is doing extensive renovations to the inside and outside of the building. The store footprint itself is being designed by Jennifer Magee of design firm Retail in the City.
“We are beyond excited to be opening a second location in Peoria,” said Bryan Steger, vice president of operations and a fourth-generation owner. “We will be doing major renovations to the inside and outside of the building, with all new flooring and a new exterior to offer an exciting shopping experience. Once those renovations are complete, we can’t wait to offer Peoria the same quality brand name furniture and family-owned customer service that we have been providing for 86 years.”
Steger Furniture was founded in 1937 by Joseph Steger, father to second-generation owner Lou Steger, grandfather to third-generation owner and president Jack Steger, and great-grandfather to fourth-generation owners Bryan Steger and Abbey Tilstra, vice president of merchandising.
Tilstra said that features of the new store include a custom design center, an outlet center and a large section devoted to mattresses.
“There will be similar product offerings and the same great service,” she added, of key brands that include Flexsteel, Homestretch, Best Home Furnishings, Bassett, Archbold Furniture, Spring Air and Tempur-Pedic, to name several.
The new store is expected to employ 15 to 20 workers, just under the 25 that work in the Pekin location.
“I am proud to have raised my family in this community and to have welcomed Abbey and Bryan into the business,” said Jack Steger, the president and third-generation owner. “Family businesses and locally owned operations are at the heart of what makes a community grow, and we are excited to bring that growth to Peoria.”
Lou Steger, the 94-year-old second-generation owner, added, “I’m proud to see the legacy continue in Peoria and I am looking forward to the grand opening this summer.”
In addition to its retail operations, the company has an off-site warehouse that will serve both locations.
