Witmark
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Witmark Catalog Showrooms | |
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| Type | catalog showroom |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1969 (Grand Rapids) |
| Headquarters | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Area served | western Michigan |
| Industry | Retail |
| Products | Jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, furniture, beauty products, housewares, toys. |
| Website | None |
Witmark was a 10-store catalog showroom and jewelry/electronics chain that operated in West Michigan from 1969 to 1997.
Over its nearly 30 year history, Witmark dominated the jewelry market with a 34% share, cementing close ties with its local communities.
In the early 1990's, Witmark's earnings decreased due to continued involvement in unprofitable categories outside of jewelry. Big Box stores such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Toys "R" Us, and MC Sports captured the electronics, toy, and sports markets respectively.
In 1996, Witmark experienced its fourth consecutive year of declining sales and earnings, and the company announced changes to its operating strategy. Unfortunately, vast barriers -- such as long-term leases on real estate -- limited the company's ability to adapt to the changing business climate. The following year, Witmark liquidated its assets and laid off its 700+ employees. Like the larger national chains of catalog showrooms, the retail concept collapsed in the late 1990's due to overwhelming competition from big box stores and Internet shopping.
[edit] Former locations
- Battle Creek - Witmark Dr.
- Grand Rapids - Centerpointe Mall (now Modern Skate & Surf)
- Grandville - Grand Village Mall (mall is now Mars Hill Bible Church)
- Holland
- Kalamazoo
- Muskegon - 1935 E. Laketon (now Midwest Spring & Stamping Co.)
- Muskegon - Sherman Av. @ Henry St.
- Muskegon - Lakeshore Marketplace
- Portage - 6601 S. Westnedge (now Michael's)
- Traverse City - S. Airport Rd. at US-31 (now MC Sports)
- Walker - Green Orchard Shopping Center
