Officials with Warren, Mich.-based Art Van Furniture held a press conference with Illinois governor Pat Quinn Friday, officially announcing its expansion into the market here.
According to a report by news site Examiner.com, the Top 100 company will be eligible for an economic development tax credit worth $404,000 over 10 years.
The retailer is investing nearly $5 million to open the previously announced 183,000-square-foot distribution center in Boling brook, Ill., the report said.
The first 50,000-square-foot store is expected to open in Orland Park., Ill., in July. Others are expected to open later this year in Batavia, Bolingbrook, and the Ford City and Lincoln Park areas of Chicago. The Examiner.com also noted a store is planned for the Merrillville-Hobart, Ind., area.
The report said Art Van's plans will create about 600 jobs in the area.
Furniture/Today first reported in April 2012 that Art Van was looking at opening Chicago-area stores.
