Witmark

Infobox_Defunct_Company
company_name = Witmark Catalog Showrooms
company_
company_type = catalog showroom
foundation = 1969 (Grand Rapids)
defunct = 1997
fate = Liquidation
location = Grand Rapids, Michigan | area_served = western Michigan
industry = Retail
products = Jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, furniture, beauty products, housewares, toys.
homepage = None

Witmark was a catalog showroom and jewelry/electronics chain that operated in West Michigan from 1969 to 1997 founded by Paul Leven.

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 1990s, 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 1990s due to overwhelming competition from big box stores and Internet shopping.

Former locations

* Battle Creek - Witmark Dr. Now ABC Warehouse
* Grand Rapids - Centerpointe Mall - now Modern Skate & Surf
* Grand Rapids - 28th st. and Eastern Ave. - now Save-A-Lot Food Store
* Grand Rapids - Alpine Ave. Green Orchard Shopping Center
* Grand Rapids - Plainfield Ave.
* Grandville - Grand Village Mall - the store was renivated to become a health club called USA Sportsplex, which sold in December 1999 to become the Visser Family YMCA
* Holland
* Kalamazoo
* Muskegon - 1935 E. Laketon - now Midwest Spring & Stamping Co.
* Muskegon - Sherman Ave. @ Henry St.
* Muskegon - Lakeshore Marketplace
* Portage - 6601 S. Westnedge - now Michaels
* Traverse City - S. Airport Rd. at US-31 - now MC Sports

External links

* [http://www.slushfactory.com/witmark/chronicle.htm Muskegon Chronicle: "Witmark To Close All Stores"]
* [http://www.slushfactory.com/witmark/landlords.htm Grand Rapids Press: "Witmark Closings Surprise Landlords"]