CEDAR RAPIDS — A mainstay of Cedar Rapids is winding down its retail furniture division after nearly 85 years in business.
Phelan’s Interiors, 728 Third Ave. SE, began its final retail sale on Friday, April 1, 2022.
Related: Smulekoff’s closes after 125 years
“Due to the shift in residential trends and the presiding uncertainty of the industry, we are transitioning fully into the corporate sector,” President and CEO Paul Phelan Jr. wrote in a letter to customers. “Phelan’s Interiors would like to thank its many loyal and cherished customers for their support over the years.”
Phelan noted that the corporate division would remain at its current location, with a focus on health care, retirement communities, hospitality and other commercial sectors.
Phelan’s opened in 1938 as Cedar Rapids Paint, selling paint and supplies to retail clients and lumber yards.
In the early 1960s, Paul Phelan Sr. purchased Cedar Rapids Paint from his father-in-law, Charles Schwinn, and wall-coverings and picture framing were added to the product mix.
With the addition of designers and furniture, the company’s name changed in 1957 to Cedar Rapids Paint & Design Studio.
In 1982, Cedar Rapids Paint & Design Studio became Phelan’s Interiors, when the business moved to its Third Avenue location, and in 1985, Phelan’s Corporate Interiors was established, becoming the anchor of the business.
Store Manager Russell Carmody said no end date has been set for Phelan’s final retail sale.
More: See final photos of Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids and other photos from the beginning of Phelan’s final retail sale, below:
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