Imperial Furniture has a history that is second to none...

Originally located in downtown Dowagiac, it manufactured custom-made mattresses and box springs. With the addition of headboards, chests and upholstered goods, within 10 years the company outgrew its downtown location, moving to its current site at 57530 M-51 South.

The family-owned business involved the four Klapchuk children. Jim, Mary, Carol, and Ed grew up in the business, helping their parents string buttons for tufting mattresses, assisting with the actual manufacture of the mattresses, staffing the sales floor and delivering the product.

In the early 1970s, because of the laws about fire retardant on bedding, the company ceased production of mattresses and began retailing furniture, changing its name to Imperial Furniture.

Today, the Klapchuks' daughter, Carol, and her husband, Art Springsteen, own the business. The business that was built on strong family values continues to involve Carol and Art's family.

Also involved are their three children, Audrey, Eileen and Art and Carol's brother, Ed Klapchuk.

The family provides an old-fashioned atmosphere, where shopping is fun and there are no high-pressure salesmen. Customers say it's the best-kept secret in southwest Michigan.