OUR HISTORY & AFFILIATES

OUR HISTORY

THE SHADE SHOP, INC. has been a part of the Grand Rapids' business area since 1935. Our family-owned began with Arnold McKey and remains owned an operated by the McKey family to this date.

The business began in a boat house on the banks of the Grand River in the 1930's as a shade repair and cleaning establishment. It shortly thereafter moved to 343 Leonard Street and started manufacturing window shades. We took the name of The Shade Shop. In 1962, after several moves along Leonard Street, we located to the Ritzema Building, a historic 1910 building located at 422 Leonard on the west side where it remains to this date.

Our window shade business still remains a very important part of our service today. Our products have expanded over the years to include all window treatments, including draperies, offering a better range of choices for our customer.

We firmly believe that it is the fine reputation of friendly service and respect which we provide each and every customer and their guaranteed satisfaction that has helped our business remain successful and strong these many years.

Our underlying philosophy is customer respect and to provide creative choices at affordable prices. Our corporation, under the present third generation leadership of Barry and Susan McKey, has become the first and only Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Gallery in the Grand Rapids area. We are able to provide exclusive promotions and product satisfaction guarantees to the customer only found at Gallery Dealers.

The Shade Shop remains committed to growth which will enhance the position and respect the customer and community has come to trust for over 75 years!

LOCAL FIRST

LOCAL FIRST is the collective effort of local business owners, non-profit organizations and individuals across the United States who are interested in growing and sustaining vibrant local economies that promote personal, social and ecological well-being.

Local First aims to highlight why community members like you must take action to protect independent businesses, family farms and natural resources before they slip away. Learn more about Local First at www.localfirst.com.
MISSION:
We encourage the development of a vibrant, sustainable West Michigan economy by promoting local business ownership, social equity, and environmental kinship through education, support and collaboration.
VISION:
The Local First concept is infused in all segments of the community – including business, education and public service. The region operates as a local living economy comprised of thriving locally-owned businesses and characterized by economic prosperity, social equity and environmental kinship. Local First, a BALLE affiliate, is recognized locally and nationally for its vibrant leadership in providing both education and business support.

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WEST LEONARD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The West Leonard Business Association is the largest group of member businesses in the northwestern area of Grand Rapids. Historic in nature and proud of our diversity of retail offerings and eateries; we work closely with the two other West Side business associations and the West Grand Neighborhood Organization to improve the business climate of the entire West Side. We are dedicated to maintain and grow our investments in the area and create vibrant and stable business districts for the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy. We are actively involved in development projects that reuse many of our existing historic buildings as well as encouraging new builds, we promote fundraising for residential concerns and business activities, provide joint advertising, and invest in streetscape improvement plans and beautification project. It is because we value the diverse history of our district and respect the culture of its many residents and businesses that we continue to challenge the problems that contribute to any slow revival or impede economic progress. West Leonard remains devoted to fostering a climate where business and neighborhood work together for the good of all.

WEST GRAND NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION

Healthy and safe neighborhoods are vital to a strong community and we are proud to be a part of our local neighborhood association. We work closely with them in promoting programs to meet the needs of the residents that live in close proximity to our businesses here on Leonard Street.

We are proud to be a part of the West Grand Neighborhood's most recent award of Michigan's "Cool Cities" designation. Cool Cities is a program that was initiated by Michigan's Governor, Jennifer Granholm, in 2004. The project that was submitted and approved from the West Side was the Turner Gateway Project, which seeks to promote green-scaping, environmental improvements and social investments such as a local West Side farmer's market and home improvement grants.

Part of this award's "artistic endeavor" is a mural which has recently been painted on the east side of The Shade Shop building. It has become a local attraction and exemplifies the strength and creativity of this historic West Side neighborhood.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
	Being a member of the Better Business Bureau demonstrates our commitment to you to promote ethical advertising and selling practices in the marketplace. Together with the other members, we work to provide for the consumer a healthy business climate.

About Us