WG&R Express stores to close in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point and Wausau

Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune

WG&R Express sign along Eighth Street South in Wisconsin Rapids.

WG&R Furniture announced Friday that it will close its WG&R Express stores in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point and Wausau.

The closures come as the company said it is discontinuing its WG&R Express brand.

WG&R Furniture converted existing Furniture Plus stores in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point and Wausau to WG&R Express stores in August 2017. WG&R Express offers a full line of furniture and mattresses, along with same-day pickup and next-day delivery on in-stock items, according to its website.

The strategy behind WG&R Express was to open small stores in smaller markets, according to a news release from the company. The Express brand was not as successful as the company’s other brands so the company decided not to renew exiting leases and to instead focus on growing its flagship brand, the release said.

Employees at the impacted stores will be offered positions at other WG&R locations, according to the release.

WG&R Furniture has operated since 1946 and has locations in Green Bay, Appleton, Grand Chute, Oshkosh, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and Fond du Lac, the release said. The company employs more than 260 people.

Closing sales will begin at WG&R Express stores shortly after Labor Day, with the stores expected to close before the end of the year, the release said.

The Wisconsin Rapids store is located at 2211 Eighth St. S., in the former Staples and MC Sports building. The Stevens Point store is located at 5474 Highway 10 E., in East Town Center along with Shippy Shoes. The Wausau store is located at 1815 Stewart Ave., next to Buffalo Wild Wings and across the street from Furniture & ApplianceMart and Ashley Furniture Outlet.

Contact Jamie Rokus at jrokus@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Jamie_Rokus.