Two friends, Roy Jurgens Sr. and Henry Holtvluwer opened the first Jurgens and Holtvluwer store on Grandville Avenue in 1912. Since then, ownership of the clothing store has passed through the hands of four generations of Jurgens, and at one time operated out of numerous locations in West Michigan.
The Jurgens family has faced challenges and fierce competition from larger conglomerate stores and shopping malls, but they've stayed true to their legacy as a family-operated shop close to the heart of the Grandville community.
Steve Jurgens, the grandson of Roy Jurgens Sr., started working at the store at the age of 15. His wife, Mic, has been the in-house tailor for 40 years, mastering the Dutch tailoring techniques she learned from her mentor, Arlene Door.
Steve and Mic's son, Heath Jurgens, has worked in many capacities at the store since the age of 18, including stocking, sales, tailoring, and now management. Heath owns and manages the store in its current location on Chicago Drive in downtown Grandville.
Today, the shop offers thousands of men's suits and jackets as well as accessories and casual wear. Over 110 years after its beginning, Jurgens and Holtvluwer is still committed to the dying arts of in-house tailoring, fine craftsmanship, and individual attention.
"Don't waste your time going to other places around GR. I have gone to other specialty shops around town and nothing compares to here. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Colin helped me pick out my last suit and was great to work with. They will have my business for life."
