Grand Rapids

Frederik Meijer, who built the regional retail powerhouse Meijer while nurturing his lifelong love of the arts, died late Nov. 25 at a hospital in western Michigan. He was 91. The billionaire passed away at the Spectrum Health System in Grand Rapids after suffering a stroke in his home early that morning, according to a statement issued by the company.

Art Van Furniture is moving deeper into the outdoor furniture category as it rolls out Art's Backyard departments in all of its 34 full-line showrooms.The Top 100 company said the new area has the look and quality of "high-end catalogs at Art Van prices," with what it calls the largest in-stock outdoor furniture selection in the state.More than 1,000 items are featured, including goods from Michigan company Lloyd/Flanders, as well as from Woodward, Jimmie's Rustics, Treasure Garden, North Cape International, Siesta/Sinoc, South Sea Rattan and other sources.Earlier this month, Art Van opened Art's Backyard areas of roughly 4,000 square