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{{Advert|date=February 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2023}}

{{short description|Electronic retailer}}
{{short description|Electronic retailer}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
Line 9: Line 9:
| industry = [[Retailing]]
| industry = [[Retailing]]
| foundation = 1936
| foundation = 1936
| founder = David Abt<br>Jewel Abt
| founder = David Abt<br />Jewel Abt
| location = [[Glenview, Cook County, Illinois]], U.S.
| location = [[Glenview, Illinois]], U.S.
| products = Consumer Electronics <br> Appliances
| products = Consumer Electronics <br /> Appliances
| revenue = [[US$]]12 billion (2021 est.)
| revenue = $400 million (2021 est.)
| num_employees = 1,650 (2022)
| num_employees = 1,650 (2022)
| homepage = [http://www.abt.com Official website]
| homepage = [https://www.abt.com Official website]
}}
}}


'''Abt Electronics''' is an independent family owned [[retailer]] in the [[United States]] of [[consumer electronics]], [[major appliances]], and [[furniture]]. Abt operates 880,000 square feet at a single location in [[Glenview, Cook County, Illinois|Glenview, Illinois]], on {{convert|70|acre|m2}} of land, and online since 1997 https://www.abt.com.<ref>[http://www.hoovers.com/abt/--ID__106168--/free-co-profile.xhtml Abt - Company Description], Hoovers.com; accessed July 26, 2015.</ref> Abt Electronics now distributes products from coast to coast in the US. The single store is a family-owned business that has operated in the [[Chicago market]] since 1936.
'''Abt Electronics''' is an independent family-owned [[retailer]] in the [[United States]] of [[consumer electronics]], [[major appliances]], and [[furniture]]. Abt operates 880,000 square feet at a single location in [[Glenview, Cook County, Illinois|Glenview, Illinois]], on {{convert|70|acre|m2}} of land ("... 1,200-employee.. 350,000-square-foot location on 37 acres...2015<ref name="cT/Bob-77">{{cite news |last1=Karp |first1=Gregory |title=Bob Abt of Abt Electronics, who ‘raised bar’ for ethical retail, dies at 77 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/07/24/bob-abt-of-abt-electronics-who-raised-bar-for-ethical-retail-dies-at-77/ |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=24 July 2015}}</ref>), and online since 1997.<ref>[http://www.hoovers.com/abt/--ID__106168--/free-co-profile.xhtml Abt - Company Description], Hoovers.com; accessed July 26, 2015.</ref> Abt Electronics now distributes products from coast to coast in the US. The company has operated in the [[Chicago market]] since 1936.


== History ==
== History ==
Abt Electronics began in 1936<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/48795|title=Beta-Testing Paradise|last=Springen|first=Karen|author2=McGinn, Daniel|date=21 February 2005|work=[[Newsweek]]|accessdate=2008-07-25}}</ref> when Jewel Abt gave $800 to her husband David to start a business.<ref name="twice">{{cite news|url=http://www.twice.com/article/CA370720.html |title=That Was The Year That Was: A Retail Retrospective |last=Wolf |first=Alan |date=22 December 2003 |work=[[Twice (magazine)|TWICE]] |accessdate=2008-07-25 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The firm was originally named Abt Radio because it only sold small electronics in its early days. The original location was a small storefront and service department in the [[Logan Square, Chicago|Logan Square]] area of [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]].<ref name="twice" />


<blockquote>In the early 1930s, Mr. Abt sold radios at the [[The Fair Store|old Fair Store on State Street]]. He wanted to go into the grocery business, but his wife, Jewel, vetoed the idea because she knew the inventory could spoil and he would have to get up at 3 a.m. to go to the market. Instead, they opened Abt Radio in the [[Logan Square, Chicago#Logan Square|Logan Square neighborhood]].<ref name="cT/david-91">{{cite news |title=DAVID ABT, ELECTRONICS STORE OWNER |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/03/28/david-abt-electronics-store-owner/ |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=28 March 1996}}</ref></blockquote>
Abt Electronics has expanded many times over the years. The company currently employs more than 3,443 employees in a 450,000 square feet retail store and warehouse in [[Glenview, Illinois]], a suburb of [[Chicago]]. In May 2021, Abt announced plans for a 430,000 square-foot addition to their warehouse, effectively doubling the total area of their facility. Construction on the addition is expected to be completed in October 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://chicagoconstructionnews.com/mcshane-construction-company-to-add-430000-sq-ft-expansion-to-abt-electronics-glenview-warehouse-and-showroom-building/|title=McShane Construction Company to add 430,000-sq. ft. expansion to Abt Electronics' Glenview warehouse and showroom building|last=Buckshon|first=Mark|date=10 May 2021|accessdate=2021-06-23}}</ref>

Abt Electronics was founded in 1936<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/48795|title=Beta-Testing Paradise|last=Springen|first=Karen|author2=McGinn, Daniel|date=February 21, 2005|work=[[Newsweek]]|accessdate=July 25, 2008}}</ref> when Jewel<ref name="cT/jewel-96">{{cite news |last1=Content |first1=Contributed |title=JEWEL F. ABT, 96 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/10/08/jewel-f-abt-96/ |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=8 October 2003}}</ref> (née Fischman<ref name="cST/Jewel-Obit">{{cite web |title=Jewel Abt Obituary (2003) - Wilmette, IL |url=https://legacy.suntimes.com/us/obituaries/chicagosuntimes/name/jewel-abt-obituary?id=30149929 |website=Legacy.com |publisher=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |access-date=28 November 2024}}</ref>) Abt gave $800 to her husband David Abt to start a business.<ref name="twice">{{cite news|url=http://www.twice.com/article/CA370720.html |title=That Was The Year That Was: A Retail Retrospective |last=Wolf |first=Alan |date=December 22, 2003 |work=[[Twice (magazine)|TWICE]] |accessdate=July 25, 2008 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The store was originally named Abt Radio as it only sold small electronics in its early days. The original location was a small storefront and service department in the [[Logan Square, Chicago|Logan Square]] area of [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]].<ref name="twice" /> Abt Electronics has expanded many times over the years. Abt electronics currently employs more than 1,650 employees in a 450,000 square feet retail store and warehouse in [[Glenview, Illinois]], a suburb of [[Chicago]]. In May 2021, Abt announced plans for a 430,000 square-foot addition to their warehouse, effectively doubling the total area of their facility. Construction on the addition is expected to be completed in October 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://chicagoconstructionnews.com/mcshane-construction-company-to-add-430000-sq-ft-expansion-to-abt-electronics-glenview-warehouse-and-showroom-building/|title=McShane Construction Company to add 430,000-sq. ft. expansion to Abt Electronics' Glenview warehouse and showroom building|last=Buckshon|first=Mark|date=May 10, 2021|accessdate=June 23, 2021}}</ref>


=== Timeline ===
=== Timeline ===
*'''1936''' - Jewel and Dave Abt opened Abt Radio with $800, located at 2835 N. Milwaukee, Chicago. Abt Radio had a small service department. The store sold small electronics<ref name="Abt History">{{cite web |url=http://www.abt.com/about/abtAbout.php3|title=Abt Company History|accessdate=2010-04-20|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410122238/http://www.abt.com/about/abtAbout.php3|archivedate=April 10, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''1936''' - Jewel<ref name="T/jewel-96">{{cite news |title=Jewel Fischman Abt, 96 |url=https://www.twice.com/news/jewel-fischman-abt-96-22898 |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=TWICE |date=22 October 2003}}</ref> and Dave Abt open Abt Radio with $800, located at 2835 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, selling small electronics<ref name="Abt History">{{cite web |url=http://www.abt.com/about/abtAbout.php3|title=Abt Company History|accessdate=April 20, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410122238/http://www.abt.com/about/abtAbout.php3|archivedate=April 10, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''1953''' - Bob<!--
⚫
*'''1953''' - Bob Abt (former CEO; died July 23, 2015) began working at Abt Radio part-time and over summers.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/2015/7/28/18610652/abt-electronics-ceo-robert-bob-abt-dead-at-77
⚫
*'''1955''' - Moved to Logan Square Location at 2858 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Merchandise was kept off-site at the Hollander warehouse. One van made all the deliveries.
https://www.twice.com/industry/chicago-retail-legend-bob-abt-dies-77-57996
⚫
*'''1971''' - The Abt Family opened a store in [[Niles, Illinois]] and kept both locations open for 6 years.
https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/saginaw/name/bob-abt-obituary?pid=175362079
⚫
*'''1977''' - The Logan Square location closed.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/07/24/bob-abt-of-abt-electronics-who-raised-bar-for-ethical-retail-dies-at-77/
⚫
*'''1986''' - Abt expanded the Niles location, doubling in size from 12,000 to {{convert|24000|sqft|m2}}.

⚫
*'''1990''' - The Niles store closed on December 9 at 9 p.m.
⚫
--> Abt (former CEO; died July 23, 2015) begins working at Abt Radio part-time and over summers.
⚫
*'''1990''' - Abt’s fourth location, in [[Morton Grove, Illinois]], opened for business at 9 a.m., December 10.
⚫
*'''1955''' - Abt moves to Logan Square Location at 2858 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Merchandise is kept off-site at the Hollander warehouse. One van made all the deliveries.
⚫
*'''1971''' - The Abt family opens a store in [[Niles, Illinois]].
⚫
*'''1977''' - The Logan Square location closes.
⚫
*'''1986''' - Abt expands the Niles location, doubling in size from 12,000 to {{convert|24000|sqft|m2}}.
⚫
*'''1990''' - The Niles store closes on December 9.
⚫
*'''1990''' - Abt's fourth location, in [[Morton Grove, Illinois]], opens for business December 10.
*'''1990''' - Recycling program begins.
*'''1990''' - Recycling program begins.
*'''1997''' - Abt.com was launched and Abt became an authorized on-line retailer for brands like Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Bose, and Onkyo.
*'''1997''' - Abt.com was launches. Abt becomes an authorized online retailer for brands like Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Bose, and Onkyo.
*'''2002''' - Abt closed the Morton Grove store, and on May 26 Abt’s fifth location, in [[Glenview, Cook County, Illinois|Glenview, Illinois]], opened for business.
*'''2002''' - Abt closes the Morton Grove store. On May 26 Abt's fifth location, in [[Glenview, Cook County, Illinois|Glenview, Illinois]], opens for business.
*'''2005''' - May 25, The City of Chicago dedicated the corner of Wolfram and Milwaukee Ave. to Jewel and David Abt. The new corner is called Jewel and David Abt Way.
*'''2005''' - May 25, the city of Chicago dedicates the corner of Wolfram and Milwaukee Ave. to Jewel and David Abt. The new corner is called Jewel and David Abt Way.
*'''2008''' - Jewel and David Abt are inducted into the 2008 Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame.
*'''2008''' - Jewel and David Abt are inducted into the 2008 Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame.
*'''2008''' - In June Abt opens the Design Center
*'''2008''' - The Abt Design Center opens in June.
*'''2008''' - In Oct the {{convert|10000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} recycling center opens
*'''2008''' - The {{convert|10000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} recycling center opens in October.
*'''2008''' - Abt chosen as the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplace in Chicago.
*'''2008''' - Abt is chosen as the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplace in Chicago.
*'''2009''' - Abt's Mobile Installation department was voted one of the top 100 best retailers and installers from [http://www.me-mag.com/ Mobile Electronics Inc].
*'''2009''' - Abt's Mobile Installation department is voted one of the top 100 best retailers and installers from [http://www.me-mag.com/ Mobile Electronics Inc].
*'''2010''' - Chosen as the 2010 Dealer of the Year by home automation company Control4<ref>http://www.control4.com/</ref>
*'''2010''' - Abt is chosen as the 2010 Dealer of the Year by home automation company Control4<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.control4.com/ |title=Home |website=control4.com}}</ref>
*'''2010''' - Voted in the top 10 of Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces" for the best place to work in the Chicago area.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://media.apps.chicagotribune.com/tables/workplaces2010.html |title=Chicago's Top Workplaces 2010: The Winners |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |year=2010 |accessdate=June 19, 2014}}</ref>
*'''2010''' - Abt is voted in the top 10 of Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces" for the best place to work in the Chicago area.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://media.apps.chicagotribune.com/tables/workplaces2010.html |title=Chicago's Top Workplaces 2010: The Winners |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |year=2010 |accessdate=June 19, 2014}}</ref>
*'''2010-2020''' - Voted the "Best Place to Buy Large Appliances" by Consumer Reports for eleven consecutive years<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.consumerreports.org/appliance-stores/best-places-to-buy-large-appliances/ |title=Best Places to Buy Large Appliances |work=[[Consumer Reports]] |year=2020 |accessdate=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
*'''2010-2020''' - Voted the "Best Place to Buy Large Appliances" by Consumer Reports for eleven consecutive years<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.consumerreports.org/appliance-stores/best-places-to-buy-large-appliances/ |title=Best Places to Buy Large Appliances |work=[[Consumer Reports]] |year=2020 |accessdate=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
*'''2011''' - Voted the #1 place to work in Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces"<ref>{{cite web |url= http://media.apps.chicagotribune.com/tables/workplaces2011.html |title=Chicago's Top Workplaces 2011: The Winners |work=Chicago Tribune |year=2011 |accessdate=June 19, 2014}}</ref>
*'''2011''' - Voted the #1 place to work in Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces"<ref>{{cite web |url= http://media.apps.chicagotribune.com/tables/workplaces2011.html |title=Chicago's Top Workplaces 2011: The Winners |work=Chicago Tribune |year=2011 |accessdate=June 19, 2014}}</ref>
*'''2012''' - Voted the #1 place to work in Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.apps.chicagotribune.com/tables/workplaces2012.html|title=Chicago's Top Workplaces 2012: The Winners|work=Chicago Tribune|year=2012|accessdate=June 19, 2014}}</ref>
*'''2012''' - Voted the #1 place to work in Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.apps.chicagotribune.com/tables/workplaces2012.html|title=Chicago's Top Workplaces 2012: The Winners|work=Chicago Tribune|year=2012|accessdate=June 19, 2014}}</ref>
*'''2013''' - Voted the #20 place to work for nationwide by WorkplaceDynamics<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topworkplaces.com/frontend.php/national/standard|title=Top 150 National Top Workplaces 2013|publisher=Topworkplaces.com|year=2013|accessdate=June 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730214548/http://www.topworkplaces.com/frontend.php/national/standard|archive-date=July 30, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*'''2013''' - Voted the #20 place to work for nationwide by WorkplaceDynamics<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topworkplaces.com/frontend.php/national/standard|title=Top 150 National Top Workplaces 2013|publisher=Topworkplaces.com|year=2013|accessdate=June 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730214548/http://www.topworkplaces.com/frontend.php/national/standard|archive-date=July 30, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''2016''' - Voted the #1 place to work in Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces"<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/careers/topworkplaces/ct-graphics-top-workplaces-2016-htmlstory.html|title=Top Workplaces 2016: Search Chicago-area companies|last=Tribune|first=Chicago|newspaper=chicagotribune.com|access-date=2016-11-13}}</ref>
*'''2016''' - Voted the #1 place to work in Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces"<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/careers/topworkplaces/ct-graphics-top-workplaces-2016-htmlstory.html|title=Top Workplaces 2016: Search Chicago-area companies|last=Tribune|first=Chicago|newspaper=chicagotribune.com|access-date=November 13, 2016}}</ref>
*'''2016''' - Received the [[Better Business Bureau]] Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbb.org/chicago/torch-awards/2017-torch-awards-recipients/|title=BBB Torch Award Recipients for 2017|access-date=2018-06-26}}</ref>
*'''2016''' - Receives the [[Better Business Bureau]] Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbb.org/chicago/torch-awards/2017-torch-awards-recipients/|title=BBB Torch Award Recipients for 2017|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref>
*'''2016''' - In October 2016, Abt completed installation of a 1500-panel rooftop solar array, capable of producing 850 megawatts of power per year<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cesnrg.com/project/abt-electronics/|title=ABT Electronics 516 kW & ESS|access-date=2021-06-23}}</ref>
*'''2016''' - Abt completes installation of a 1500-panel rooftop solar array, capable of producing 850 megawatts of power per year<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cesnrg.com/project/abt-electronics/|title=ABT Electronics 516 kW & ESS|access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
*'''2020''' - Received the [[Better Business Bureau]] Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23488-bbb-chicago-and-northern-illinois-announces-torch-award-winners-2020|title=BBB Torch Award Recipients for 2020|access-date=2021-06-23}}</ref>
*'''2020''' - Receives the [[Better Business Bureau]] Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23488-bbb-chicago-and-northern-illinois-announces-torch-award-winners-2020|title=BBB Torch Award Recipients for 2020|access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
*'''2021''' - Abt's new 30,000 square foot recycling center opens<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.waste360.com/recycling/abt-electronics-unveils-30000-square-foot-onsite-recycling-center|title=Abt Electronics Unveils 30,000-Square-Foot Onsite Recycling Center|access-date=2021-06-23}}</ref>
*'''2021''' - Abt's new 30,000 square foot recycling center opens<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.waste360.com/recycling/abt-electronics-unveils-30000-square-foot-onsite-recycling-center|title=Abt Electronics Unveils 30,000-Square-Foot Onsite Recycling Center|access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
*'''2021''' - Abt is voted one of Consumer Reports' "Best Place to Buy Small Appliances"<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.consumerreports.org/appliance-stores/best-places-to-buy-small-appliances/ |title=Best Places to Buy Small Appliances |work=[[Consumer Reports]] |year=2021 |accessdate=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
*'''2021''' - Abt is voted one of Consumer Reports' "Best Place to Buy Small Appliances"<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.consumerreports.org/appliance-stores/best-places-to-buy-small-appliances/ |title=Best Places to Buy Small Appliances |work=[[Consumer Reports]] |year=2021 |accessdate=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
*'''2021''' - Construction starts on a new 429,524-square-foot building addition that will double Abt’s warehouse space<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-abt-electronics-expansion-glenview-20210510-wb7vrrxatjdzdhfcmutn3go3mq-story.html|title=Abt Electronics' expansion will double the size of its Glenview warehouse|work=Chicago Tribune|year=2021|access-date=2021-06-23}}</ref>
*'''2021''' - Construction starts on a new 429,524-square-foot building addition that will double Abt's warehouse space<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-abt-electronics-expansion-glenview-20210510-wb7vrrxatjdzdhfcmutn3go3mq-story.html|title=Abt Electronics' expansion will double the size of its Glenview warehouse|work=Chicago Tribune|year=2021|access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>


==Environmental practices==
==Environmental practices==
In 2006, the company built a [[recycling]] center which collects the company's used [[Corrugated fiberboard|cardboard]], [[plastic]] and plastic-foam packaging and prepares it to be sold for recycling.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=5052287|title=Bill aims to keep electronic garbage out of landfills|last=Schwarz|first=Phil|date=20 February 2007|work=[[WLS-TV|WLS-TV (ABC 7)]]|accessdate=2008-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629024053/http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=5052287|archive-date=29 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="WSJ">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120605527708053181|title=The Extra Step|last=Brat|first=Ilan|date=24 March 2008|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|accessdate=2008-07-25}}</ref> Abt opened a new, 30,000 square-foot recycling center in 2021. The company’s recycling program prevents an estimated 2.2 million pounds of cardboard, 350,000 pounds of styrofoam, 1.4 million pounds of electronics, and 13 million pounds of appliances from ending up in landfills.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/abt-electronics-recycling-center/|title=Abt Electronics unveils recycling center|last=Kamczyc|first=Alex|date=11 May 2021|work=[[Recycling Today]]|accessdate=2021-05-25}}</ref>
In 2006, Abt built a [[recycling]] center which collects the company's used [[Corrugated fiberboard|cardboard]], [[plastic]] and plastic-foam packaging and prepares it to be sold for recycling.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=5052287|title=Bill aims to keep electronic garbage out of landfills|last=Schwarz|first=Phil|date=February 20, 2007|work=[[WLS-TV|WLS-TV (ABC 7)]]|accessdate=July 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629024053/http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=5052287|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="WSJ">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120605527708053181|title=The Extra Step|last=Brat|first=Ilan|date=March 24, 2008|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|accessdate=July 25, 2008}}</ref> Abt opened a new, 30,000 square-foot recycling center in 2021. The company's recycling program prevents an estimated 2.2 million pounds of cardboard, 350,000 pounds of styrofoam, 1.4 million pounds of electronics, and 13 million pounds of appliances from ending up in landfills.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/abt-electronics-recycling-center/|title=Abt Electronics unveils recycling center|last=Kamczyc|first=Alex|date=May 11, 2021|work=[[Recycling Today]]|accessdate=May 25, 2021}}</ref> In October 2016, Abt completed work on a rooftop [[solar panel]] array. The system comprises more than 1,500 solar panels and has an annual production capacity of 645,000 kWh electricity. The energy produced by the solar array powers regular building operations and is stored in a 500&nbsp;kW Tesla PowerPack battery cluster.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cesnrg.com/project/abt-electronics/|title=ABT Electronics 516 kW & ESS|date=December 30, 2019|work=[[Continental Energy Solutions]]|accessdate=May 21, 2021}}</ref>

In 2016, Abt completed work on a rooftop [[solar panel]] array. The system comprises more than 1,500 solar panels and has an annual production capacity of 645,000 kWh electricity. The energy produced by the solar array powers regular building operations and is stored in a 500 kW Tesla PowerPack battery cluster.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cesnrg.com/project/abt-electronics/|title=ABT Electronics 516 kW & ESS|date=30 December 2019|work=[[Continental Energy Solutions]]|accessdate=2021-05-21}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 68: Line 73:
*[https://blog.abt.com/ Company blog]
*[https://blog.abt.com/ Company blog]


[[Category:Consumer electronics retailers in the United States]]
[[Category:Consumer electronics retailers of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies based in Glenview, Illinois]]
[[Category:Companies based in Glenview, Illinois]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1936]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1936]]

Latest revision as of 17:57, 28 November 2024

Abt Electronics
Company typePrivate
IndustryRetailing
Founded1936
FounderDavid Abt
Jewel Abt
HeadquartersGlenview, Illinois, U.S.
ProductsConsumer Electronics
Appliances
Revenue$400 million (2021 est.)
Number of employees
1,650 (2022)
WebsiteOfficial website

Abt Electronics is an independent family-owned retailer in the United States of consumer electronics, major appliances, and furniture. Abt operates 880,000 square feet at a single location in Glenview, Illinois, on 70 acres (280,000 m2) of land ("... 1,200-employee.. 350,000-square-foot location on 37 acres...2015[1]), and online since 1997.[2] Abt Electronics now distributes products from coast to coast in the US. The company has operated in the Chicago market since 1936.

History

[edit]

In the early 1930s, Mr. Abt sold radios at the old Fair Store on State Street. He wanted to go into the grocery business, but his wife, Jewel, vetoed the idea because she knew the inventory could spoil and he would have to get up at 3 a.m. to go to the market. Instead, they opened Abt Radio in the Logan Square neighborhood.[3]

Abt Electronics was founded in 1936[4] when Jewel[5] (née Fischman[6]) Abt gave $800 to her husband David Abt to start a business.[7] The store was originally named Abt Radio as it only sold small electronics in its early days. The original location was a small storefront and service department in the Logan Square area of Chicago.[7] Abt Electronics has expanded many times over the years. Abt electronics currently employs more than 1,650 employees in a 450,000 square feet retail store and warehouse in Glenview, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. In May 2021, Abt announced plans for a 430,000 square-foot addition to their warehouse, effectively doubling the total area of their facility. Construction on the addition is expected to be completed in October 2021.[8]

Timeline

[edit]
  • 1936 - Jewel[9] and Dave Abt open Abt Radio with $800, located at 2835 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, selling small electronics[10]
  • 1953 - Bob Abt (former CEO; died July 23, 2015) begins working at Abt Radio part-time and over summers.
  • 1955 - Abt moves to Logan Square Location at 2858 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Merchandise is kept off-site at the Hollander warehouse. One van made all the deliveries.
  • 1971 - The Abt family opens a store in Niles, Illinois.
  • 1977 - The Logan Square location closes.
  • 1986 - Abt expands the Niles location, doubling in size from 12,000 to 24,000 square feet (2,200 m2).
  • 1990 - The Niles store closes on December 9.
  • 1990 - Abt's fourth location, in Morton Grove, Illinois, opens for business December 10.
  • 1990 - Recycling program begins.
  • 1997 - Abt.com was launches. Abt becomes an authorized online retailer for brands like Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Bose, and Onkyo.
  • 2002 - Abt closes the Morton Grove store. On May 26 Abt's fifth location, in Glenview, Illinois, opens for business.
  • 2005 - May 25, the city of Chicago dedicates the corner of Wolfram and Milwaukee Ave. to Jewel and David Abt. The new corner is called Jewel and David Abt Way.
  • 2008 - Jewel and David Abt are inducted into the 2008 Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame.
  • 2008 - The Abt Design Center opens in June.
  • 2008 - The 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) recycling center opens in October.
  • 2008 - Abt is chosen as the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplace in Chicago.
  • 2009 - Abt's Mobile Installation department is voted one of the top 100 best retailers and installers from Mobile Electronics Inc.
  • 2010 - Abt is chosen as the 2010 Dealer of the Year by home automation company Control4[11]
  • 2010 - Abt is voted in the top 10 of Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces" for the best place to work in the Chicago area.[12]
  • 2010-2020 - Voted the "Best Place to Buy Large Appliances" by Consumer Reports for eleven consecutive years[13]
  • 2011 - Voted the #1 place to work in Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces"[14]
  • 2012 - Voted the #1 place to work in Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces"[15]
  • 2013 - Voted the #20 place to work for nationwide by WorkplaceDynamics[16]
  • 2016 - Voted the #1 place to work in Chicago Tribune's "Top Chicago Workplaces"[17]
  • 2016 - Receives the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics[18]
  • 2016 - Abt completes installation of a 1500-panel rooftop solar array, capable of producing 850 megawatts of power per year[19]
  • 2020 - Receives the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics[20]
  • 2021 - Abt's new 30,000 square foot recycling center opens[21]
  • 2021 - Abt is voted one of Consumer Reports' "Best Place to Buy Small Appliances"[22]
  • 2021 - Construction starts on a new 429,524-square-foot building addition that will double Abt's warehouse space[23]

Environmental practices

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In 2006, Abt built a recycling center which collects the company's used cardboard, plastic and plastic-foam packaging and prepares it to be sold for recycling.[24][25] Abt opened a new, 30,000 square-foot recycling center in 2021. The company's recycling program prevents an estimated 2.2 million pounds of cardboard, 350,000 pounds of styrofoam, 1.4 million pounds of electronics, and 13 million pounds of appliances from ending up in landfills.[26] In October 2016, Abt completed work on a rooftop solar panel array. The system comprises more than 1,500 solar panels and has an annual production capacity of 645,000 kWh electricity. The energy produced by the solar array powers regular building operations and is stored in a 500 kW Tesla PowerPack battery cluster.[27]

References

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  1. ^ Karp, Gregory (July 24, 2015). "Bob Abt of Abt Electronics, who 'raised bar' for ethical retail, dies at 77". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  2. ^ Abt - Company Description, Hoovers.com; accessed July 26, 2015.
  3. ^ "DAVID ABT, ELECTRONICS STORE OWNER". Chicago Tribune. March 28, 1996. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  4. ^ Springen, Karen; McGinn, Daniel (February 21, 2005). "Beta-Testing Paradise". Newsweek. Retrieved July 25, 2008.
  5. ^ Content, Contributed (October 8, 2003). "JEWEL F. ABT, 96". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  6. ^ "Jewel Abt Obituary (2003) - Wilmette, IL". Legacy.com. Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Wolf, Alan (December 22, 2003). "That Was The Year That Was: A Retail Retrospective". TWICE. Retrieved July 25, 2008.[permanent dead link‍]
  8. ^ Buckshon, Mark (May 10, 2021). "McShane Construction Company to add 430,000-sq. ft. expansion to Abt Electronics' Glenview warehouse and showroom building". Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  9. ^ "Jewel Fischman Abt, 96". TWICE. October 22, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  10. ^ "Abt Company History". Archived from the original on April 10, 2010. Retrieved April 20, 2010.
  11. ^ "Home". control4.com.
  12. ^ "Chicago's Top Workplaces 2010: The Winners". Chicago Tribune. 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  13. ^ "Best Places to Buy Large Appliances". Consumer Reports. 2020. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  14. ^ "Chicago's Top Workplaces 2011: The Winners". Chicago Tribune. 2011. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  15. ^ "Chicago's Top Workplaces 2012: The Winners". Chicago Tribune. 2012. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  16. ^ "Top 150 National Top Workplaces 2013". Topworkplaces.com. 2013. Archived from the original on July 30, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  17. ^ Tribune, Chicago. "Top Workplaces 2016: Search Chicago-area companies". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved November 13, 2016.
  18. ^ "BBB Torch Award Recipients for 2017". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  19. ^ "ABT Electronics 516 kW & ESS". Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  20. ^ "BBB Torch Award Recipients for 2020". Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  21. ^ "Abt Electronics Unveils 30,000-Square-Foot Onsite Recycling Center". Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  22. ^ "Best Places to Buy Small Appliances". Consumer Reports. 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  23. ^ "Abt Electronics' expansion will double the size of its Glenview warehouse". Chicago Tribune. 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  24. ^ Schwarz, Phil (February 20, 2007). "Bill aims to keep electronic garbage out of landfills". WLS-TV (ABC 7). Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2008.
  25. ^ Brat, Ilan (March 24, 2008). "The Extra Step". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved July 25, 2008.
  26. ^ Kamczyc, Alex (May 11, 2021). "Abt Electronics unveils recycling center". Recycling Today. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  27. ^ "ABT Electronics 516 kW & ESS". Continental Energy Solutions. December 30, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
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