Store says farewell at 109

Rakow's Furniture has been a part of East Dundee's landscape for more than 100 years.

That will all change on Saturday.

An auction will sell off all remaining furniture at the store as store owners Craig and Donna Rakow will close the business for good.

The auction will begin at 11æa.m. and will run until there is nothing left. Pre-auction viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and 9æa.m. to the start of the auction Saturday.

Elgin-based Auction Consultants Inc. will conduct the auction at the Rakow store's present location, 195 Penny Ave.

An oft-changing and evolving store, first opened in 1898, the site has offered products ranging from dry goods to furniture.

The store's previous owner and Craig's father, Len, made the switch from a general store to a furniture store in 1953. That year, Len began selling dinette sets.

His offerings then expanded to include furnishings for living rooms and bedrooms.

When Craig Rakow, who is the third Rakow to own the store, took over the business in 1966, he added office furniture to the mix.

Village President Dan O'Leary said he had heard rumors about the store's closure a while ago.

Although the recent economic focus of the village has been on the tax-increment finance district at the corner of routes 72 and 25, as well as a proposed TIF district downtown, the news of this weekend's auction was a blow, he said.

"It's a disappointment to see them close shop," O'Leary said. "My wife and I have bought furniture from there."

Trustee Rob Gorman said the recent increase in furniture stores in the area, most notably on Randall Road, toughen the competition on smaller stores.

"Given the growth of all the area furniture stores, it doesn't surprise me," he said.

Craig and Donna Rakow could not be reached for comment.