Chicago retail icon calls it quits leaving many memories behind

After 73 years in business, an iconic Chicago area retailer is permanently closing. That doesn't mean the families of Century Tile's two founders will be closing the doors on all the memories that were made in the eight decades during which the enterprise became one of the largest floorcovering retailers and distributors in the Midwest.

Century Tile was founded in 1947 by Frank Parks and Paul Spiewak, who met each other in college. Parks was just 19 years old when they registered the name, Century Supply Co., with Cook County. Spiewak was 20.

In the years following the startup of the pair's first store on Austin Avenue, more locations were added until eventually 12 retail warehouses carried the Century Tile name.

Along with building a large and profitable business, the two made sure that their families were successful, too. In fact, Spiewak's daughter, Kathy, who worked as a bookkeeper in one of the stores, met a young warehouse employee named John Boyle. The two were later married, had five children and have managed the store operations until their recent retirement.

Parks and Spiewak also encouraged their employees to get to know each other and would hold summer celebrations at a local park for workers' families.

Over the years, Century Tile shared its success with the communities in which they were located. Cash, materials and in-kind contributions supported Habitat for Humanity, area parks, schools, churches, shelters and other charitable organizations.

Century Tile was not afraid to innovate. In the 1950s, the store was one of the first to hold evening hours so husband and wife could both choose home decor together. The company was also known for its annual tent sales that would roll from store to store drawing thousands from miles around.

Spiewak died in 2013, Parks in 2020.

The remaining four locations are closing at the end of April. Surplus Asset Management will sell all inventory, store fixtures and equipment in a sale that begins April 26 at all locations.