Retro Electric Arcade in Lowell Closes Its Doors
After three years of providing awesome throwback gaming experiences, Retro Electric Arcade in Lowell, Michigan, is powering down one the retro fun things to do in West Michigan.
The popular arcade, known for its collection of vintage pinball machines and classic video games, officially ended its arcade play yesterday (August 14, 2024) after a flash sale wiped out their pinball game inventory.
2163 W. Main Street Lowell, MI 49331
616.279.1921
Why Close Down?
Initially, the free-play arcade and nostalgic retail shop announced their intention to close on September 1st in a post on Facebook.
In that post, they reasons, “there’s a few reasons but the main one is because we’ve always put our family first.
Running the arcade, maintaining all of the games, hosting parties and events and all of the other assorted jobs we do here is an enormous undertaking that has taken up most of our waking hours.”
In that announcement, they also told people that their games were for sale. Surprisingly, they ended up selling over half of their games in one day, which effectively shut down play at the arcade shop.
One Last Chance to Shop
The arcade might be closed, but the shop’s still open for a bit! They’re having a killer sale – 50% off all white-stickered merch. Even some of the decor is up for grabs. BMX bikes on the wall? Posters? Flags? Yep, you might be able to snag ’em.
They also still have pinball machines and arcade games for sale, all at really good prices, so if you’re thinking about buying a game, send an email to hello(at) retroelectricarcade.com and they’ll send the updated price and availability list.
What’s Next?
Here’s where it gets interesting. The owners of Retro Electric Arcade are not leaving the entertainment industry entirely.
This fall, they’re opening a new shop called ALIVE AGAIN in Grand Rapids’ Creston neighborhood. Think horror-themed collectibles, movies, books, and all things creepy.
If you like to keep Halloween vibes going all year round, this sounds like your kind of place.
Retro Electric Photos
Other Retro Gaming Destinations
If you want to take your retro arcade fun on the road, consider these cool West Michigan destinations:
- Pinball Land in Rockford, MI
- Rocket Arcade in South Haven, MI
- Klassic Arcade in Gobles, MI
Take a Look!
35+ Kids Classes in Grand Rapids, Including Music & Sports for Kids
Where to Find Sports for Kids & Other Classes for Kids in West Michigan You’ve found a great school or preschool for your kid. You’ve taken them on all sorts of outings around Grand Rapids. Now you’re thinking it’s time they find an extracurricular to challenge them. Do they like sports? Maybe they’re musical or…
Fall Picture Places: 18 Stunning Spots for Fall Photos in Grand Rapids
Best Outdoor Places to Take Pics Near Grand Rapids As fall sets in, the range of colors in West Michigan creates a spectacular background that enhances fall photos. If “update family photo” isn’t one of your family’s fall activities, add it now. These are some of the best picture locations for fall photos in West…
Pumpkins! Apples! Corn Maze! Crane’s Orchards Fills Fall with All of the Yum – 2025
Fall Flavor Frenzy at Crane’s Orchards If you’ve lived in West Michigan for more than five minutes, chances are someone has told you, “You have to go to Crane’s Orchards in the Fall,” and we couldn’t agree more! This fall magnet, located near Saugatuck, MI, is one of the Lakeshore’s big draws when the weather…
All the Greater Grand Rapids School Calendars 2025-26 (+GRPS School Calendar)
West MI School District School Calendars **Updated August 2025 with the latest information about the GRPS school calendar, and start dates and vacations for East Grand Rapids, Jenison, Forest Hills, Holland PS, Caledonia, Kenowa Hills, and more West Michigan Schools. Kent County and Ottawa County are home to hundreds of schools, across dozens of school…
Kids Haircuts: 15 Super Spots in Grand Rapids
Where to Get Kids Haircuts Around Grand Rapids It’s almost time for going back to school and that means getting haircuts. Stylists who cut kids’ hair, especially little kids’ hair, are saints in my book.My little kids are often squirmy, chatty, and just can’t keep their heads in one position during a haircut.My older kids…
Best Gymnastics for Kids, Cheer & Aerial Arts in Grand Rapids 2025
High Flying Kids Will Love Gymnastics & Cheer Classes Gymnastics is just one of many sports offered in the area – and it’s pretty popular. We’ve got the scoop on all the best gymnastics classes in Grand Rapids. There are many area facilities offering gymnastics, cheer, ninja, aerial gymnastics and more. And you don’t have…
I’m really sad to see Retro Electric Arcade go! It was such a unique spot that brought back so many nostalgic memories. I’m curious to see how the new horror store will turn out. Hopefully, it can capture some of that same fun and community spirit!