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!
New Restaurants & New Businesses in Greater Grand Rapids
New West Michigan Businesses & Restaurants to Try Whether you’re new here or grew up here, chances are you already know about all of the old standbys in West Michigan. The question is – are you ready to try something new, maybe for your next date night idea? Hope so, because we’ve scouted the area…
2025 Best Doctors in Grand Rapids: Where to Find Top 10 Dentists, Pediatricians, OBGYNs + More
Best Doctors & Health Care Pros in Grand Rapids – 2025 We all love talking about the fun things to do in Grand Rapids with kids: best beaches, fun museums, fave schools. But publicly asking your Instagram posse for a recommendation for a counselor for your kid with mental health issues? Or finding an OB/GYN…
West Michigan Schools List: Public, Language Immersion, Private Schools + More – 2025
Find your child’s learning home with our Grand Rapids Schools Guide. Full list of West Michigan school options for every family – private, secular, religious, public, experience-based and more.
Best Coffee Shops in Grand Rapids: 42 Local Coffee Houses Who Are Acing Ambience & Roasts
Local Coffee Shops with the Best Brews A day spent in Grand Rapids is not complete without a trip to the perfect locally-owned coffee shop to fit your mood. If you’re looking for the right ambiance, a comfy corner to meet a friend or get some work done, and the perfect high-end roasts and specialty…
2025 Summer Camps Guide: Sort by Week or Activity to Make Planning a Breeze
Best Grand Rapids Summer Camps, Including Popular Day Camps Heading off to summer camp is one of the rites of passage for a kid, and one of the most popular summer things to do in Grand Rapids. Looking for summer camp for kindergarteners or big kids? Maybe your preschooler needs some enrichment this summer. No…
Muskegon Ice Skating Trail, Luge & Other Winter Park Sports Open for 2025
Totally Rock Winter on the Muskegon Ice Skating Trail Muskegon State Park is the iconic Michigan winter destination you didn’t know you were missing! How many places let you lace up ice skates and go on an ice skating trail through the woods?!Well, if you’re in Grand Rapids, you are just a 60-minute drive away…