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!
Alto’s Christmas Lights 2025: Add this to Your Holiday Lights Tour!
Alto is Small but Mighty on this West Michigan Christmas Lights Route Take a short spin around Alto to see the Christmas lights southeast of Grand Rapids. This is a great add-on to the Caledonia Route. This 45-minute route includes a stop at the best convenience store around, Bricks at Campau Corner. (Stock up on…
2025 Grand Rapids Christmas Lights Route! Includes Downtown, EGR & Comstock Park
GR, EGR & Comstock Park Christmas Lights Route If you want to see the best Christmas lights in Grand Rapids, EGR & Comstock Park this 80-minute driving route is for you! Start off with a sweet treat from Kilwins in East Grand Rapids – perhaps their peppermint ice cream waffle cone will be just the…
Fantastic! 13 Christmas Light Shows on this Tour [Grandville, Wyoming, Jenison & Hudsonville] Updated for 2025
Wyoming-Jenison-Grandville-Hudsonville Christmas Lights Route If want a fun-filled evening of looking at Christmas lights in the Grandville-Jenison-Wyoming-Hudsonville area, this is the route for you! There are THIRTEEN Christmas light shows on this 26 stop trail. In addition to these incredible light shows, this 2 hour Christmas lights driving route includes the largest Santa we’ve ever…
14 Charming Christmas Lights Stops for Cascade, Ada & Lowell – 2025
Head to Lowell and Ada for Small-Town Charm, Cute House Displays & Awesome Light Shows Where are the good Christmas lights around Ada, Lowell and Cascade? So glad you asked! Not only will this easy route get you get Christmas cheer in overdrive, but it will also take you to two of West Michigan’s most…
70+ Exciting Indoor Playgrounds and Kids Play Places – From Toddlers to Teens!
Indoor Playgrounds are a Hit All Year Long Living in West Michigan means hot days, cold days, rainy days and more, making it tough at times to find things to do with kids in Grand Rapids. Enter the Indoor Playground. Indoor playgrounds are great places to have fun with friends and family and really, you…
Fun Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in West MI – 2025
Check out these family-friendly things to do over Thanksgiving weekend. (After you’ve binged on turkey and pumpkin pie, of course!)
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!