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
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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!