Abt's History
David and Jewel Abt open Abt Radio in Chicago.
Abt moves to their Logan Square location at 2858 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. One van made all the deliveries.
Bob Abt begins working at the company full time.
The Abt family opens a store in Niles, Illinois.
The Logan Square location closes.
Abt expands the Niles location, doubling in size from 12,000 to 24,000 square feet.
Bob Abt's sons Ricky & Mike join the company, marking a third generation of Abt leadership.
The Niles store closes on December 9.
Abt's fourth location in Morton Grove, Illinois, opens December 10.
The company's recycling program begins.
Abt's Custom Audio Department is created, offering product and installation for unique sound systems in customers' homes.
Abt's Custom Kitchens department is formed.
Bob Abt's son Billy joins the company.
David Abt passes.
Abt.com is launched, making Abt one of the first authorized online retailers for brands like Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Bose and Onkyo.
Abt installs a floating Kugel fountain made in Aicha, Germany that weighs 2.7 tons and is one of 90 in the world. It can be spun by a child thanks to aquaplaning. The ball is still on display on our sales floor.
The last of Bob Abt's sons, Jon Abt, joins the company.
Abt's Mobile Installation department is created, offering custom audio and other upgrades for cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats.
Abt establishes the For Autistic Kids Foundation to raise funds to broaden public awareness and understanding of autism and for research into early detection, prevention, treatment and cure to benefit children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Abt closes the Morton Grove store. Abt's fifth location, in Glenview, Illinois, opens for business on May 26.
Samsung Corporation visits Abt from South Korea.
Jewel Abt passes.
Abt's 7,500-gallon fish tank is built—the largest privately-owned aquarium in Illinois.
Abt begins offering plumbing services.
May 25, the city of Chicago dedicates the corner of Wolfram and Milwaukee Ave. to Jewel and David Abt, naming it Jewel and David Abt Way.
Abt begins offering HVAC services, including central air and heating.
The Time Store and Tumi Boutique open in Abt's atrium.
Jewel and David Abt are inducted into the 2008 Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame, with Jewel being the first woman inducted.
The Abt Design Center opens in June.
The 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) recycling center opens in October.
Abt opens Jolane's Restaurant and Bar, named after Jewel “Jolane” Abt (Closed 2020).
Abt begins offering home fitness and exercise equipment.
Abt is named one of the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces for the first time.
The home security division is created, offering installation for wireless security cameras, automatic electronic door locks and more.
Third generation Abt and co-president Mike Abt runs the Olympic Torch in Luton, England for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The torch is currently on display at the store.
The second day in history that the store closes when scheduled to be open due to a blizzard.
Abt begins offering mattresses and furniture.
Abt introduces the Builders Division, a team of experts that specialize in fitting new builds and remodels with appliances.
Abt adds approximately 93,000 feet to its warehouse, which includes additional office space.
Billiard tables, pool tables and other game room furniture are added to Abt's product lineup.
Bob Abt passes.
Abt completes installation of a 1500-panel rooftop solar array, capable of producing 850 megawatts of power per year.
A second-floor addition of approximately 18,031 feet is added to the store. Our Inspiration Studio Showroom houses designer kitchens appliances, furniture, artwork, area rugs and mattresses.
Abt acquires an additional 31 ½ acres of land, securing Glenview as Abt's home for years to come.
The Candy Store opens, offering self-serve and retro treats.
Abt is named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for the tenth consecutive year.
A new app is introduced to customers to track their deliveries through their phone. Drivers also send a courtesy text while on the way to the customers home.
Abt's new 30,000 square foot recycling center opens.
Construction starts on a new 429,524-square foot building addition that will double Abt's warehouse space.
Construction is completed on Abt's warehouse addition.
Abt unveils their expanded Mobile Electronics department showroom, which includes an improved sound room.
Jake Abt joins the company, ushering in a fourth generation of Abt leadership.
Renovations are completed on Abt's new Time Store, showcasing our selection of luxury watches and jewelry.
Abt begins the expansion of their furniture department.
Over 89 Years Of Experience
