800-860-3577
Main Content
Abt History Page Banner
From One Small Shop to Something Much Bigger
Our journey started with a single storefront and a simple idea: treat people right. Decades later, that idea still guides everything we do.

Abt's History

1936
Black and white vintage photograph of Abt electronics

David and Jewel Abt open Abt Radio in Chicago.

1955
Black and white image of abt electronics in logan square

Abt moves to their Logan Square location at 2858 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. One van made all the deliveries.

1962
Abt family

Bob Abt begins working at the company full time.

1971
Abt Electronics store in Niles

The Abt family opens a store in Niles, Illinois.

1977
Abt Electronics logan square

The Logan Square location closes.

1986

Abt expands the Niles location, doubling in size from 12,000 to 24,000 square feet.

1989
Bob & Mike Abt

Bob Abt's sons Ricky & Mike join the company, marking a third generation of Abt leadership.

1990
Abt appliance store

The Niles store closes on December 9.

Abt electronics store in morton grove

Abt's fourth location in Morton Grove, Illinois, opens December 10.

The company's recycling program begins.

1993

Abt's Custom Audio Department is created, offering product and installation for unique sound systems in customers' homes.

1994

Abt's Custom Kitchens department is formed.

1995
Billy abt

Bob Abt's son Billy joins the company.

1996
David Abt

David Abt passes.

1997
Screenshot of abt.com in 1997

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.

1998

The last of Bob Abt's sons, Jon Abt, joins the company.

1999
Mobile installion at abt electronics

Abt's Mobile Installation department is created, offering custom audio and other upgrades for cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats.

2001

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.

2002
Abt electronics store

Abt closes the Morton Grove store. Abt's fifth location, in Glenview, Illinois, opens for business on May 26.

2002
Abt family with samsung Corporation

Samsung Corporation visits Abt from South Korea.

2003
Jewel Abt

Jewel Abt passes.

Fishtank at abt electronics

Abt's 7,500-gallon fish tank is built—the largest privately-owned aquarium in Illinois.

2004
2005
Jewel and David Abt street sign

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.

2006

Abt begins offering HVAC services, including central air and heating.

2007
Time store at abt

The Time Store and Tumi Boutique open in Abt's atrium.

2008

Jewel and David Abt are inducted into the 2008 Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame, with Jewel being the first woman inducted.

Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame

The Abt Design Center opens in June.

Abt recycling center

The 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) recycling center opens in October.

Jolane's Restaurant and Bar

Abt opens Jolane's Restaurant and Bar, named after Jewel “Jolane” Abt (Closed 2020).

2009
Fitness equipment at abt

Abt begins offering home fitness and exercise equipment.

2010
Abt electronics top workplace award

Abt is named one of the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces for the first time.

2011

The home security division is created, offering installation for wireless security cameras, automatic electronic door locks and more.

2012
Mike abt runs olympic torch

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.

attresses and furniture st abt

Abt begins offering mattresses and furniture.

2013

Abt introduces the Builders Division, a team of experts that specialize in fitting new builds and remodels with appliances.

2015
New warehouse addition at abt

Abt adds approximately 93,000 feet to its warehouse, which includes additional office space.

Billiard tables, pool tables and other game rooms at abt

Billiard tables, pool tables and other game room furniture are added to Abt's product lineup.

Bob abt

Bob Abt passes.

2016
Solar panel installation at abt

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.

2017

Abt acquires an additional 31 ½ acres of land, securing Glenview as Abt's home for years to come.

Candy store at abt

The Candy Store opens, offering self-serve and retro treats.

2019
Chicago Tribune Top Workplace

Abt is named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for the tenth consecutive year.

2020
Delivery tracking application

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.

2021
Recycling center Construction work

Abt's new 30,000 square foot recycling center opens.

Construction of new warehouse

Construction starts on a new 429,524-square foot building addition that will double Abt's warehouse space.

2022
Styled image of Abt Warehouse Expansion

Construction is completed on Abt's warehouse addition.

Abt unveils their expanded Mobile Electronics department showroom, which includes an improved sound room.

Photo of Jake Abt

Jake Abt joins the company, ushering in a fourth generation of Abt leadership.

2023
Style image of Abts New Time Store

Renovations are completed on Abt's new Time Store, showcasing our selection of luxury watches and jewelry.

2024

Abt begins the expansion of their furniture department.