The grand opening of Mealey's Furniture at Whitehall Square over the Labor Day weekend marks the first in the Lehigh Valley for the Philadelphia area furniture chain. Bringing Mealey's into Whitehall keeps with the township's efforts to attract new high profile retailers to MacArthur Road, often labeled as the "golden strip."

On entering the spacious 65,000 square foot store with various room settings, the management wants the public, which it calls "guests," to visit the store. Mealey's is family-friendly and offers a fun place where shopping or browsing becomes enjoyable.

Housed in the former Raymour & Flanigan furniture store space, which moved south, off Grape Street and MacArthur Road, Mealey's motto is: "Just what you're looking for."

The store, in many respects, provides a unique shopping experience. As part of the store's signature, there is a giant size upholstered wing chair which catches the customer's eye and an in-store cafe stocked with complimentary snacks and refreshments.

General Manager Ryan William Horvath said the store offers a large choice of living room, dining room and bedroom furnishings along with a large array of box springs and mattresses.

Horvath assures customers Mealey's offers high quality merchandise and competitive prices.

"We are confident in our pricing. We will pay 200 percentage difference in price if you find the exact item less elsewhere within 30 days."

The store employs a staff of 17 persons.