This collection contains trade publications primarily for Grand Rapids, Michigan businesses but also for select Michigan and national companies. Publication forms include illustrated catalogs, product lists, brochures and pamphlets. Also included are department store catalogs, such as Sears or Herpolsheimers.

Herpolsheimer's Department Store was one of the main department stores in downtown Grand Rapids from 1886 to 1987. The main part of this collection consists of the employee newsletter of Herpolsheimer's Department Store from 1947-1966.

The Wurzburg/Arbaugh Department Store Records contains items that range from the late 1940's to early 1950's. It was during this time period that Wurzburg's was expanding and renewing their retail brand. This meant an expansion into other retail markets, including the Lansing area and a renovation of their prescence in downtown Grand Rapids.