Karen Arakelian to Receive Retailer of the Year Award

Furniture World News Desk on 9/5/2018

The Greater Metropolitan Home Furnishings Association (GMFA) announced that Karen Arakelian founder and CEO of White House “Designs for Life” has been chosen to receive the GMFA Retailer of the Year Award.

Retailers, manufacturers, representatives and industry suppliers will gather to honor Ms. Arakelian this November at the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association’s dinner and dance on November 17th, 2018. The annual event, a festive kick-off to the holiday season will be held at The Palisadium, Cliffside Park, NJ, just minutes from the George Washington Bridge.

Karen Arakelian is the founder and CEO of White House “Designs for Life”, a family of home furnishings stores, interior design services, and non-profit initiatives including: White House Living, a shop for more relaxed lifestyles and casual homeowners, White House Design Resource, home-base for many of the east coast's talented interior designers; and Design Consign, a luxury consignment shop, with profits benefiting the Gloria Foundation. Karen believes that great interior design is more than just visually enhancing one’s space – it’s about connecting people with their homes.


“I’m so glad that Karen Arakelian will be honored as GMFA’s Retailer of the Year,” enthused Albin Grundner, VP Sales for Bermex and longtime GMFA board member. “Her drive and love of furniture and design is legendry. I can not think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

In thanking the GMFA, Karen stated, I am honored to be receiving the Retailer of the Year award from the industry that I love. It has been my passion for 40 years and I am thankful for being recognized.”

Ron Cooper, GMFA’s President and Vice President of Sales & Marketing at PMP Sales, added, “GMFA is proud to honor Karen Arakelian, Owner of White House “Designs For Life” with the Retailer of the Year Award, Eugene Alletto of Bedgear with GMFA’s Joseph Cory Leadership Award, and Representative Harris Kirsch, GMFA’s Vice President, with the Representative of the Year Award. GMFA’s Board and I look forward to enjoying a fun filled evening with industry friends, great food, open bar, dancing and some of the best entertainment in the Tristate area this November.”

Reservations and Souvenir Journal: To get more information on attending this event, or to participate in a souvenir journal being prepared to honor Eugene, Karen and Harris, please contact Alan Granetz, Executive Director, MFA, (908) 725-3460, or email greatermfa@gmail.com.

More about GMFA: The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association is a not-for-profit organization designed to foster, promote and protect the interests of retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, and service related industries in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Affiliated with the representatives’ association IHFRA, GMFA works to foster a spirit of mutual respect and esteem among members in the home furnishings industry, hosts networking and social events, educational seminars, provides valuable discounts and is a voice for industry interests on national, regional and local levels.