Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
GMFA to Honor Will Schafer
July 24,
2014 by in Industry, Special Events 
Retailers, manufacturers, representatives and industry suppliers will gather for this annual event on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Palisadium, Cliffside Park, N.J.
Schafer, who operates six Ashley Furniture HomeStores in central New Jersey, grew up in the retail furniture business. He began his career in his father’s stores in downtown Trenton. After graduating with a marketing degree from American University in Washington, D.C., he joined his brother, Gordon Schafer, who owned and operated five Gordon Furniture stores in the Philadelphia market.
Will opened his first furniture store in 1998, Furniture Showplace in Linden, N.J., with just five employees. In 2006, he opened his first Ashley Furniture HomeStore.
“Will Schafer is one of those people,” said Patrick Cory, managing partner of Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery and president of the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association, “whose reputation for excellence and commitment to our industry is exemplary. He supports many local and national charities including Ashley’s “A Hope To Dream” program that provides mattresses to children in need. He has done great work to benefit Hurricane Sandy victims and supports many other good causes. I can’t think of anyone more deserving to be presented with this high award from GMFA.
“In 2014, we will also honor Safavieh's Michael Yaraghi with the Jerry Gans Memorial Award, and Todd Weinstein as our Representative of the year, concludes Cory. These industry giants represent the best of what the furniture industry has to offer in terms of what they do for their customers, suppliers and communities.”
“This important event presents an opportunity for retailers, reps, manufacturers and suppliers to network with industry friends while enjoying great food, an open bar, music and dancing. This year we’ve added additional menu choices and improved valet parking,” said Alan Granetz, executive director of GMFA.”
To get more information on attending this event, or to participate in a souvenir journal being prepared to honor Will Schafer, Michael Yaraghi and Todd Weinstein, contact Alan Granetz at 908.725.3460; or via e-mail.