Vahan Chamlian (Armenian: Վահան Շամլեան, 1926 – August 11, 2022),[1] was an American-Armenian philanthropist and businessman, and the world's largest dealer of secondhand clothes.[2][3][4][5]
Life and career
Of Armenian descent, Vahan Chamlian emigrated from Lebanon to the United States in 1957,[4] arriving in the United States with just $20 in his pocket.[6] He eventually founded the company Chamlian Enterprises Inc., which became the world's largest dealer in secondhand clothes.[4] The company employs eight hundred workers in its Los Angeles, Fresno and San Lorenzo locations;[3] he has also opened a factory in Germany.[2] By 1996, Chamlian owned three sorting plants which grossed $78.6 million from the recycling and exporting of used clothing.[2] Some of Chamlian's suppliers include Salvation Army and Goodwill.[3] The largest demand for Chamlian's used clothing comes from Third World countries, in particular West African countries.[3] John, the nephew of Vahan Chamlian, who manages the operations in Los Angeles states the attention to detail is what "makes them the best".[3]
Vahan Chamlian married Anoush, who is also a philanthropist.[4]
He and his wife resided in Fresno, California.[4]
Legacy and philanthropy
In 1975, Vahan Chamlian along with his wife Anoush raised funds to pay for all expenses for the establishment of an Armenian private school in Glendale, California.[4][3][7] The name of the school became Vahan & Anoush Chamlian. The school, located on Lowell Avenue, continues to function till this day.[7] Vahan Chamlian is noted to have taken "pride" in its establishment.[3]
He was a major contributor to the Armenia Fund, donating as much as $500,000 at a time.[6]
He was a donator of funds for the publication of Armenian related books.[8]
Chamlian met the former president of Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.[3]
References
- ^ Vahan Chamlian, Benefactor of Eponymous Armenian School, Passes Away
- ^ a b c Hansen, Karen Tranberg (2000). Salaula : the world of secondhand clothing and Zambia. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p. 113. ISBN 9780226315812.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Wilson, Janet (July 28, 1997). "Turning Donated Rags Into Riches". LA Times. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f Bulbulian, Berge (2000). The Fresno Armenians : history of a diaspora community. Fresno, CA: Press at California State University, Fresno. p. 174. ISBN 9780912201351. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
- ^ "Fresno, Calif., Businessman Proposes New Downtown Office Building". Fresno Bee. August 19, 1997.
- ^ a b "Vahan Chamlian $78Million-A-Year Selling Old Clothes!". 4 Small Businesses.co.uk. Archived from the original on December 4, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
- ^ a b "About Us". Vahan & Anoush Chamlian School Official Website. Archived from the original on September 12, 2011. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
- ^ Manukean, Artak (1986). The Armenian Church Feasts. New Hye. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
The publication of this book has been possible through the generous donation of MR. VAHAN CHAMLIAN of Fresno.
External links
This page was last edited on 25 November 2023, at 02:56