bernard d. moray
Gorman’s Home Furnishings & Interior Design Chairman Bernard “Bernie” Moray (b.1921 d.2021), who calls himself a modernist with a love for contemporary furniture, recognized the potential future of high-end contemporary design long before it became mainstream.
Mr. Moray began his career at Robinson’s Furniture in his native Detroit in 1949 after serving in the Air Force Reserves. When he purchased Gorman’s in 1965, he set out to create not just one of the best contemporary furniture stores in the Detroit area, but in the nation. Considered one of the most impactful fashion retailers with a keen eye for fashion, he is intent upon making his stores a destination offering truly unique home furnishings.
His mantras are that there is only one policy at Gorman’s and that is to “make it right” and that the fiber of the entire organization must be based on quality – in product, service, people and execution. A style leader offering full interior design services, Mr. Moray and his team are aggressive marketers, introducing campaigns to encourage consumers to compare the best 100 Brands™ and INTRO™ for first-time buyers seeking outstanding design at affordable prices. Gorman’s was among the first single line furniture stores to open three Drexel-Heritage Home Inspiration stores.
Mr. Moray has served as president of the National Home Furnishings Association, as an executive committee member of the Interior Design Society, and as chairman of the Allied Jewish Campaign’s furniture division. He was awarded NHFA Retailer of the Year in 1993 and was honored as a Furniture Today Master of the Game in 2013. Gorman’s has been named one of the 100 Best Workplaces in Michigan. Mr. Moray serves on the Visitors Board of Wayne State University Business School. Through Gorman’s, he has raised millions of dollars for such groups as Children’s Hospital of Michigan, American Cancer Society, Arc of Oakland County and Kent County, and Toys for Tots.