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Vahan Chamlian

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

  1. ^ Vahan Chamlian, Benefactor of Eponymous Armenian School, Passes Away
  2. ^ a b c Hansen, Karen Tranberg (2000). Salaula : the world of secondhand clothing and Zambia. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p. 113. ISBN 9780226315812.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Wilson, Janet (July 28, 1997). "Turning Donated Rags Into Riches". LA Times. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ "Fresno, Calif., Businessman Proposes New Downtown Office Building". Fresno Bee. August 19, 1997.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ a b "About Us". Vahan & Anoush Chamlian School Official Website. Archived from the original on September 12, 2011. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  8. ^ 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.
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