Explorer, Philanthropist, Furniture Retailer: Harry Kahn Elected To Tri-State Furniture Association’s Hall Of Fame

Furniture World Magazine

The Tri-State Furniture Association of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware recently elected Harry Kahn, chairman of Jonns Interiors of Montgomeryville and two Bassett Furniture Direct stores, to their Hall Of Fame. The 200-member association recognized Kahn for excellence in the retail furniture industry and his lifetime achievements. A vibrant octogenarian, Harry Kahn finds time to be involved in his three thriving furniture stores on a daily basis, all while actively pursuing his interests in archaeological surveys, submarine dives to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, flying planes and gliders, even skiing Europe. Said Kahn, "I’m thrilled to be honored by such a prestigious organization. The Tri-State Furniture Association has always been at the forefront of the furniture industry, and has made furniture important in all three states. Starting with credit-oriented promotional furniture stores, Kahn early saw the wisdom of the gallery concept of retailing. Opening one of the first Ethan Allen stores, he joined legendary retailer Nat Ancell in pioneering many of the innovative retailing concepts still being used today. Most notably, he has carved a niche with Jonns Interiors. Dubbed the "Contemporary Furniture Superstore", people often travel great distances to shop Jonns unique collection of contemporary home furnishings and accessories. Jonns Interiors has repeatedly been named one of the top contemporary furniture retail stores by leading industry publications since its opening in 1960. Recently, his company opened two Bassett Furniture Direct stores in Montgomeryville, PA and Cherry Hill, NJ. A director of the Institute for Nautical Archaeology and active member of the world’s elite Explorer’s Club, Kahn has participated in numerous underwater archaeological expeditions, other explorations to the farthest reaches of the globe. As a result of his many African trips, Harry often purchases African sculptures and masks to complement the contemporary furnishings in his showrooms. During his retail furniture career, Kahn has served on the board of the NHFA, acting as a chairman to bring national recognition to the industry. He has been an active member in the Tri-State Furniture Association, and both Jonns and his Bassett stores are very involved in community affairs, sponsoring organizations such as the Lamb Foundation that offers care and housing for adult women with special needs. Kahn also heads the Montgomeryville Business Association. For further information about Jonns Interiors or the Bassett Furniture Direct Stores, visit or phone Harry at 765 Bethlehem Pike Montgomeryville, PA.