Long-time exec Herbert Raab passes away

-- Home Textiles Today, 5/29/2009 10:31:00 AM

New York – Veteran retailing executive Herbert Raab died here on May 11. He was 83.

Raab who spent 37 years with  the former R.H. Macy & Co organization, earlier was at the Newark, N.J. division of Macy. He became a vp of home furnishings at the New York-based Macy’s where he headed the furniture, rugs and lighting departments in the 1970s. He was with the Macy organization for 37 years.

In the early1980s, he became president of the iconic high-end home furnishings retail chain W. & J. Sloane, based in New York. He later became senior vp of high-end home furnishings retailer,  Milford Wayside Furniture, Milford, Conn.

Durijng his career, Raab was known for highlighting stars from fashion and home furnishings including John Weitz, Jay Yang and Giorgio St. Angelo.

He was a member of the legendary Harvard  Business School class of 1949 that also produced graduates Marvin Traub and Ed Finklestair.

He also served on the board of HOLA, the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors, and took continuing education at New York University.

He is survived by his wife, Carmen Aybar of  multi-product supplier Idea Nuova, a son, daughter, stepson and three grandchildren.