December 27, 2000 — Bernie and Phyllis Rubin, founders of Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture (left), celebrate being named “Retailer of Year” by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, with the organization’s president, Jon Hurst (right). The Retailer of the Year Award is presented each year by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts to a company that most exemplifies the best that the industry has to offer. Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture is the largest privately owned furniture retailer in Massachusetts and one of the fastest growing furniture retailers in the country. The company has five retail stores in Massachusetts including two superstores.