Get ready, Gabby fans! Gardner White, Michigan’s leading furniture and mattress retailer, will host two free meet-and-greet events with Laila Lockhart Kraner, star of the hit Netflix and DreamWorks Animation franchise “Gabby’s Dollhouse” and “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,” on Saturday, Sept. 26. The family celebrations will take place at Gardner White’s newest stores in Grand Rapids and Lansing as part of the retailer’s West Michigan Grand Opening Celebration.
In addition to meeting Laila, families can hit the dance floor during a high-energy kids dance party led by Ralph Thompkins, owner of SWAG Kids Gym. The celebration will feature music, games, prizes, face painting, a photo booth and more family-friendly fun.
Gardner White Grand Rapids
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Gardner White Lansing
3 – 5 p.m.
“As a family-owned Michigan company, being part of the communities we serve has always been at the heart of who we are,” said Rachel Stewart, CEO of Gardner White. “Opening our new stores in Grand Rapids and Lansing are exciting milestones for Gardner White, and we want to celebrate by doing something special for local families. We’re thrilled to welcome Laila and look forward to creating a memorable day for our new neighbors across West Michigan.”
Lockhart Kraner said she is looking forward to joining Gardner White for the celebrations and meeting fans in Grand Rapids and Lansing.
“I had so much fun meeting the wonderful families of Detroit at Gardner White on my last visit,” said Lockhart Kraner. “I’m honored to be asked to come visit again! We’re going to have so much fun bringing a little magic to Grand Rapids and Lansing, and I can’t wait to meet everyone, share lots of smiles and make some special memories together!”
The “Gabby’s Dollhouse” meet-and-greet events are part of Gardner White’s broader Grand Opening Celebration, marking a milestone year for the 114-year-old, family-owned retailer.
Gardner White has opened 13 new locations to date in 2026, including its first West Michigan store in Grand Rapids and a new location in Lansing. The expansion reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to investing in the communities it serves, building meaningful local partnerships and creating experiences that bring families and neighbors together.
With 33 locations across Michigan and into Ohio, Gardner White continues to expand its footprint while offering an extensive selection of furniture, mattresses and home décor, complimentary design services, and the convenience of same-day and nighttime delivery.
