Persian rug importer opens in Plaza Towers

Ahmady’s Persian Rugs Inc. opened May 15 at 1901 S. Glenstone, Ste. E, with about 400 rugs in stock. In addition to importing and selling the rugs, the store offers rug cleaning and repair services.

Although the store shares a name and a warehouse with Ahmady’s Persian Rugs, a 12-year-old store in Tulsa, the Springfield store is a separate entity.

Masoud “Max” Mohseny and Shahram Aminzadeh own the Springfield store through their corporation, A&M Imports LLC. Ahmady’s Persian Rugs is a third-generation business, said Mohseny, who is a member of the Ahmady family.

Ahmady’s Persian Rugs joins Megerian Persian Rug Co. Inc., another third-generation rug importer in Springfield. Vahan Megerian founded it in 1934, and the company is now owned by his daughter, Voncille Megerian Elmer, and her daughter, Heather Reynolds. Megerian, at 1309 E. Republic Road, also offers rug cleaning and repair.

The similarities stop there.

The majority of Megerian’s inventory is considered Oriental rugs, encompassing the entire classification of hand-knotted rugs from several countries, while Persian rugs come specifically from Iran.

Mohseny and Aminzadeh go to Iran once or twice a year to handpick rugs from Persian rug manufacturers.

“There are other rugs that might have a Persian design, but because it didn’t come from there – say it came from India – it would be classified an Indian rug,” said Elmer, adding that she welcomes the competition.

Most of Elmer’s customers aren’t looking for traditional Persian rugs, which are uniquely dominated by deep shades of red and blue.

“We do have customers who are looking for one-of-a-kind, but more of our customers are looking for a rug that looks good in their house and matches the colors they’re working with,” Elmer said.

Ahmady’s Persian Rugs’ customers come from all walks of life and are typically collectors. “They’ve been around the world. They’ve been to the Middle East. They’re familiar with Persian rugs,” Mohseny said. “They do have some existing Persian rugs, and they want to upgrade or add to their collection.”

Business is 50 percent homeowners and 50 percent interior designers, he added.

Mohseny and Aminzadeh are the only employees of Ahmady’s Persian Rugs.

Both men have industry experience – Mohseny worked at the Tulsa store for about five years and Aminzadeh grew up in a family of carpet weavers.

While working for the Tulsa store, Mohseny traveled to the Springfield and Joplin areas for rug shows, and he felt there was enough demand to open a store in Springfield.

Ahmady’s Springfield store has access to the inventory at the Tulsa warehouse, but what makes this store different from other retailers, Mohseny said, is the fact that it’s a direct importer. Megerian buys from a rug importer.

Retail prices at Ahmady’s range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on the rug’s size, quality and whether it’s made from wool or silk.

“Some rugs take a year or two to finish. They’re handmade. If you think about it, a 9-foot-by-12-foot rug, the work can be tedious, and it’s hard on your eyes and your fingers. So that’s why it’s so pricey,” Mohseny said. “Every (Iranian) state has its own style of rug and history behind it.”