In the area rug industry, it is not uncommon to have siblings or an extended family working together to carry forward the family business of selling rugs. What is less common, however, is for that family unit to function together with great harmony and success for more than a quarter of a century.
Even less common than that is for that family to work together so well for four decades, that they can become one of the top rug companies in the competitive markets in both New York City and Connecticut, and beyond. Such is the case with the brothers Mohsen and Mike Alidadi, who are celebrating their 45th anniversary with their highly successful company, Apadana Rugs & Carpets.
The Alidadi Brothers Bring the Family Rug Business to NYC
Apadana Rugs & Carpets, a name that was synonymous with luxury and quality overseas, was brought to the US and founded in 1980 in New York City by the Alidadi family’s elder brother, Mohsen.
With a deep-rooted family history in the rug industry, the Alidadi family had been involved in the art of making rugs for generations. And for generations, they have also specialized in sourcing the finest rugs available around the world.
Mohsen brought that family heritage and expertise along with him to the new location in New York City, and by the early 1990s, was joined in the business by his younger brother, Mike.
When brothers Mohsen and Mike teamed up, they brought together a collective vision to offer both discerning private clients and interior designers alike timeless, hand-crafted rugs that could be cherished for generations.
Establishing Apadana as a Wholesale Leader in NYC and Beyond
A decade later, within their first quarter century in the American rug business, Apadana had firmly established itself as one of the best known and top wholesalers of antique rugs not just in New York City, but across the United States.
Their refined selection and expertise in sourcing unique, one-of-a-kind pieces made them a go-to resource for rug collectors, interior designers, and specialty showrooms seeking the finest in hand-made rugs.
With a deep respect for the artistry and craftsmanship involved in rug-making, and with the chemistry and coordination between brothers Mike and Mohsen, Apadana’s reputation as a trusted wholesaler flourished.
A New Chapter in Greenwich, Connecticut
In 2003, Apadana took a significant step forward with the opening of its first retail showroom in Greenwich, Connecticut. This expansion allowed the Alidadi brothers to directly connect with retail clients, providing a personalized experience, and showcasing their curated collection of rugs in a beautifully designed showroom. The move marked a shift toward reaching a broader consumer base while maintaining the same high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
A Growing Business: Relocation and Expansion
As Apadana’s operations grew, so did the need for more space. In 2013, a decade after their first foray into the
retail market in Connecticut, the company relocated to a larger storefront in trendy downtown Norwalk, Connecticut.
This newer, larger location in Southern Norwalk, which is widely known as “SoNo,” allowed Apadana to better
accommodate its expanding inventory, online sales, and distribution network.
The move also allowed Apadana to better serve its clients across the United States, and further solidified its place as a leader in the rug industry. With an emphasis on both quality and customer service, Apadana continued to build its reputation as a trusted provider of luxury rugs, and one that was becoming highly recognized nationally from coast to coast.
The Apadana Collection: A Global Reach
In the midst of the expansion of their brick-and-mortar locations from 2003 to 2013, Apadana was also growing their business far beyond the bounds of those retail locations.
In 2011, Apadana launched a new line of rugs, called The Apadana Collection. Made in India, this collection was designed to broaden Apadana’s market reach. The Apadana Collection offers a curated selection of beautiful, high-quality rugs, designed with modern tastes in mind, while honoring traditional craftsmanship. This move opened new doors for Apadana, allowing it to reach an even wider audience across the globe, and attract a new demographic of buyers.
Apadana’s state-of-the-art 22,000 s/f showroom and warehouse in Norwalk, CT is the hub of the company’s operations.
New Showroom and Warehouse: A Monumental Expansion
The growth of Apadana continued into 2022 with the opening of a state-of-the-art 22,000 square-foot showroom and warehouse in Norwalk, CT.
This new facility serves as a hub for the company’s operations, providing an expansive space to showcase its wide-ranging collection of rugs, while also accommodating its growing distribution network.
The new showroom also reflects Apadana’s commitment to offering retail clients and interior designers an elevated experience, with a vast selection of luxury rugs and top-tier customer service.
Serving High-End Interior Designers and Specialty Showrooms Nationwide
Apadana has long been a trusted partner to high-end interior designers, architects, and specialty showrooms throughout the US. Their rugs can be found in some of the most exclusive spaces nationwide, from luxury residences to upscale commercial projects.
The Alidadi brothers have spent years cultivating relationships with top designers and showrooms across the country, ensuring that Apadana’s rugs are available to those who value quality, craftsmanship, and excellence of design.
Expanding into Hospitality, Commercial Spaces, and Movie Rentals
As Apadana’s reputation grew, the company also began expanding into the hospitality industry. Today, Apadana’s luxury rugs can be found in some of the finest hotels and commercial spaces, bringing elegance and timeless beauty to public venues.
Additionally, Apadana has ventured into movie placement rentals, ensuring that its signature rugs appear in major Hollywood productions.
This new focus on hospitality and commercial design further broadens the reach of Apadana’s rugs, showcasing their beauty in some of the most prestigious locations, as well as on screens both big and small, worldwide.
The Future: Sustainability and Innovation
Looking ahead, the Alidadi brothers are focused on expanding Apadana’s collection by incorporating natural and organic materials into their rugs. As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor in design, Apadana is committed to offering rugs made with eco-friendly materials that do not compromise on quality or style.
Artificial Intelligence to Find the Perfect Rug
Apadana is proud to announce that its soon-to-be-released RugFinder search function will feature an intuitive interface, paired with advanced AI technology, so as to create a seamless shopping experience.
RugFinder quickly narrows down the best rug options based on your criteria for color, size, style, and space. In just a few minutes, you’ll find the perfect rug, with no more sifting through endless choices.
This technological innovation will ensure that Apadana continues to meet the evolving needs of today’s interior designers and consumers.
A Family-Oriented Business with a Global Reach
Despite their global success, the Alidadi brothers remain grounded in their family values, both collectively and individually. Mohsen lives in White Plains, New York, with his wife, where he raised his two children, while Mike resides in Westport, Connecticut, with his wife and two kids. The brothers’ close-knit family ties are reflected in their business, where they work hand-in-hand to ensure Apadana’s continued success.
As part of their commitment to curating the finest rugs, Mike and Mohsen travel the globe extensively, sourcing new pieces and maintaining relationships with designers and showrooms across the United States and around the world.
Their dedication to excellence is evident in every rug they offer, and their global travels continue to inspire new collections and partnerships.
“We are thrilled about the direction the flooring industry is heading in, and Apadana’s role in shaping its future. We look towards what lies ahead and adopt the latest advancements that AI is bringing to the industry.“ MIKE ALIDADI
A Bright Future Ahead
From its humble beginnings to its position as one of the leading names in the luxury rug industry, Apadana Rugs and Carpets has built a legacy of quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.
With the Alidadi brothers at the helm, the company is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
By continuing to expand their collection, embracing sustainability, and enhancing the interior designer and client experiences through technology, Apadana is setting the stage for an exciting future, and one where the art of rug-making continues to evolve and captivate the world.
Apadana’s Norwalk, CT facility showcase its wide-ranging collection while accommodating its growing distribution network. It also reflects the company’s commitment to offering retail clients and interior designers an elevated experience with a vast selection of luxury rugs and top-tier customer service.
While the Alidadi brothers are proud of their many accomplishments in their four-plus decades in the rug business in the United States, they are committed to further growth, expansion, and innovation.
When asked to reflect on their anniversary, Mike Alidadi said, “We are thrilled about the direction the flooring industry is heading in, and Apadana’s role in shaping its future. Additionally, we continue to look towards what lies ahead, and adopt the latest advancements that AI is bringing to the industry.”
apadanarugsandcarpets.com
IMAGES COURTESY OF APADANA
