Business & Tech

Another Rug Store on Silver Spring? Proprietor Says It's a Good Thing

A Cedarburg retailer obtained village approval to fill the space occupied by Gallery 505, which is relocating a couple doors down. The owner says he believes Silver Spring could become a destination for rug shoppers.

People in Whitefish Bay often joke about the disproportionate number of rug stores within a couple blocks of each other on Silver Spring Drive, but a Cedarburg rug store owner sees that as a good thing.

Rustam Gallery of Fine Rugs received its conditional use permit from the village's Plan Commission Tuesday night, with plans to open in the space occupied by . That business along with to , which is going out of business.

After nearly 12 years in business in Cedarburg, Rustam Zulfakar said he and his wife often travel to Whitefish Bay for rug repairs, so he decided it would be a good choice for a second location.

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Although the street already has two other rug stores β€” and β€” the street's incoming rug store owner said he sees more opportunity than competition on Silver Spring Drive.

"I think it is a good thing," he said. "If you go to Chicago Avenue in Chicago, there are about 15 or 16 oriental rug stores on one street. If customers want a rug, they will know Silver Spring in Whitefish Bay like they know Chicago Avenue."

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Another reason he is not scared off by the competition is because he sells unique, high-quality rugs, not production rugs.

"I'm not afraid of competition," he said. "I know my business. I know my fair prices."

In addition to selling rugs, Rustam Gallery of Fine Rugs will also repair, buy, trade, appraise and hand wash rugs. The business plans to be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.


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