Samad Rugs

samad Brothers Inc. (SAMAD) is a Wholesale distributor of Fine Oriental rugs and Luxury carpets.  Brothers David and Malcolm samad first opened in the United States January 4^th, 1985 and were based in New York, NY.  In 1987, Samad relocated to the ORICA building in NJ, where they conducted business through 1999.  After purchasing a plot of land in East Rutherford, NJ they built a spacious headquarters (34,000 square feet) to house their warehouse, offices and showroom.    On January 2^nd, 2000, Samad officially opened their new location at 419 Murray Hill Parkway in East Rutherford NJ.   

It's our privilege to write about Samad Brothers, an importer of rugs, now celebrating their 25^th anniversary in 2010.  We take pleasure in writing about this company for reasons that certainly include, but go far beyond, their stunning oriental rugs. 

Please put aside the notion that Samad Brothers receives praise as a sponsor of Rug Rag.  Consider, instead, this writer could have written an equally glowing article about this industry leading company 6 years ago, long before RugRag.com even existed and while I was working for another Oriental rug company.   In truth, I have only a few more years to my age than Samad has to their years in business, but, it takes someone of my generation to fully appreciate how progressive and impressive this company truly is.

My first visit to Samad was in 2003 when I had an opportunity to visit their new showroom and.warehouse in East Rutherford NJ.  Our mission was to see their new custom made digital scanning camera developed specifically for photographing carpets and fine art.  Although the state-of-the-art camera was impressive, even more so was this first visit to Samad’s marvelous new facility.  An immaculate showroom and expansive warehouse all beautifully and efficiently laid out made this a “cutting edge” facility.  Add to that a personable and genuine staff, and an incredible inventory of fine Oriental rugs spread out as far as the eye could see had my jaw dropping (and still does).  It was apparent at that first visit why Samad was who they were and still are!   Long hours and hard work by two dedicated brothers combined with a passion and commitment to the handmade rug business.  The greatest lesson from this experience was to really see what it takes to be among the best in business in every single aspect. 

Every visit to their headquarters is an amazing experience.  There has been a tremendous amount of buzz in the industry about Samad’s new line of rex ray rugs, and rightly so.  My most recent visit to the Samad showroom proved the internationally exhibited rugs by the well known artist and graphic designer to be everything expected and more. 

Above: Rex Ray 'Lombard Multi'  Below: 'Nob Hill' in Black, turning heads at an International Rug exhibit.

Above: David Samad and Rex Ray

Whimsical designs and upbeat colors, this is, without question, the most desirable and prestigious contemporary rug line currently on the market.  As David Samad puts it, “they’re the antidote to the recession.” 

With 18 different designs, it’s difficult to choose a favorite, as every single one is a head-turner. Each rug is individually signed by Rex Ray himself on a specialty label. There are several interesting construction elements woven into the rug for confirmation of authenticity, a sign of careful attention to detail characteristic of Samad’s rugs.

Those who know rugs will appreciate the quality.  Those who love color will be astounded by the palette and unbelievable use of tone on tone and contrast. Those who love art will see the designs as milestone.  The Rex Ray rugs exude passion, vibrance, and a wonderful decorative quality.

The Rex Ray line of rugs is in high demand and there is every reason to believe such unique rugs may be well positioned to become “antiques of tomorrow”:  They are highly collectible, unique and certainly one of the most exclusive collaborations between an artist and a distinguished Oriental rug importer.

The launch of the Rex Ray line by Samad in itself is indicative of exactly what Samad is about; ahead of the curve, setting the standard, constantly achieving the best and always a commitment to fine quality. 

Samad is well known for their expertise in design and coloration of traditional designs. Many notable awards, six to be exact, provide evidence of Samad Brother’s innovation.  Several famous Samad program line collections include Noble House Collection, Dream Collection, Golden Age, and Manhattan Collection.  Many of their designs and colorations can easily be termed “modern masterpieces”.

Samad knows the formula for success.  While endorsing the age-old tradition of making Oriental rugs, they accommodate forever changing market demands, doing so with an ingenious, yet practical, approach.  One of the keys to enduring strength in the market includes timeless designs and colors.  Traditional rugs are not drastically altered, but softly tweaked for continued strength in the market without being era specific.  

A major consideration today is long-term sustainability in the rug business.  Given current economic conditions, many importers scramble in making hasty and dramatic decisions due to the business climate.  During my last visit, I had the opportunity to visit with David Samad one-on-one.  "In a time where many are talking about getting out of the business, we really enjoy what we do.  It's not just the business, it's interacting with suppliers and customers," says David.  It’s clear that Samad Brothers have a long-term commitment to their business and to the rug industry.

One example of their strong support for the rug industry in general is an educational film (on DVD), Colors of India, which they recently produced and released. “It’s a true love for rug making, people enjoying the trade, a romance for the art.”  David says,  “Through the film, people see how much effort goes into the craft.” 

Samad unselfishly made Colors of India available to the trade, for importers, retailers and designers.  The intention is to help educate consumers in a broad sense rather than just keeping the film sequestered for private use.  This truly is a beautiful movie about the age-old process, tradition and romance of making quality hand knotted Oriental rugs.  The DVD is regarded by many in the rug industry as one of the most important and helpful educational tools available.

In the past ten to fifteen years many importers have turned their backs on hand knotted carpets in favor of inferior tufted rugs that have become so popular with consumers.  The trend is unfortunate on many levels.  Worst is the rejection of the art of creating rugs by the traditional hand knotted process.  Tufted production is a literal race to the market.  Warp and weft are replaced with glue and canvas.  The resulting rugs have no legacy.  Fads fade in and out, and while a tufted rug may be right for some, they are in no way what the discriminating, educated, sophisticated buyer appreciates or endorses. 

"We're proud to have not gone into machine made [rugs], and maintained our objective of making fine rugs." David says, and gestures to a plaque on the wall stating 'If you don't take care of your customers, someone else will.’

Responding quickly to the hand knotted market is a challenge Samad has readily taken on.  In years past, custom hand knotted rugs may take anywhere from 12 - 18 months to be delivered.   Instead of resorting to hand tufted or machine made rugs, Samad approached the situation differently.

Understanding that the decorative market responds well to modern designs, Samad introduced a Nepalese line which may be fully custom ordered on their website.  Waiting period for such rugs can be as short as three to four months: An outstanding turnaround with the quality Samad customers have known and respected throughout the years. 

It’s clear that whatever they approach, the Samad Brothers passion for and commitment to the rug business drives their success.

It’s our honor to support Samad in their 25^th anniversary here in the States.  We encourage anyone considering acquisition of an Oriental rug to purchase the Colors of India DVD. Then, after enjoying the DVD, visit the Samad website, or, better yet, a Samad dealer to see some of the most beautiful and elegant Oriental Rugs made today.     

FOLLOW SAMAD

Share this!