In a town where it seems that there’s one bank for every household, it’s refreshing to see a high-end rug and carpeting store break the mold. Sotherland and Co., Andover’s newest retailer, has brought a touch of Persia and the Far East to this corner of the North Shore.
Owner Matt Enyat and his wife Brenda Bickham have waited almost ten years to introduce their extensive rug collection to Andover. Now that the wait is over, Sotherland offers a variety of high-end rugs that are designed to connect New England homes to all parts of the globe, whether it’s a Persian foyer carpet, an Indian palace piece, a Russian runner, or a Tibetan tribal rug. Sotherland’s selection of varied designs and themes makes it easy to find a piece that fits your taste. But make no mistake-these are high-end, luxury designs. Contemporary and traditional pieces, for a nine-foot by twelve-foot living space, start at $18,000, with antique retail Magic Carpet Ride Sotherland & Co. transports customers back in time. living room rugs reaching $60,000.
Formerly Regina’s Gifts, the interior of this store was restored to its original layout and made to blend into the look and appeal of Andover’s busy Main Street shopping district, complete with wood flooring and an intricately designed tin roof. Customers are also treated to deep couches set in front of flat screen televisions where they can watch how their rugs were crafted. Despite the recent economic squeeze, Sotherland has managed to generate a brisk business among high-end customers who are searching for new and antique rugs. Enyat attributes this success to the relationships he builds with his customers. “Each customer has turned into a genuine friend,” he says. 44 Main St., Andover, 978-475-5900, sotherlandrugco.com -Jackie Giordano
Other must-shop carpet shops:
Since 1938, Landry & Arcari Oriental Rugs & Carpeting in Salem has been the go-to rug store for many North Shore residents with the largest selection in New England-from innovative themes inspired by Western textiles and silk Tibetan rugs to environmentally friendly carpets. Designers also create and weave custom pieces to produce home decor that matches your taste. 63 Flint St., Salem, 800-649-5909, landryandarcari.com. First Oriental in Danvers invents refreshing ideas for the home. The gallery has recently expanded to increase options for rug collectors, interior designers, and customers designing their North Shore homes. 301 Newbury St., #5, Danvers, 978-739-9033, firstorientalrugs.com.