It is a truth universally acknowledged that Sydney rug warehouses are in a perpetual state of closing down. From the moment they throw open their doors to sell Persian rugs, throws and everything in between, they are perpetually in a closing down sale. Said sale may or may not involve TV ads which are just static images of rugs with some guy yelling over them.
Rug and carpet stores are truly the greatest offender in this regard, but there’s also something to be said for discount lighting emporiums and stores selling knockoff shoes, all of which make absolutely admirable efforts when it comes to constantly offering sales on quality, quality imports.
Perhaps the most shameless of these sales is Empress Rugs in Rozelle, which has been in a perpetual end-of-lease/closing down sale for nearly ten years. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald confirms that the store will actually be closing down next year.
Nah, for serious this time. The site on Victoria Road has been acquired for WestConnex, that big ol’ road which is carving a path through homes and perpetually-closing carpet stores alike. Finally, freedom and release from the chains of the eternal rug store.
The Herald claims that the signage has been present since 2008, when owner Frank Nasre legitimately decided to close the store due to the shitty local market – before being convinced to keep it open.
This is a dark, dark day for those of us who love perpetual sales on rugs and carpets. But for every rug warehouse that closes down, another three will spring up in its place, offering beautiful Persian rugs at bargain basement prices as long as you BUY NOW!
You read read the full yarn over at the Sydney Morning Herald.
