Galerie Shabab — Local services in New York

I cannot rave highly enough about Galerie Shabab's selection, staff, or customer service. I'd found several of their rugs through various other websites, but when I saw them in person, I realized they weren't quite right. In no time, Zack, one of their very experienced staff members, pulled several other rugs from their inventory for me to look at instead. Two of these rugs turned out to be perfect. Exactly what I'd been looking for. After negotiating a very fair price, I bought them both, and in the subsequent days he FedExed me everything at the Galerie's expense even including to a third rug that I eventually decided not to keep. (They also picked up the tab for that return shipment). This is a first-class operation with professionals who know their merchandise and, not unimportantly, have THE best selection of antique Persian rugs certainly in New York City if not the country. You will feel lucky to have found them and have...

Zack was communicative, friendly, clear and honest in all communication. He took extra photos for me, close-ups and such, of the large antique Agra rug I eventually bought. (I live halfway across the country from the store.). All photos - online and taken specially - showed in great detail the condition of the rug, highlighting all minor "flaws". And when the rug arrived, to my surprise and pleasure, those "flaws" were all but invisible. Zack and Galerie Shabab went to great lengths to accurately and honestly describe the piece, to the point where I expected it to show some color variations and (expertly done) repairs that were, in fact, undetectable. I've asked friends if they could spot them - no one can. The rug is beautiful, really stunning, in great condition, and I'd buy again from...

All hand-woven, Shabab offers a vast selection of sizes, colors, prices, designs, alongside what is clearly a comprehensive knowledge of antique rugs. The biggest problem I had was holding myself back from buying more than one rug! What I appreciated more than anything was the presence of Zack, who from the beginning was welcoming, helpful, and ever responsive to all the many questions and concerns. My feeling is that in New York City, one can buy a rug many places, but what matters to me is finding a place where the provenance of the rug is known (if possible) and valued, and also, a place where the people selling the rugs really know and appreciate these antiques. I look forward to returning to Shabab as soon as I can afford another rug. Many thanks and much...