Oriental rug galleries in Menlo Park Oriental rug galleries in Menlo Park (May 23, 2001)

Downtown Menlo Park now has seven Oriental rug galleries, most of which have opened in the past few years. - Stephen Miller Gallery -

Opened first location at 700 Santa Cruz Ave. in 1991, and the second recently at 800 Santa Cruz Ave. in the former site of Preuss Pharmacy. - Square feet: 2,205 and 4,250, respectively - Proprietor: Stephen Miller - Stephen Miller says he avoided Palo Alto in 1991 because it had several rug dealers already. He chose Menlo Park and was the first one here. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," he says. Oriental Rug Center

Opened in 1991 Address: 905 El Camino Real near Live Oak Street Square feet: 4,500 Proprietor: Ben Tascian Mr. Tascian thinks the local economy inspired rug dealers from other countries, such as Germany, India and Pakistan, to open dealerships here. "The economy is better here than anywhere else," he say.
The Oriental Carpet

Opened in 1997 Address: 707 Santa Cruz Ave. near Curtis Street Square feet: 5,000 Proprietors: Syd and Linda Smith "We were 24 years in Palo Alto and were driven out by high rents, poor parking, and poor accessibility," says Linda Smith. "The rents [in Menlo Park] are reasonable, the parking is good, the city is friendly to retail."
Dolma Tibetan Handmade Rugs

Opened in November 1999 Address: 611 Santa Cruz Ave. near Doyle Street Square feet: 1,500 Proprietors: Pema Tashi and Yontin Lama Specialty: Wool rugs made in Nepal with Tibetan wool. - Why does Menlo Park have so many oriental carpet stores? Mr. Tashi said he came because of the proximity of prominent rug stores and well known home furnishing businesses like Flegals. Menlo Rug Gallery

Open since August 2000 Address: 883 Santa Cruz Ave., Suite 1, near University Avenue Square feet: 1,100 Proprietor: Manzar Munir Specialty: Custom, decorative and naturally dyed rugs Mr. Munir says he came to Menlo Park because it is a "high-end" area with good retail shopping. "Everybody feels the market is here."
St. Clair Gallery Ltd.

Address: 855 Santa Cruz Ave. The proprietor declined to give details about the store.