Kalamian’s Inc. is a locally owned third-generation family business that was founded in 1925 by Armenian immigrants David and Mary Kalamian. They started a small business in the basement of their New London home washing and repairing Oriental rugs. David used the little bit of cash their hard labor generated to buy rugs he admired from local estates. These he took door to door. Soon they moved the business from their home to a small storefront at the base of Town Hill (see photo). The business now occupies a building further up Rte 1, closer to the Waterford town line.

When David’s son Alex returned from World War II, he took over the reins of the family business. With the help of his wife Mary, they grew the business over the next 50 years, officially retiring in the early 1990's. However, Alex was often on the scene, ready to share his general knowledge of flooring and his specific love of Oriental rugs with the friends he had made over the years. He died in October of 2006.

Today Kalamian’s is proudly managed by Louise, one of Alex & Mary's daughters. She is third generation in the family business and has learned from the ground up. As a teenager she worked after school, on weekends and during vacations. Initially, Louise began by restoring oriental rugs and subsequently worked her way through the warehouse, sales department and is presently the business manager. Combined, Louise has over 40 years of experience.

Though we take pride in our past, we are always looking forward to the fashion trends of the future. Stop in soon. You'll always feel welcome at Kalamian's.