Aberdeen's high street is losing its only Persian rug store as Desert Rugs Gallery prepares to close its doors permanently next month. The closure is attributed to supply chain disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Closure Details
Desert Rugs Gallery, located on Schoolhill near the Bon Accord Centre, opened in December 2023. Owner Niaz Ali, who spent 25 years in the oil and gas industry before opening the store, has confirmed the shop will close on July 18. Closing down signs in the window announce: "All stock reduced! Store closing. Everything must go!"
Reasons for Closure
Mr Ali cited a "sourcing issue" making it difficult to import rugs from the Middle East. Many of the handwoven, luxury rugs originate from Iran and Afghanistan. The Iran conflict and rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have led to border closures, severely hampering supply. This coincided with a lease review in July, prompting the difficult decision to close permanently.
In the lead-up to closure, the store will operate reduced hours: Friday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. All stock is now sold at half-price.
Broader Impact
Desert Rugs is not alone in facing supply chain issues from Middle East conflicts. UK retailers and supermarkets, including Sainsbury's and Tesco, have warned of rising prices. The Food and Drink Federation predicts food inflation could reach 9% this year. Clothing retailer Next also announced price increases outside the UK and Europe, expecting costs to rise by nearly £50 million, partly due to fuel price surges after the Strait of Hormuz closure in February.
Aberdeen's High Street Changes
While losing Desert Rugs Gallery, Aberdeen has seen new openings, especially in its café scene. Recent additions include Kaizen, a "first of its kind" wellness café on Union Street offering nutritious food, cold plunge, infrared sauna, and red-light therapy. Also new is Slo Living on Rosemount, a studio serving caffeine-free drinks and handcrafted homewares, inviting visitors to take a moment for themselves.
