Scott Gregorian to Head Gregorian Oriental Rugs

Newton Lower Falls, MA, April 10, 2007–Gregorian Oriental Rugs, Inc., a three-generation oriental rug importing and retail company, today has named J. Scott Gregorian as president.

Gregorian was named to the post after gaining decades of experience working with his family’s company and rising to the position of vice president. During his tenure, Scott modernized the company’s information systems and expanded its marketing and community outreach programs.

 I have been very lucky to have learned from the best — from the masters of rug-making around the world and from my own father and grandfather. I feel fortunate to be in a position to lead our company into the future and have the opportunity to maintain the high standards established by two earlier generations of Gregorians.

Commenting on the future of the oriental rug industry, Scott said, “We offer a product that is highly tactile and visual in the virtual world of the Internet age. Our goal is to create a unique Gregorian shopping experience that stimulates all the customers’ senses, is home centered, educational and memorable.” For example, Gregorian Oriental Rugs (www.atgregorian.com) often hosts store events that include Steinway Piano Concertos, interior decorating classes, wine tastings, culinary events, and Trash or Treasure nights where shoppers can bring in rugs from home for a candid evaluation.

Scott’s education in the business started at age 10 when he traveled the rug centers of the world with his father, John B. Gregorian and grandfather, the late Arthur T. Gregorian, who founded the company in 1934. Before completing middle school, Scott had visited Iran, India, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan on rug-buying expeditions.

Scott’s father, the outgoing president of the company, will remain as Chairman of the corporation. In announcing Scott’s appointment, John said: “Scott has an innate artistic and business sense when it comes to selecting best oriental rugs for our valued customers in New England. He is a natural leader and will be an excellent guide for the company and its growth in our increasingly complex world.”

In addition to having a wealth of experience in rug production and trading in the Middle East, Scott has also worked with Kelaty International, London, England, one of the world’s largest and most respected oriental rug wholesalers. Scott lectures throughout New England to a wide range of audiences on the art, history, and care of oriental rugs. He also leads educational programs held in concert with the touring exhibit Antique Rugs of the Silk Route, a collection of important hand-woven rug art from the Gregorian Family Collection.

In accepting the post, Scott said, “I have been very lucky to have learned from the best — from the masters of rug-making around the world and from my own father and grandfather. I feel fortunate to be in a position to lead our company into the future and have the opportunity to maintain the high standards established by two earlier generations of Gregorians.”

Scott Gregorian graduated from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey and Northfield Mt. Hermon School In Northfield. He has served as a board member on the Newton Rotary Club, Armenian Library and Museum of America, and the Newton Boys and Girls Club.

Arthur T. Gregorian, a refuge from Persia, grew up in New Britain, Connecticut where he met his bride to be, Phebe Ballou. He withdrew his entire savings from his bank account and used it to found Arthur T. Gregorian Oriental Rugs in a small retail space in Wellesley. In 1940, the company moved to Washington Street in Newton Lower Falls. By 1948, Arthur had acquired the adjacent property, the old C. F. Crehore Paper Mill on the Charles River. In 1965 and again in 1989, the original two buildings were expanded. Today, the company comprises over 40,000 square feet with 10 galleries displaying the largest inventory of handmade rugs in New England, as well as a full-service cleaning repair and restoration service.

This family business offers every visitor an exciting shopping experience guided by service- oriented knowledgeable associates who lend confidence to the consumers’ buying decision.