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OUR HISTORY
Our history starts with two guys with a passion for rugs, the art of making rugs, designing them and the art of selling rugs. In the beginning David Lewis, an engineer by education, started looking into the construction of hand woven rather than mass produced. He travelled the world, choosing and buying rugs from everywhere. Abe Malla, who grew up in the middle of BAZZAR, spent his time selling oriental rugs from modest $500 pieces to palatial sized antiques valued at $250,000.
With their combined 35 years of experience, they started the World of Rugs in Atlanta, cutting out the middle man and importing 80% of what they sold through their retail establishment on Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. Additional they sold their rugs through furniture stores throughout the southeast, helping them grow the business. At the same time, their interest and dedication to furniture grew.
In 2007 they purchased an 82,000 square foot run-down, closed up aluminum plant in an old warehouse district of Atlanta. It was too big for just a rug store, so rather than rent out part of the building to someone else, they decided to get into the furniture business as well. With their experience selling to furniture stores, they saw a void aching to be filled for a LIFE STYLE HOME FURNISHINGS store.
They began by importing furniture like they did with rugs. They polled their clients, both interior designers and retail clients, what are they were looking for. That is exactly what they brought in to the warehouse: quality furniture that was well priced and over everything - eclectic and edgy.
Growing their business to new levels, with over 30% of their furniture imported by themselves; they were poised for another change. A new identity, a new creation, a new brand reflecting their burgeoning business – that’s what they needed! With a nod to their past successes and a look forward to their strong future, Westside Foundry was born.
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