Time to say goodbye: Local couple closing business after 17 years in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Walk into a home in The Woodlands, and there is a good chance of discovering a handcrafted rug resting on the floor, one of thousands sold by The Woodlands Oriental Rug Gallery since opening in 2000.

After 17 years in business, they are closing their retail store.

The only rug store within 35 miles of The Woodlands, business owners, Karen and Don Mudd have educated people about Oriental rugs and never intimidated their clients, going to all lengths to provide customer satisfaction and it paid off for them. They built their business on referrals.

From visiting customer’s homes, pre-measuring and determining what colors and designs that would be ideal for that particular need, to having rugs custom made for clients.

During the last 20 years, Don and Karen Mudd travelled the world to hand pick rugs straight from Iran, India, Pakistan, Turkey and China. Each rug is hand knotted and hand tied, taking anywhere from one to two years to complete.

Oriental Rugs are works of art; there will always be a place for craftsmanship like this, says Don.

Unfortunately, due to Don’s failing health, the traveling is too much for him to undertake.

The decision to close the gallery was bittersweet since the rug business has been Karen and Don’s lives. After more than a half-century in the industry the Mudd’s plan to stay in The Woodlands. It’s where they live, and they still want to support anything that happens here.

Serving the community has been important to them and the couple have been involved in local fundraising events over the years, including Toys for Tots, Lone Star Animal Welfare League, and they also supported most local schools and church fundraisers.

Married for 26 years, the couple plan on keeping the rug cleaning portion of their business, offering free pick-up and delivery for clients in The Woodlands.

Repair and maintenance is essential in keeping your rugs looking good, whether it is routine maintenance, a bad spill or pet damage, rugs can be restored.

“We have made many friends of our clients and we will miss them dearly.” Says Karen, “but the timing is right to start a new phase of our lives and we hope to continue to see many of clients through the rug cleaning business.”