Today we’d like to introduce you to Vedat Karacan.
Vedat, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is Vedat Karacan; I am the owner of Cozy Rugs in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. I came to the United States in 2005 to study for his MBA and learn English. My business leverages both the master’s degree in business that I earned in Chicago and the textile engineering degree I obtained in Turkey.
Back in 2006, we opened our retail store and it was a great success. Three years later, we pioneered our second warehouse in Morton Grove for wholesale purpose. As of today, we have been able to eliminate the middlemen by working directly with our family rug manufacturer in Turkey. As a result, we have thousands of area rugs available in stock at our warehouse and ready to be purchased with no waiting time at our Lincoln Park showroom.
I always liked decorating, but area rugs were my passion. So why not pursue my dream; that is why I have a business that is built on human connection and decorating, I know that it’s rooted from the survival skills I learned from my family’s rug business.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
1- Adopting a new culture and learn English were some of the struggles along the way.
2- I work very long hours, therefore, I may not have the family time to as often or as long as you’d like. Business doesn’t always go the way I want it to, but when it comes down to it, I have the same 24 hours in the day as everyone else does. I make my time count. Instead of complaining about how things could have been, I reflect on everything I have to be grateful for.
Please tell us about Cozy Rugs.
What are you most proud of as a company?
We’ve aligned the Cozy Rugs around one philosophy: honesty by providing the best customer service, best solutions for customer’s needs and best price possible. We add this philosophy our passion and a constant urge for quality and long-term support. That’s why we have ever-growing loyal customer base now and that’s how we stand out from the crowd.
What sets you apart from others?
At Cozy Rugs, we proudly stand behind our rugs. I always try to make my customers’ life easier. I understand “Shedding” is an overwhelming concern and problem for area rugs. Since our rugs are machine-woven by the creation of knots from the finest fibers in dense construction, my customers have no worries about shedding. This is what makes our rugs unique and practical because they do not shed even for the first time.
There is a very common strategy among many drug stores in America. They deceive customers by using false advertisements such as “70% Discount”, “Blowout Sale” and “Store Closing Clearance.” Their retail strategy is the same: discount their products all year round. Our price policy sets Cozy Rugs apart from others. Cozy Rugs delivers rugs the customer wants, needs, and appreciates, and the customer believes they get very high-quality rugs at modest prices.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I remember it like it was yesterday. I used to go to my grandparents’ farm out in the country. The garden’s full of veggie. I had such a great time there! Especially in summer!
Pricing:
- 4′ x 6′ Rugs $125-$199
- 5′ x 8′ Rugs are $199-$349
- 6′ x 9′ Rugs are $299-$499
- 8′ x 10′ Rugs are $399-$599
- 10′ x 13′ Rugs are $649-$749
- 8′ or 10′ Runner Rugs are $125-$199
Contact Info:
- Address: 1633 N Clybourn Ave
Chicago IL 60614 - Website: https://www.cozyrugs.com/
- Phone: 312-280-0118
- Email: info@cozyrugs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozyrugs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cozyrugs/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cozyrugs
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cozy-rugs-chicago
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