Orientiq, a new oriental rug store located in Columbia, Pa., has announced its grand opening at 22 Soutn Second St. on Black Friday, November 29. During this event, customers can meet the Orientiq team, browse their unique products and try authentic Turkish coffee, tea and other sweets.
The story of Orientiq began in 2023, during a conversation in an Afghan home in Istanbul, Turkey. Inspired by the beauty of traditional handmade carpets and the challenges faced by the artisans who create them, Chris Stoltzfus (founder) set out to build a business centered on near-direct trade. By eliminating middlemen, Orientiq can guarantee that a significant portion of every sale supports the weavers directly.
“We want people to know that their purchase isn’t just décor — it’s a means of survival for someone,” shared Stoltzfus. “These rugs tell the stories of widows, orphans, and families striving to make a dignified living.”
Orientiq purchased a building in downtown Columbia to serve as its store to sell premier hand-woven oriental carpets and rugs to local customers. Previously available only on its website, the rugs and carpets will now be displayed for customers to see in person, giving a chance to see and feel the quality of the products. Additionally, it allows the Orientiq team to interact with the local community.
“We’re not just selling rugs, we’re weaving connections,” said the team at Orientiq. “Our dream is that every customer leaves knowing they’ve made a difference.”
The new store will be the headquarters for the business as well. With the goal of providing an outlet for Afghan and Pakistani weavers to sell their products in the United States, Orientiq’s motto is “Weaving Hope, One Rug at a Time!”
