Virginia Beach rug store Shaia Oriental to shut down

VIRGINIA BEACH

Shaia Oriental Rugs on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach plans to close after selling off its inventory. Owner Cherri Spellmeyer has run the antique and heirloom rug business since her husband, Peter, died in 2006.

Peter Spellmeyer began working at the Shaia of Williamsburg rug store as a laborer and delivery man. In 1983 he bought the Beach franchise from owner Frank Shaia.

Cherri Spellmeyer, who lives in Williamsburg, said it became too difficult to keep the retail store going.