The history of Tapis Hertz

Rodolphe Hertz, who came from a large family, began his career at Bonn Frères. After marrying Emilie Fichtler, a native of Colmar (France), he and his wife founded a furniture shop in Luxembourg under the name “Champagne et Hertz”. A refugee in the USA during the Second World War, Rodolphe Hertz earned his living there as a furniture salesman.

Back from the United States, Rodolphe and Emilie Hertz opened a carpet and curtain shop under the name “Rodolphe Hertz” on the first floor of the building at 9, Grand'Rue in Luxembourg.

“Rodolphe Hertz” moves to 34 Grand'Rue.

On 1 August, Danielle Hertz joins her uncle's business as a secretary.

Guy Aach, Danielle Hertz's young fiancé, spends a few months learning how the Grand'Rue business works before leaving for work placements with specialist firms: oriental rugs in Geneva, then carpets and curtains in Stuttgart and at Louis de Poortere, the largest carpet manufacturer in Europe.

After their marriage in 1960, Danielle and Guy Aach-Hertz run the “Rodolphe Hertz” business together, before buying the business and becoming its sole owners.

On 1 February, they become owners of the shop and set about broadening its range — above all in oriental rugs.

They make their first “buying trip” to Iran and Afghanistan, selecting rugs in craft centres for direct import. Since then, buying trips to the Orient, selecting pieces where they are made, and rug exhibitions by style and origin have been part of the company's traditions.

Tapis Hertz joins an association founded by members of the former Vetega-Gilde, which later became — and remained for several years — “Le Consulat du Tapis”, with the mission of safeguarding an important part of the world's cultural heritage: the fine oriental rug.

With permanent stock growing ever larger, Tapis Hertz opens a shop and warehouse in Limpertsberg.

A year of major changes: Tapis Hertz moves to the corner of Grand'Rue and rue des Capucins.

After several work placements in Germany, Joe Aach joins his parents in the family business. He remained active there until his accidental death in May 1996.

The Limpertsberg shop closes and a large “sales and storage hall” opens at 259, route de Luxembourg in Helfent-Bertrange.

After studying in Paris — a BTS in sales and a diploma in interior architecture — Nathalie Aach joins her parents to strengthen the family business.

To mark its anniversary, Tapis Hertz enlarges its sales area by annexing a neighbouring house and restores, while preserving the beautiful original setting, the premises of the former Chapellerie Kioes — 11, rue des Capucins.

In 2001, Tapis Hertz was granted the title of Purveyor to the Grand Ducal Court.

In February 2002, Tapis Hertz renovates the ground floor, turning it into a modern, airier and more welcoming shop. In 2003, Nathalie Aach becomes manager alongside her parents.

In August 2012, the decision is taken to leave rue des Capucins and to reorganise the parent company with a few alterations. In May 2013, a new milestone is reached with the opening of a 270 m² shop in the southern extension of the La Belle Étoile shopping centre.

In October 2013, Danielle and Guy Aach retire after more than 55 years with the company.

In mid-November 2019, after 73 years, the parent company leaves the Grand'Rue to continue its story in a different constellation, with the same commitment to quality of service and products.

At the end of March 2020, 15 days after the start of lockdown, Tapis Hertz launches its online shop tapishertz.lu to ensure continued contact with its customers. In 2021, the company — which has meanwhile changed its logo and trades under the name hertz — celebrates its 75th anniversary.

In September 2024, Tapis Hertz closes its last retail shop, located in the south wing of La Belle Étoile; the closing-down sale had begun on 29 April 2024.

But the story continues: the “Tapis Hertz” name, the curtain and fitted carpet activities and the people who work in them are taken over by the family business de Buedemleër in Ehlerange.