Biznote: West Seattle Fabric Company changing focus, moving

Another storefront in Admiral will be vacant soon – but the business that’s leaving it is NOT shutting down. Monica Skov of West Seattle Fabric Company announced late today that their focus is shifting, recognizing how the retail world is changing. From the message sent to the WSFC mailing list:

We are making a big shift to our business, and although it is a bittersweet decision, let’s celebrate together. As a retail storefront, we have had the beautiful benefit of getting to know all of the people in our community. We feel so thankful to have made connections and friendships that we would have never encountered. Inspiring a community of new sewing enthusiasts fills us with so much happiness. And I cannot tell you the joy I feel every time a customer comes in and says ~ I come here to be inspired. But the days of dense neighborhood shopping districts & bustling storefront commerce are evolving into online shopping and home delivery. Honestly, we’ve seen a shift from increased online sales and less storefront traffic. Shopping online has become much more convenient and in order to grow in an ever-changing economy we are going to transition our fabrics to an online-only fabric shop.

But, she continues, that’s just part of the change:

Seeing this trend for some time, we’ve been turning our focus toward the one thing you can’t get online – Services. The thing that we love about being small-business owners isn’t selling new collections or decorating a shop (although that is fun). We truly love helping our community. Our team has taught hundreds of customers to sew & quilt, we’ve been a resource for all sorts of sewing related questions and advice, and we’ve already completed a large number of customers’ quilts in the past couple of months. In addition to all of our other services, the ultimate way that we can help our community is Repairing and Servicing Sewing Machines, which we will now be offering.

So next month, West Seattle Fabric Company will move to a smaller space on Harbor Avenue in the ActivSpace [WSB sponsor] building, not retailing fabric, but focusing on services and education – classes, repairs, quilt finishing, plus, in relation to the online merchandise, “FREE local pick-up for our local online shoppers …” First, the shop (at 2210 California SW, where it opened in December 2010) plans a liquidation sale starting at 10 am Friday (March 20th), 30 percent off everything in the store, and “incentives for buying in bulk.” You can read the entire announcement here.

12 Replies to "Biznote: West Seattle Fabric Company changing focus, moving"

  • Mike March 15, 2015 (7:51 pm)

    Wow, I’m happy they’ve made such strong online sales. I stopped in there one time to find some items for my daughters Halloween costume. They were all very friendly and didn’t talk down to this guy with no clue. I can sew basic stuff, but I know virtually nothing about what to ask/look for.
    .
    I wish them the best in their next location and shift to focus more with online sales and services. I think it’s really smart to do the services part, I can definitely see that being a great way to retain a lot of locals.

  • sc March 15, 2015 (8:09 pm)

    Will you do repair on any brand of sewing machine? I have put off getting mine repaired because I didn’t want to take it to Renton which is the only place I know. I definitely will bring it to your new place. It’s a 1974 J C Penney, very simple but gets the job done!

  • EmmyJane March 15, 2015 (8:51 pm)

    I’ve been in twice and the owner was exceptionally nice and helpful. It’s always been a place I’ve wanted to spend money at just to support her (but unfortunately I’m just not a sewer). I wish her the absolute best with this change – good things should happen to good people.

  • Moni Sunshine March 15, 2015 (10:51 pm)

    @Sc – we will be taking old and new machines. Give us a little time to get our liquidation behind us and we will be ready to help you with your machine. Can’t wait to get our hands on your old machines. They tend to be better machines as long as they can be restored. You are the perfect customer for us!!!

  • fiz March 15, 2015 (10:52 pm)

    I have mixed emotions. I will spend a lot less! Because my thirteen-year-granddaughter won’t be able to drop in that sweet little shop. But I will miss it, and happy to know they still have a home in WS.

  • Chivahn March 16, 2015 (1:02 am)

    Ooh! I work in the ActivSpace! This is exciting. Do you guys fix sergers? I have a great old serger that need to be serviced real bad.

  • suzanne March 16, 2015 (7:59 am)

    Very smart to offer services like sewing machine repair, especially since AAA changed ownership and moved to Southcenter.

  • Patti March 16, 2015 (10:35 am)

    I am very happy that you are staying in WS. But I loved coming into your shop, and picking your brains. I will miss looking and feeling fabric as I am choosing it for each project. I also have an old machine in need of some adjusting.

  • Kelly March 16, 2015 (11:09 am)

    Sad that the cute little shop won’t be around — but very excited that they’re refocusing on classes. I’ve learned so much from them!

  • trickycoolj March 16, 2015 (12:58 pm)

    My best friend visited this weekend and just got her first sewing machine recently. She’s a new mom and wanted to make bibs for her son. Thanks to our very poor Home Ec class in junior high we are terrible at sewing. Our own moms still work full time and we all know how hard it is to learn from family! I definitely see us visiting for some valuable education in the future! :)

  • Joshuasmomjudy March 16, 2015 (8:15 pm)

    Gosh ~ happy for you that you are doing something new (everyone should do what they love) but sorry for me because coming in the shop and seeing/touching/then buying the fabric is what inspires me and I live for. Now the only place somewhat close is Pacific Fabrics. But I will look forward to keeping in touch with classes – which is my 2nd love.

  • Ferryboat March 16, 2015 (9:06 pm)

    I’m sorry to see the store close. When I was in, I felt that the fabric selection was very nice. There is a newer fabric store in Burien, Town Square Fabric on 152nd, that also has a nice selection. I agree, I like to feel my fabrics before I buy them. Good luck on your new venture!

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