JOHN Street retailer Janice Burchell says it is no longer viable to operate her specialist sewing store in Singleton and will closer her doors tomorrow.
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Citing the mining downtown, increasing rents and being unable to compete with the buying power of chain stores, like Spotlight, as the main reasons.
It was not an easy decision for the competent and experienced small business owner to make as she “loves being with people”.
“My customers have made it so enjoyable,” she told The Argus.
“Every day you learn something new and when you help someone they are very appreciative.”
Sew ‘N’ Sew opened its doors to the public back in 1989, a year after Janice established her first store in Muswellbrook, which closed in 1993.
Over the years, she and her loyal staff have comprehensively met the individual needs of customers throughout the district.
“We don’t just sell sewing machines, we teach people how to use them and establish a very personal relationship with each customer,” she says.
“Each member of my team has a particular area of expertise and we work together to deliver a specialised service.”
From free lessons to children and those who have purchased a sewing machine to quilting and patchwork classes, she says.
But without her wonderful staff it would not have been possible.
“The only way to run a small business is to have a great team.
“No one is good at everything so you need to work together.
“It’s all about teamwork.
“I have had some wonderful staff over the years, like Noala Andrews who was just phenomenal and Donna Simpson but there are too many to mention,” a clearly appreciative Janice explains.
Her current team consists of Joan Ingold, Lyn Meynell and Lois Brooker.
However, her association with the Singleton retail scene began well before Janice opened Sew ‘N’ Sew.
After leaving school her father asked her to join the family business.
“Dad operated an electrical department store in Singleton for about 60 years and when Janome first came to Australia we started selling their machines,” she explains.
“Some may remember it as Norman Gray and Sons or Gray’s electrical.
“I recall when we moved to our huge shop on the corner of John and Pitt Street.
“It was absolutely huge with two levels and we had everything electrical.”
It was her job to oversee the sewing machines sales – and it was always busy.
“I can remember having 28 Horn sewing machine cabinets on the floor and they all sold.
“They were very popular – a must have.
“Whereas this year I have only sold one; if only we could go back to those days.”
It is with much regret that she is closing her doors but the fact the store no longer generates a profit and her daughter is ill forced her hand.
Her advice to other small business owners is simple: “There will be tough times but if you persevere you will get through it.”
“If you start something, see it through to the end – stay committed.”
Although she acknowledges increasing rents and dwindling profits are a huge burden to carry.
Janice suggests rent subsidies would help struggling John Street retailers.
“Perhaps council would be better spending money on this type of assistance rather than all that money on beautifying the street.”
She may be closing the shop but Janice will continue to run her curtain-making service and offer advice to those who need it.
