The Okanagan’s One-Stop-Shop for Sewing
Remember those stores that stocked quality products, sold by an expert who actually uses the products themselves? There might be fewer of them, but those stores can still be found. Wes Barten, the owner and manager of Penticton’s Ceders Sewing, has just such an establishment.
As the name implies, they sell all manner of sewing machines and sewing supplies. The inventory includes top-brand machines like Babylock and Bernina, excellent-quality threads and all the sewing notions you would expect to find. But they provide something else, too. Something that is becoming harder to find these days – expert knowledge, a full-service machine repair shop and top-notch customer service.
Putting the Customer First Pays Off
“I listen to my customers and I stock the items they want,” Wes says. What the customers want, it turns out, is good quality products that are still affordable. “You don’t have to spend a whole bunch of money for quality things that work,” Wes says. Back those products up with professional service, and you have a business model for longevity.
Ceders Sewing has been in business since 1964 – operating out of the same downtown Penticton location. When Wes took over in 1985, he ensured that customers’ needs stayed front and centre. “39 years this summer,” Wes notes. Staying focused on the quality items that South Okanagan sewers want has paid off. He stocks those hard-to-find items, which combined with his small town hospitality has built up their loyal following.
Professional Maintenance for Sewing Machines Is a Big Draw
Wes is also certified to repair machines. Together with Wayne, his full-time sewing machine technician, they can fix and refurbish nearly any machine. Not many sewing places in the Okanagan can offer that service. In fact, it has gotten so hard to find technicians at the calibre of Wes and Wayne that they routinely draw customers from as far afield as the Lower Mainland. Customers from the U.S. have even made the drive up to Penticton. “Ceders Sewing is really lucky to have Wayne,” Wes says. “I could never keep up with the demands for repairs to machines on my own – and Wayne has over 35 years of experience.” To keep up on changes, Wes and Wayne re-train every year. Virtually or in person they learn about the latest advancements from industry experts in Japan and Switzerland.
Having a shop and technicians allows Ceders Sewing to sell something else that most stores no longer offer – reconditioned sewing machines. True to his motto of providing quality at an affordable price, Wes carries top-name, fully refurbished machines such as Baby Lock, Bernina, Bernette, Janome, Elna and Husqvarna. They even have training classes for the machines. One hour training lessons are another key part of the Ceders Sewing business platform, and they offer introductory lessons on any machine not just the ones they sell.
Check out Ceders Sewings website to get an idea of the full range of products they stock. The website does a great job of listing the inventory, from threads and yarns to embroidery and cross-stitch supplies. Top-brand Mettler threads are sold at Ceders Sewing, alongside a full selection of scissors – everything from $8 mid-range scissors to the best Swiss made ones. And just like the sewing machines, Wes services scissors, sharpening pretty much any type.
When you come to Wes’s shop you can speak to a professional and hear what the experts have to say about many products. The store’s location at 418 Main Street in Penticton is handy, too. Ceders Sewing has a convenient back entrance for pickup and drop-off, and there is ample parking available.
Wes always looks forward to meeting newcomers. If you are new to the Valley, or just new to sewing, pop in to talk with Wes about any of your sewing needs. Chatting with his current customers and meeting new ones is one of the best parts of the job, Wes says.
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