Over 57 Years and 3 Generations!
The 3rd generation of Sawyers, Jarret Sawyer is the
new owner of Sawyer Sewing Centre. Sawyers was established
by Jarret's grandparents, Marion and David Sawyer in 1952.
They began modestly by selling sewing machines out of the
back of David's Dry Cleaning delivery van while living in
Qualicum Beach. In 1965 they moved to Victoria and established
a small store on Fort St. I joined my parents in business
right out of school in 1969 and have been owner operator since
1976. Jarret began with our company in the early 1990's, initially
working in the repair department and eventually through all
of our various departments. I wanted Jarret to have complete and thorough knowledge of each and
every aspect of our business just like my father and mother
insisted I did when I joined.
Jarret has proven to more than capable and
I am very proud of him. Now is the time for me to retire and
let him carry on the family tradition. You never know, his
son Kieran, now just turning 5 this month may be the next.
Congratulations Jarret and keep up the good work.
Thank you to all our loyal customers and friends
for all the memories. I hope to still be around for special
occasions.
Our
History
Its been over 53 years since my mother bought
her first dream sewing machine. That's what started it all.
We were living in Qualicum Beach at the time. Mom bought it
from Fletcher's Furniture and Music in Nanaimo. Fletcher's
asked her if she would give private machine instruction to
their customers, a custom that still exists at Sawyers. A
short time later my father, who had a dry cleaning business,
got interested in what Mom was doing and decided he could
sell a few sewing machines out of his truck on his dry cleaning
route. It wasn't long before he realized the potential in
this and decided to sell the dry cleaning business and 'jump
in with both feet. Some of his Qualicum friends thought he
was crazy. "You're going to make a living and raise a family
selling sewing machines??" Dad would work long hours traveling
between the J. Fletcher stores selling from his truck. Mom
and Dad took on major lines such as Pfaff, Elna, Bernina,
and White. This would provide a wide choice and a price range
for everyone, again a policy that still exists. Mom and Dad
would set up at every Fall Fair, Home Show and Community Event,
wherever and what ever it took to expose their line of machines.
My brother Steve and I would earn our spending
money, at a very young age, cleaning up trade-ins for resale.
In 1966 they made the decision to buy a small
sewing machine store on Fort Street in Victoria. After 1 year
things were going well so they expanded to a larger location
across the street. By this time my brother was working for
them while I was living up in Mill Bay finishing my schooling.
I would join the company right out of school in 1969.
In 1968 they went out on a limb and bought
the building at 840 Fort. Good move Mom and Dad!! During the
70's we opened stores in Port Alberni, managed by Dennis and
Lenor Wright; Willi Burleson operated as an agent in Port
McNeil; brother Steve ran North Vancouver; I opened in Duncan
and mom and dad ran Victoria. Our expansion was largely due
to Mom's exposure with her weekly sewing tips with Ida Clarkson
on Check TV's former Noon Show.
In 1977, with a co- signature and a blessing,
Mom and Dad retired and it was my turn.
Twenty nine years later we now have a "Repair
Pick-up/Drop-off location" on Salt Spring Island. Our main
store is now at 3400 Douglas Street where we have 11 wonderful
and knowledgeable staff who are there to provide you with
the best product and excellent service. I am very pleased
that my son, Jarret, now a partner and general manager with
over 15 years in the business will be carrying on the traditions
set by my parents.
My father passed away in 1992. I know he would
be proud to see the business carry on as it is. My mother
has remarried to a wonderful man, Walter Hughes. She is well
and still watching over me.
Thank you for over 50 wonderful years and
your continued support.
Please join us in the celebration of
our 2nd year in our new location, 3400 Douglas
Street.
Dean Sawyer
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