Much-loved Wolverhampton shop thought to be last of its kind is closing after nearly seven decades
The shop is thought to be the last of its kind in the city
An independent Wolverhampton shop is closing down after more than half a century of serving the city.
Brewers Sewing Machines in Dudley Road is saying its final goodbye to customers after 68 years in business.
The owners, Alan and Kath Harvey, will say goodbye when the shop officially closes its doors tomorrow (September 30) at 2pm.
Kath Harvey, 84, said the shop’s closing date has brought on a wave of “mixed emotions”.
She said: “It’s mixed emotions because we’ve really enjoyed working for the people of Wolverhampton.
“It’s sad from that point of view, but we’re looking forward to a new chapter.”
Kath’s parents Linda and Roland Brewer opened Brewers as a sewing machine assembly business in 1958.
The Harveys said that at the time there were 14 sewing machine businesses in the city - now Brewers is thought to be the last of its kind.
Alan said: “[We’re the] last one in Wolverhampton, there used to be 14 at one point. Right down to the last one and now we’re going.”
Kath said the market has changed a lot over the decades.
“A lot of people buy online now, which is sad and you lose that face-to-face contact with people, don’t you?”
She said the couple will enjoy their retirement but know their customers will miss them.
“We’re going to do a million and one things that we haven’t done for the last 65 years.
“We’re hoping to get out and about, because we’re got horses that I can ride.”
To all their customers over the decades she said: “Thank you for all the support over the years, all the friendship and the laughs we’ve had between us. It’s been great.”
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.