Since launching in 2010 Merchant & Mills’ sewing emporium has gone from strength to strength, and as well as selling to local shoppers from its retail premises the business ships its products all over the world. Founders Carolyn Denham and Roderick Field aimed “to bring style and purpose to the world of sewing” that would allow “makers and menders to create a desirable functioning wardrobe” and the pair have certainly achieved that.
Having acquired wholesale premises on Winchelsea Road the business’ retail arm moved there temporarily while the builders redeveloped the main shop. With the completion of the building work the Tower Street premises are now fully operational and the owners have issued the following press release:
“Merchant & Mills is very happy to announce the opening of the newly renovated shop at 14a Tower Street. The expansion of the retail space is an effort give our customers a unique and inspirational retail experience presented in the distinct Merchant & Mills style.
The former warehouse, whilst retaining its original character, is flooded with light. Its bright white interior makes a perfect backdrop for the rich selection of cloths.
This new shop is full of beautifully curated fabrics, dress samples of all the patterns, all the tools and hardware needed to make your own clothes. The well-informed staff are all makers and experienced professionals and are ready to help and advise.
Above the shop floor, on the newly created mezzanine floor, there will be a limited run of dressmaking courses allowing the public to indulge their passion for cloth and making. All in the setting of the historical town of Rye, allowing the customer to have a comprehensive and fulfilling adventure.”
The store stocks a comprehensive range of accoutrements for the sewing fraternity from awls to zips, including textiles, tailors’ toolkits, hooks, trims, cords, buttons, pins and buckles. And for those who do not have the time to make their own garments the shop has launched “LABEL”, a capsule collection of ready-to-wear laundered linen.
The shop is open between 10am and 5pm from Monday to Saturday. For further information, including details of “The 12 Makes of Christmas”, visit the website. For shop enquiries please ring 01797 227789 and for wholesale enquiries please ring 01797 227758.