Vancouver's sewing and crafting community is mourning the loss of a beloved institution. Dressew Supply, the iconic fabric store located in downtown Vancouver, has announced its impending closure following the sale of its building at 337 W Hastings Street. The store will continue operations under a one-year lease until May 1, 2027, but the news has left many loyal customers heartbroken and concerned about the future of local fashion and crafting.
A Storied History
Founded in 1961 by Roger McKie, Dressew Supply originally operated as Dressmakers' and Milliners' Supply House. For over six decades, the store has been a cornerstone of Vancouver's creative community, offering an extensive selection of fabrics, trims, and notions. Current owner David McKie, Roger's son, has worked at the store his entire career and met his wife there. The business has fostered a unique environment where multiple married couples have met and worked together.
“For me it’s not just my family business but where I met my wife — we are one of three married couples currently working here who also met here,” McKie said. “We count among our customers not just home sewists but fashion designers, burlesque dancers, drag queens and kings, costume designers for theatre and film, cosplayers, small business owners and more.”
Impact on the Community
The closure has sparked concern among local sewers and small fashion brands that relied on Dressew for affordable materials. The store's vast inventory includes over 10,000 different zippers and 10,000 different buttons, along with a wide variety of fabrics from cotton to sequins. This selection helped bridge the gap between retail and wholesale for small businesses unable to meet minimum orders from larger suppliers.
Katelyn Woodburn, owner and designer of Vancouver-based clothing line Street and Saddle, expressed her dismay. “I was sad, and mildly panicked. For years, I’ve been spoiled by having such a well-stocked and reasonably priced option for sourcing small amounts of materials for custom orders and samples. I’ve gone into Dressew countless times with the most obscure shopping lists.”
Reasons for Closure
While McKie declined to disclose the specific reasons for selling the building, he indicated that the finalization of the sale has brought a sense of relief. “We are thankful to have the building sale behind us now, and sharing this news is a bit more weight off our shoulders,” he said. The company also plans to close its two nearby warehouses.
Despite the closure, McKie remains hopeful about the future. “We do hope to continue Dressew in one form or another, and we will share any updates when we have them. This is literally the only job I’ve ever had, and I’m not ready to let it go just yet.”
A Legacy of Generations
For many customers, Dressew was more than a store; it was a place where memories were made. “We’ve been around long enough to see people shop for fabric for their wedding dresses, then baby blankets, grad dresses and baby blankets for grandchildren,” McKie reflected. “Generations teaching generations the love and value of sewing and crafting, and it’s very special that we get to be a part of it.”
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support and nostalgia from the community, with many sharing stories of their experiences at the store. As the store prepares for its final year, customers are flocking to stock up on supplies and say goodbye to a Vancouver institution that will be sorely missed.
