Dear Friends of Treadle,
As Bob Dylan wrote, “for the times they are a changin’.” This has been a challenging year at Treadle. Following a banner year in 2012, sales this year have been very soft and we find ourselves struggling to survive. My Parkinson’s Disease has progressed and I find I must make some concessions in order to lighten my work load and stress level. I have been seeking a buyer for Treadle for over 9 months. While several individuals have expressed interest and explored the possibility of a purchase, as of this writing, no one has been able to put together a viable proposal. Barring a sale, Treadle will close sometime in the first half of 2014.
I would love to see Treadle continue to serve the incredibly talented and wonderful sewing enthusiasts we have come to know and love. My heart and soul have gone into this place and I have come to know so many caring, warm, funny and compassionate women and men, and feel so blessed to be able to call you my friends. My fabulous band of hard working, creative co-workers is ready to carry on under new ownership and I have pledged to stay on as long as needed during the transition.
Be on the lookout for news of a potential crowd funding campaign and changes to our hours of operation. Please know how grateful we are for your support. We are working very hard to find a way to allow Treadle to continue.
Warmest regards,
Mary Daley and the crack staff at Treadle
When my husband and I were first married and talking about our future, one of his thoughts was that, if we did well, perhaps one day we could open a fabric store for me to run. (Sweet innocents that we were) The image that immediately came to mind was Treadle, which opened (across Hamline from its current location) the same year we were married. Cooler heads prevailed when I realized that I am not sufficiently extroverted to be successful in sales AND that my anxiety disorder would prevent me from flying to lots of "Markets". We have lived in the neighborhood our entire marriage, but are planning to move to a lake place this summer. Treadle is one of the little gems of the area, always there to brighten my day.
ReplyDeleteOn the day I got your letter, and was moaning about the news, my husband replied "Probably too long a commute from a lake place."
I am keeping an eye out on the crowd funding possibilities. I pray that you will find a way to continue.
The world needs a place called Treadle…. it is our own little place of creativity, meeting up with other creatives, exploring the possibilities of wardrobe and expression. I got the news in my mailbox the day of the 'big' lottery ticket. (A friend told me a few days earlier) I told the universe, if I won, I would buy Treadle. But, that wasn't in the stars. But dear universe, bring the perfect person(s) to Treadle to keep it a treasure trove for all who love textiles and the art of the garment. Best of Luck to you, Mary and the Treadlettes….may the adventure ahead be one of happiness and peace. It would be lovely for a new era to unfold. Thank you for the years YOU have served the community and its passion for fashion.-Your Shelly
ReplyDeleteHear, hear!
DeleteAs life-long Treadle customers, my family and I are very open to contributing strongly if there is a crowd funding option. Treadle has an incredibly special place in our hearts and we will do absolutely everything possible to help it stay afloat. -Tess
ReplyDeleteI moved to the Twin Cities in 1977, so I never knew the place without Treadle Yard Goods as a part of it. I no longer sew much, except for the occasional alteration, but I still find my way there at least once a month, and I would miss you terribly if you go away. I'd definitely be a contributer if such a campaign happens!
ReplyDeleteToday, January 7, the February-March issue of Threads, with my article "Sewing Destination: Twin Cities" should be in stores as well as in subscribers' mailboxes, proclaiming the specialness of Treadle across North America and beyond. I started proposing this article to Threads two years ago and always looked forward to the moment when I could introduce the readership to Treadle and to other sewing resources we enjoy here. Long Live Treadle Yard Goods!
ReplyDelete