With the lease up at her storefront on Adrian Street, Sew Write owner Nancy Bihlmeyer took what she calls a “leap of faith” and moved her thirteen-year-old business to the more heavily traveled M-52 north of downtown. After gutting and renovating the new space, she says it flows better than her former location, with a retail store—featuring clothing, hats, gifts, accessories, and athletic wear—in the front, and her custom embroidery and heat-transfer business in the back.
“We’re hoping the move will give us the shot in the arm we need,” she says. “We didn’t have the road frontage before, and with today’s economy it’s about survival.”
Bihlmeyer started Sew Write as a home-based business and operated the downtown store for three years. She employs three women who assist with the embroidery and transfer operation, which serves local businesses, sports teams, and individuals, as well as online customers.
Bihlmeyer says she’ll special-order any size she doesn’t have in stock. She also carries holiday sweatshirts and a popular assortment of cloth tote bags. “We’re like a small department store here,” she says.
Sew Write, 10940 Chelsea-Manchester Road (M-52), Manchester, 428–
9630. Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Closed Sun.
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At the Manchester Mill, used-book store Silver Rose closed after five years in business. Worth Repeating, the nonprofit store that sells gently used clothing, books, and household goods, plans to expand into Silver Rose’s space. All the money raised at the store goes back to Manchester community programs and organizations.
Worth Repeating, 201 East Main (Manchester Mill), Manchester, 428–9088. Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Sun. & Mon.
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Originally published in the Spring 2008 Community Observer
