Business

Business for a Better World: Brewer Sewing

Posted April 21, 2022 1:00 am

Brewer Sewing

3702 Prairie Lake Ct., Aurora

(630) 820-5695

Website: www.brewersewing.com

Industry: Quilting and Sewing Supplies

Number of employees: 100 pluss

Q: Describe your company.

A: Proudly serving independent shop owners since 1914, Brewer Sewing is one of the most trusted and dependable sewing supply distributors. Offering a full range of sewing machines and supplies, Brewer gives businesses the opportunity to stay on trend and empower makers to search, learn and advance their skills. Under the Brewer umbrella, you will find other popular brands such as Tula Pink Hardware, Nifty Notions, EverSewn, Tilda Fabrics, Brewer Basics and Good Measure.

Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?

A: To support our company's growth goals, reflecting the growing segment of new sewing artists and makers interested in sustainability and customization of personal items, we plan to hire additional talented employees to meet our customers' needs.

Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?

A: In 2022, challenges involve planning contingencies for potential supply chain delays and increased freight costs, to continue providing exemplary levels of service and controlling costs for our customers.

Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?

A: A major all-encompassing theme in the sewing world is that of doing your own thing and being individual. Through thrift flipping, repurposing and "DIY"-ing, individuals are able to take already owned clothing and reinvent pieces into personalized items unique to them.

We also have seen growing interest from our customers in creating trendy silhouettes at home with Brewer products - from flowy oversized shirts and full low-rise pants to micro miniskirts and cutout pieces. We have also seen a growing interest in embroidery to further personalize garments, as well as sewing pieces for the home, such as pillows or table runners.

Q: What does your company do to reduce the effects of climate change?

A: Brewer strives to educate consumers on the value and fun in repurposing clothing and other textiles to create new items as an option to creating from all new materials. Sewing helps reconnect us to how something is made, rather than buying into the disconnect of disposable consumables, and we aim to share this message with consumers. Beyond this, we also reduce redundancies and eliminate underperforming items to utilize fewer resources.

Q: What does your company do regarding DE&I?

A: We pride ourselves on having a diverse employee base when it comes to race, age and gender.

In addition to our annual discrimination and harassment training, we recently implemented regular diversity and inclusion training for all employees, and expect employees to be an example of our values. Brewer is an equal opportunity employer. On our social media channels, we support and highlight minority-owned businesses and makers of diverse backgrounds.

Q: Does your company donate time or money to any philanthropic causes? If so, what causes?

A: Brewer supports many industry partners with various assistance. For example, we have an ongoing partnership with the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild, a group supporting and encouraging the growth and development of modern quilting through art, community building and education. We not only support the group via product donations, but have also created ongoing financial sponsorship opportunities through the organization as well.

Q: What do you do to make your business a good place to work for your employees?

A: We strive to create an environment that encourages employee collaboration and effectiveness. We are committed to mutual trust, respect, and openness, as well as being willing to accept criticism and engage in dialogue. We highly encourage feedback from our employees as to what we can do better.

We also believe in having an open-door policy where employees can share opinions, suggestions, questions or concerns. We also aim to foster an environment that is encouraging and rewards employees for their hard work - our social engagement looks for ways to help make the workplace pleasant and enjoyable by putting on events and activities for employees.

Q: Do you have a business mantra?

A: Brewer Sewing aims to consistently "Move the Needle" within our industry. Brewer customers aren't just moving the needle on their personal sewing projects - many are working toward personal and business goals.

Q: What is one interesting fact about your company that most people may not know?

A: We have our own "Sewlebrities" who work with Brewer and our sister company, Bernina. Many of these individuals have high social followings and are able to share our brand with new audiences and demonstrate why they themselves love this craft on their social channels. Our celebrities also provide us with helpful feedback, ensuring that our product offering includes high quality and on trend patterns, fabrics and sewing supplies.