Harrogate's long-running sewing machine shop is set to undergo a major transformation following a change in ownership.
A consortium of North Yorkshire entrepreneurs has acquired White Rose, with plans to refurbish the Commercial Street store and expand its services nationally.
Mark Wilson, a veteran sewing machine technician and founder of North Yorkshire Sewing Machines, has joined the 47-year-old business as a director.
With over four decades in the industry, he brings extensive experience and a vision to position White Rose as a national centre for sewing machine repairs and servicing.
Mark said:
“Having spent over four decades in the sewing machine industry, I am very excited to be joining the 'Vinted' movement from a retail perspective.
“More and more sustainability conscious people are looking to alter and repair their clothes rather than discard them prematurely, fighting to reduce a staggering 12 million items a week going into landfill.
“It would appear that the recent fad for fast fashion is at last over and that has got to be a good thing from every perspective.
“I am a Halifax born textile man and it’s good to see aspects of the clothing industry starting to turn full circle.”
The refurbishment of the White Rose shop is already underway, with an official relaunch planned for next month.
The updated store will showcase a brand-new range of sewing machines from Brother, Juki and Bernina, with models ranging in price from £100 to £10,000.
The business is also recruiting new staff as part of its expansion drive.
Mark said:
“There are around one thousand moving parts in a typical sewing machine and, however little or much it is used, it needs servicing every year—not least as no machine is self-oiling and that should be done by a specialist engineer to ensure long life.
“If you don't top up the oil in your car engine, you know what happens.”
White Rose has built a reputation for servicing both domestic and industrial machines, including long-standing contracts with schools for annual maintenance.
The new ownership hopes to build on that foundation and tap into the growing national interest in sewing.
The relaunch comes at a time when home sewing is enjoying renewed popularity, boosted by the return of The Great British Sewing Bee, now in its 11th season.
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