May 15, 2021 – West Bend, WI – It’s a tough nut of a predicament for Jerry Quasius, owner of Royce Quilting, 840 S. Main Street in West Bend.
During a sit down at his shop, Quasius said he’s in the process of trying to sell his business but it hasn’t been easy.
“I’d like to sell the shop but there’s some concern with my customers that I’m leaving West Bend without a quilt shop and without a place to get their machines repaired,” he said.
A popular and profitable fabric store that sells and repairs Bernina sewing machines, Quasius said he just feels it is time.
While trying to turn the business over to a new owner Quasius is also working to celebrate his 50th year in business. “I do feel a part of the community now… it takes a while in West Bend,” he said. “I feel a little bit of responsibility to try and sell this shop.
“I’m the only person who repairs machines in West Bend and it has grown to be a good portion of my business and my income too,” Quasius said. “It is a nice ‘extra’ that goes with this and you’re providing a service so you don’t need inventory.”
Quasius said the repair angle helps “make the business stronger.”
It has taken Quasius 50 years to grow a stable business. He said the location at the West Bend Plaza is a good site with no steps to get into the store and ample parking.
Not only does Royce Quilting have a solid local customer base but it also draws a lot of business from outside the area. “There’s a Bernina dealer in Elm Grove and Waukesha, and there’s a guy in Kewaskum but that’s about it,” he said.
The past year Quasius has seen more than an uptick in business.
“Sales of sewing machines are way, way up,” he said. “People were stuck in their homes and they pulled out the sewing machine and started working. The newer machines are computerized and those are somewhat easier to repair. Bernina is a really, really good company with training.”
“It is time for me to retire. My wife has wanted me to retire for five years. I’d do this until I was pushing up daisies… that’s just not going to happen,” he said.
If you have an interest in talking to Jerry about the store give him a call at 262-338-0597 or stop and visit 840 South Main Street, West Bend, WI 53095.
