Mission Statement
At Sewing Machines Etcetera our mission is to recognize that “your sewing success matters most”. As we have since 1992, we will consistently and joyfully adapt to changes in technology and the marketplace, so we can offer the best in sewing related products and service to our whole community.
Our friendly knowledgeable staff will attend all trainings available, so they can be dedicated to motivating creativity, as well as be able to teach effectively for fun and expertise. Our business is to be fuelled by the excitement that happens when our customers of all skill levels discover and play with ideas, colour and tools, in-store and at home, so that they end up making successful projects, and many sewing friends.
Our customers say we fulfill our mission using:
1. Inspiration (creative ideas and projects)
2. Innovation (newest products on the market)
3. Knowledge (professional advice)
4. Tools (to make sewing easier and fun)
5. Service (in-store – “you can talk to Bert”)
6. Techniques (always willing to show and share)
7. Quality products (the best the market offers)
8. Selection (many name brands, lots of stock)
9. Education (classes and willingness to help)
10. Value (price, quality, selection, service)
11. Customer satisfaction (always here for you, willing to share)
12. Dependability & Reliability (in business since 1992 – 15 years!)
13. A sense of belonging (part of the family and circle of friends)
14. Friendships (“it’s a Feel Good place”, social events, community projects)
15. Resources (“you can find answers”)
Our friendly knowledgeable staff will attend all trainings available, so they can be dedicated to motivating creativity, as well as be able to teach effectively for fun and expertise. Our business is to be fuelled by the excitement that happens when our customers of all skill levels discover and play with ideas, colour and tools, in-store and at home, so that they end up making successful projects, and many sewing friends.
Our customers say we fulfill our mission using:
1. Inspiration (creative ideas and projects)
2. Innovation (newest products on the market)
3. Knowledge (professional advice)
4. Tools (to make sewing easier and fun)
5. Service (in-store – “you can talk to Bert”)
6. Techniques (always willing to show and share)
7. Quality products (the best the market offers)
8. Selection (many name brands, lots of stock)
9. Education (classes and willingness to help)
10. Value (price, quality, selection, service)
11. Customer satisfaction (always here for you, willing to share)
12. Dependability & Reliability (in business since 1992 – 15 years!)
13. A sense of belonging (part of the family and circle of friends)
14. Friendships (“it’s a Feel Good place”, social events, community projects)
15. Resources (“you can find answers”)
Our History
We opened in 1992 in Grimsby ON, close to the home of then owners, Bert and Elsa Hopman. Our business soon attracted the attention of Husqvarna Viking in Sweden, as we were surpassing all expectations. We were part of the new trend toward education, which continues today.
We invested exclusively in the full line of Husqvarna Viking sewing machines and sergers, and now showcase a complete line of quality accessories, notions and tools, even sewing room cabinets. As a result of our superior customer service, including an in-store Service and Repair Department, we have received yearly outstanding achievement awards. Our factory-trained staff’s expertise is available to sewers of all skill levels in our area, through personal in-store advice, demos, lectures, seminars, and special events. Our friendly service and success in owners’ trainings has ensured word of mouth referrals.
In 1996, we opened at Burlington and subsequently sold the Grimsby operation to be better able to serve our local Halton/Hamilton customers. The business grew by leaps and bounds, soon growing out of our premises at “unit 12”, so in 2005 we moved to the much larger unit 3 at Fairview Gardens, 4155 Fairview Street, Burlington. Our bright spacious display and classroom areas please staff and customer alike.
2009 saw the next phase at Sewing Machines Etcetera as Bert and Elsa sold the business to their daughter and son-in-law. Nick and Erika hope to continue the high caliber of service and product established by their parents, and bring the store to new heights. In the future you will see us grow our on-line presence with webinars and more.
We invested exclusively in the full line of Husqvarna Viking sewing machines and sergers, and now showcase a complete line of quality accessories, notions and tools, even sewing room cabinets. As a result of our superior customer service, including an in-store Service and Repair Department, we have received yearly outstanding achievement awards. Our factory-trained staff’s expertise is available to sewers of all skill levels in our area, through personal in-store advice, demos, lectures, seminars, and special events. Our friendly service and success in owners’ trainings has ensured word of mouth referrals.
In 1996, we opened at Burlington and subsequently sold the Grimsby operation to be better able to serve our local Halton/Hamilton customers. The business grew by leaps and bounds, soon growing out of our premises at “unit 12”, so in 2005 we moved to the much larger unit 3 at Fairview Gardens, 4155 Fairview Street, Burlington. Our bright spacious display and classroom areas please staff and customer alike.
2009 saw the next phase at Sewing Machines Etcetera as Bert and Elsa sold the business to their daughter and son-in-law. Nick and Erika hope to continue the high caliber of service and product established by their parents, and bring the store to new heights. In the future you will see us grow our on-line presence with webinars and more.
Our Staff
Lise Thompson
Bert & Elsa Hopman
Nick Kottelenberg
Erika Kottelenberg
Elaine Smith
Thalia Makris
Lynda West
Jane Price