Fabricland New Westminster Closing After Long Run at Columbia Square
Popular fabric store shutters Saturday, June 20; building owner has other plans; two locations remain in region.
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Fabricland's New Westminster location closes Saturday, June 20, after an extended run at Columbia Square Plaza, disappointing local makers and crafters who relied on the store for fabric, sewing supplies, and craft materials.
According to an employee, the closure comes after the building owner chose not to renew the lease. "Despite the short notice, all staff and customers were informed of the coming store closing, and staff who want to be transferred will have the opportunity to transfer to a nearby location," a Fabricland representative said. "We will be looking for a new place with the right size and lease."
Fabricland, Canada's largest fabric store chain with over 100 locations, opened its first store in Toronto in 1968. The New Westminster location had built a loyal following over decades, drawing sewing enthusiasts, seamstresses, theatre costume makers, and DIY crafters who stocked up on supplies before this week's final sales.
Online, longtime customers expressed sadness. "Sad to hear they're going out of business as they've been there so long," one commenter wrote on Facebook. "Horrible news," another posted. "And yes, it's super busy every day, all the time. Pack your patience."
Local makers shared their frustration losing the location. "No more local place for notions and fabric," one person commented on Reddit. "This is absolutely tragic," added another. "Damn, this sucks. We are losing a really cool store."
Two Fabricland locations remain in the region: one in Vancouver and one in Surrey. Meanwhile, Dressew Supply, another longtime fabric and sewing supply store in Downtown Vancouver, is preparing for its own closure set for next spring after more than six decades serving Metro Vancouver's fashion, theatre, and creative communities.