Bigger and better: 90-year-old Geelong institution on the move

IT HAS survived a world war, the COVID-19 pandemic and every major event in between, but after 90 years this Geelong institution is on the move.

Since opening its doors in Pakington Street in 1935, Heights Sewing Centre has helped generations of people in their sewing endeavours.

From machine maintenance to haberdashery and fabric by the bolt, first the Heights and later the Wilks family have had the answers their customers needed.

It is a dedication to customer service that owner Ken Wilks credits with the business’s longevity.

“We’re nice,” Wilks said. “I think courtesy and service – going a little bit further than what you’re expected to go to, do the right thing by people and support them.”

In his more than 50 years running the shop, Wilks has watched his clientele evolve.

He has seen generations of families grow up and, more recently, more boys and men walk through the doors.

From students at The Gordon studying fashion design to a body builder who started making his own clothes when he couldn’t find ones that fit right, Wilks says sewing is for everyone.

A recent surge in young people taking up sewing has him particularly excited.

Through its classes, the business has helped build confidence in the local community, supporting everyone from quilting beginners to seasoned sewists.

“We’re very fortunate in Geelong that we’ve got some brilliant teachers and craft people,” Wilks said. “We’ve had people out from overseas to teach lessons too.”

It’s not the only cross-border collaboration Wilks has taken part in.

A highly experienced machine technician, he and his team are well-known for keeping Geelong’s sewing machines well-oiled and running smoothly.

So much so he has received calls from as far as Singapore and Papua New Guinea asking for over-the-phone assistance.

After 90 years in one store, the move is bittersweet, especially as the team has watched Pakington Street blossom around them.

The mammoth task of relocating all their stock is not one they are looking forward to.

Hoping to be in their new storefront in Milton Street in Bell Park by early April, the Heights team is excited to have their retail, teaching and repair spaces together at last.