A fabric shop in Machynlleth is celebrating three decades on the Powys town’s high street as this summer marks its 30th anniversary.

Wheeler Fabrics is marking 30 years since its shop on Machynlleth’s Pentrerhedyn Street first opened in July 1994.

The shop was founded by Phil Wheeler, who had run a market stall selling fabrics in the 1970s after his wife Ann struggled to find fabric for her upholstery and sewing projects. Selling fabrics from their home as well as the stall, they eventually bought the current building in Machynlleth and the shop opened in July 1994.

Phil and Ann’s son, Sam, took over the business in the mid-2000's after working there for several years, running the business with his partner Catherine who joined in 2011.

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He said: “I think Wheeler Fabrics has had an important place in Machynlleth and I think that's a lot to do with our lovely staff.

“We have a great team and we genuinely enjoy welcoming customers to the shop. We're always happy to chat about a sewing project, but also about Mach in general, the weather, anything really.

"I think people feel very welcome in our shop, whether they're here to shop for new curtains or just want a couple of buttons.

“We have seen lots of shops come and go but we've also had the pleasure of watching other businesses set-up, grow, evolve and thrive.

“I really feel that in a small town, pride in your business and enthusiasm for the area are contagious.  This is so evident in Mach. There are some beautiful shops and places to eat here that would hold their own in any town.

“We're so proud to still be here after 30 years but we don't take it for granted. Just because we've been here a long time, doesn't mean we can rest on our laurels. We owe it to our customers to keep the shop well stocked, looking smart and run by friendly, knowledgeable staff.

“We really appreciate that we still have such a strong and loyal customer base after all these years and we work really hard to give them the shop they deserve.”

Today, Wheeler Fabrics own two shops, the original in Machynlleth run by manager Ursula Coombs as well as a second branch in Somerset, which opened in 2019.