In an era where many fabric stores are shuttering their doors, Fabrix has become a beacon for sewing enthusiasts in San Francisco.
Owner Keelin Reddy attributes her recent surge in sales to customers seeking quality fabric in light of increasing store closures in the area.
“People want to be in person,” Reddy explained, highlighting the tactile experience that e-commerce simply cannot provide when it comes to selecting fabric.
Fabrix, located at 432 Clement St., has a rich history.
Originally founded as the ‘Fabric Factory Outlet’ in 1993 by Bruce Taylor, the store transitioned into the hands of Cheryl Rabichev in 1995, who rebranded it as Fabrix.
Taylor resumed ownership from 2001 to 2021, moving the store to its present location in 2015 to comply with earthquake regulations.
When Taylor decided to step down, Reddy, a loyal customer, saw it as an opportunity for a rewarding second chapter in her life after years in merchandising for Brooks Brothers and Gymboree.
Sewing has been a lifelong passion for Reddy, who first picked up the craft at the age of 18.
Despite her father’s initial doubts about her commitment to sewing, Reddy saved up from her summer lifeguarding job to buy her own sewing machine.
While attending the University of California, Santa Cruz, she took sewing classes at Cabrillo Community College, solidifying her love for the craft.
Settling in San Francisco to work for Gymboree, Fabrix quickly became her go-to fabric store.
The store is known for offering quality fabrics at significant discounts, sourcing materials from manufacturers with excess inventory and recycling them for eager crafters.
Reddy recounted a striking example of a piece of upholstery fabric that would have cost $400 per yard in a designer showroom but is available at Fabrix for prices between $15 and $40 per yard.
This encourages creativity, providing a prime opportunity for someone looking to undertake a project, such as making a pillow.
While most of Fabrix’s clientele includes home sewers, the store also caters to bag makers, interior designers, upholsterers, and other crafty enthusiasts.
The rise in interest from younger generations is also noteworthy, which Reddy attributes to growing initiatives like Makerspace, a collaborative workspace that inspires hands-on creativity.
Despite this organic resurgence in sewing culture, many fabric and craft shops continue to downsize.
Reddy believes there may have been an oversaturation of stores in the past but notes, “now maybe there’s barely enough.”
She encounters new customers who reveal their previous allegiances to stores like Joann and the now-closed Fabric Outlet.
Joann has recently announced the closure of about 500 of its 800 stores and has filed for bankruptcy, particularly affecting California locations.
The closure of Fabric Outlet in the Mission district in late 2024, post-pandemic, further highlights the shifting landscape of fabric retail in the city.
Reddy considers Fabrix’s stability in the Richmond neighborhood to be a substantial advantage, noting that longtime customers express relief that the store remains open.
The shop operates seven days a week with five employees, ensuring quick access for customers who might need supplies on a tight deadline for their projects.
“It’s kind of a bummer if you couldn’t get your thread the day you need it because your project’s due,” Reddy remarked.
As a business owner, she emphasizes that the role comes with challenges, stating she is the last to be paid and advising anyone to take on the position only if they have a genuine passion for the work.
In light of increasing tariffs, Reddy is re-evaluating product margins and anticipates customers may feel the impact of price increases in the coming months.
Aware of her cost-conscious clientele, she remains mindful of their budgeting needs.
“We’re at an extremely lucky place in the city in that most people who come into the store come in because they’re in a good mood and ready to be creative,” Reddy stated, remarking on the joy found in retailing fabric.
Some of her favorite offerings include upholstery wool, swimwear, and embroidered linens.
Reddy embraces the diversity of customers who walk through Fabrix’s doors, saying, “We get all kinds of people in here, right, which is the other real joy of a fabric store: young sew, old sew, rich sew, poor sew.”
image source from：https://missionlocal.org/2025/06/fabrix-32-years-old-keeps-growing-in-its-inner-richmond-neighborhood/
