The 1-2 punch of high rents and internet technology has knocked out another longtime locally owned Westport business.
The Textile Store joins Silver’s as a 3rd-generation store that’s closing. Coincidentally, the fabric store is in the Compo Shopping Center — across the street from the Compo Acres gift and luggage shop.
The strip malls are owned by different landlords. But tenants in both have seen hefty rent increases in recent years.
Lori Yanell and her mother pose for a Westport News ad, around 1966.
Lori Yanell is the daughter of Textile Store owner Marty Yanell. She says the store was founded in 1940 in South Norwalk, and moved to its current location in 1960.
It’s been an enormous part of her life. Her mother was a great seamstress, and made matching outfits that they “modeled” in the 1960s and ’70s.
Business has been cyclical, Lori says. Though far fewer Westport women sew their own clothes these days, there’s been a recent resurgence spurred by young people — including boys.
But, Lori notes, the internet has hurt business substantially. Coupled with higher rent, her father decided to close.
He did not want to. But he’ll be 86 in April, and this gives him a chance to retire and travel.
The last day of business is at the end of February. All fabrics are marked down now. Lori hopes lots of familiar faces stop by.
Hey, why not make a day of it? After you’re done shopping at the Textile Store, cross the street for the sale at Silver’s.
