Waterville Yarn Store Celebrates 75 Years of Family Tradition
A quaint knitting and sewing material store in Waterville, Maine, is marking a significant milestone this weekend. Yardgoods Center is celebrating its 75th anniversary, a testament to its enduring presence and the loyalty of its customer base.
The celebration is not just about the store’s longevity but also about the community it has fostered over the years. With one of the original owners, Beatrice Vlodek, who is now 103 years old, the event is set to be a heartfelt tribute to the store’s rich history and the people who have made it a local institution.
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The Legacy of Yardgoods Center
Yardgoods Center opened its doors in 1949, and since then, it has been a cornerstone of the Waterville community. Founded by Beatrice Vlodek and her husband, the store quickly became a beloved destination for those passionate about knitting and sewing.
The store’s success can be attributed to its unique approach to business. As Co-Owner Ken Vlodek, who began working at the store at the tender age of four, puts it, *We’re not a normal store, but we don’t want to be.*
A Family Affair
One of the key elements that set Yardgoods Center apart is the way it treats its customers and staff. According to Ken, *The reason why we have such a loyal customer base is we like to treat everybody as family. All of our customers we treat as an extended family, our staff we’ve always treated as an extended family.*
This familial approach has fostered a loyal customer base that spans generations.
Celebrating 75 Years of Business
The 75th anniversary celebration is set to be a grand event, with food, sales, and a special cake that underscores the store’s appreciation for its customers. As Ken reflects on his journey with the store, he acknowledges the significant milestone that 75 years represents.
*It does seem that way, but I love this business so much. Full-time since, 54 years now, I was gonna be a dentist, came close to that, but my Dad had a heart attack, I took a semester off, and I never went back.*
A Tribute to the Past and Future
The event is not just a celebration of the past but also a nod to the future. In an age where technology is rapidly changing the landscape of traditional crafts, Yardgoods Center has managed to stay relevant.
Beatrice Vlodek, who recalls the early days of the store, notes how people used to work at home and needed quality materials, which the store provided. Today, even with AI-controlled sewing machines, the store continues to meet the needs of its customers.
Community and Craftsmanship
Yardgoods Center has always been more than just a store. It is a community hub where people come together to share their love for knitting and sewing.
The store offers a wide range of materials and tools, catering to both beginners and seasoned crafters. Over the years, it has hosted numerous workshops and events, fostering a sense of community among its patrons.
Customer Loyalty
The store’s success can be largely attributed to its loyal customer base. Many customers have been shopping at Yardgoods Center for decades, drawn by the store’s commitment to quality and customer service.
The anniversary celebration is as much about thanking these customers as it is about marking a business milestone. As Ken aptly puts it, *When I looked at doing the cake this morning, it made a lot of sense to me that I did ‘Celebration of the Anniversary,’ but the more important thing that I put on the cake at the bottom is, ‘We love our customers.’*
The Future of Yardgoods Center
Looking ahead, Yardgoods Center aims to continue its legacy of excellence. While the retail landscape is changing, the store remains committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service.
Join the Celebration
If you are in the Waterville area, make sure to join the celebration on Saturday. The store will be open from 10 to 4, with festivities going on throughout the day.
It is an excellent opportunity to experience firsthand the community spirit that has made Yardgoods Center a beloved local institution for 75 years.
For more information, visit the official announcement on WABI.
As Yardgoods Center celebrates this remarkable milestone, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of community, craftsmanship, and customer loyalty.
Here’s to many more years of success and service to the Waterville community!
