Port Lincoln textile shop The Patchwork Pear announce upcoming closure of brick and mortar shop in favour of online store

A popular textile shop in Port Lincoln has announced they will be shifting completely online and shutting their brick and mortar shop.

The Patchwork Pear shop will close its doors for the last time on May 31, with the new online chapter set to begin on July 1. IMAGE: Facebook (taken by Phebe Rendulic Photography)

The owner of a beloved Port Lincoln textile shop has announced the business will be transitioning to a fully online format, meaning the closure of their brick and mortar shop at the end of May.

Owner of The Patchwork Pear, Elizabeth Williams, said there are no real circumstances that have lead up to the decision to transition to a solely online business, “it is simply time for me to refocus and create a sustainable work life balance”.

“We are not saying goodbye but we have made a big decision - priorities have changed and I’m needing a new direction to focus on new challenges,” she said.

“The Patchwork Pear you know and love isn’t disappearing but Don and I have made the very difficult decision to move the store online.”

Owner of Port Lincoln business The Patchwork Pear, Elizabeth Williams, has announced the upcoming closure of her bricks and mortar shop as the textile business transitions to a solely online format. Picture: Facebook.

Ms Williams and her family have been running the textile business for over 22 years, first establishing The Patchwork Pear back in 2002.

The Patchwork Pear store, located at 13 Mortlock Terrace, Port Lincoln, is stocked to the brim with patchwork fabrics, sewing tools, yarn, haberdashery, top-of-the-line sewing machines and overlockers, threads, books, kits and anything else crafters may need for a project. The business also offers advice for quilters of all ages and skill-levels and regularly hosts classes and workshops for members of the community.

The Patchwork Pear shop will close its doors for the last time on May 31. Picture: Facebook (taken by Phebe Rendulic Photography)

The bricks and mortar store on Mortlock Terrace will close its doors for the last time on Friday, May 31 with the business’s new online chapter set to begin on July 1.

Throughout the month of June the business will be technically closed, however the website will be open, but delivery services may be delayed due to the transitional process.

Ms Williams said despite the impending change of format, The Patchwork Pear will continue to offer their quilting service and she will continue to hold lessons for adults and children and offer advice, however the size of the classes will be smaller and advice sessions will be subject to appointment.

“(With this change) I really want to be able to design and create new projects which I have struggled to dedicate time to for a while,” Ms Williams said.

The Patchwork Pear shop will begin the new online chapter on July 1. Picture: Facebook

“I know that this change is going to be hard for me and I realise that it is going to be difficult for my beautiful customers.

“The love and support I have for you all is going to continue and I appreciate your support and understanding at this time.”

So far, the business’s announcement has been met by love and support from loyal customers, with people wishing Ms Williams all the best with this new endeavour and praising her for prioritising her wants and wellbeing.

“What a beautiful act of self care Elizabeth,” one person commented on Facebook, “looking forward to seeing the new format.”

“Life is too short to not do what you want,” another said, “all the best with your future plan.”