Owned by Shama Perveen the The ZipYard is a brand new concept in garment alterations and tailoring services that is taking the North West by storm. The purpose designed centre offers a fast, professional clothing repair service with on-site seamstresses and private changing rooms in a clean, retail environment.

Perveen holds a PHD in Chemistry and was a teacher at Urmston Grammar School in Manchester for eight years before deciding to pursue a life-long ambition to run her own business.

The inspiration to set up The ZipYard Chester came from being a customer at the award winning ZipYard in Altrincham. Perveen who lives in Knutsford liked what she saw, and set about looking for the ideal location to open her own centre.

“I discovered the ZipYard in Altrincham a couple of years ago, and as the mother of three fast growing children it seemed I was always having to get their clothes taken up or let down. I thought the concept was just brilliant and could see myself being the owner of a ZipYard centre.

“I really enjoyed teaching but the time was right for me to take on a new challenge and the ZipYard seemed to tick all the right boxes.

“There’s a real demand for a quality alterations and repairs in this area and I’m sure local people will love the centre and the services we offer. No appointments are necessary and we’ve got private fitting rooms so we can do any measuring right here. Most people don’t have the time or skills to repair or alter their own clothes and so many good garments are going to waste just hanging in the wardrobe. Now they can bring these in and we’ll give them a new lease of life.

“Our seamstresses are amazing – if it can be done they can do it!”

The ZipYard concept is well established in Ireland and the first UK centre was opened in Llandudno in 2011. There are now 17 centres throughout the country including Chester, Wilmslow, Altrincham and Marple in the North West with Liverpool opening soon.

Published: 27 November 2013

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