Jordan Beck | Daily Press Dan Bender, owner of Escanaba business Quality Sew and Vac, is pictured with a wireless Janome Memory Craft 15000 sewing machine. Bender said he has owned this store since 2010.

Editor’s note: The Daily Press features a profile of an area business each week. This week’s featured business is Quality Sew and Vac in Escanaba.

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By Jordan Beck

jbeck@dailypress.net

ESCANABA — Residents can turn to Quality Sew and Vac if they’re looking for a new vacuum cleaner, sewing machine, or if a machine they own needs repairs.

Owner Dan Bender said Quality Sew and Vac has been a part of the area for decades. “This store’s been here since 1963,” he said.

Bender has owned the store since 2010. That’s when he learned Quality Sew and Vac was for sale.

“It was a good fit for me with my service … and sales background,” he said of the store. During his time with Quality Sew and Vac, Bender said business has been increasing.

Bender has been making an effort to keep up with innovations related to sewing machines and vacuum cleaners. He noted sewing machines have become highly advanced and wireless sewing machines have become available.

“The advancements in the electronics has kept up with the advancements in computers,” he said.

Quality Sew and Vac offers a wide range of sewing machines and vacuum cleaners, Bender said. They also offer parts for these machines.

Additionally, the store provides service for sewing machines and vacuum cleaners — including machines not purchased at Quality Sew and Vac.

“Everybody’s happy to have someone who will be able to fix what they have, even if they didn’t buy it here,” Bender said.

Classes are offered at Quality Sew and Vac on a regular basis, as well.

“We do have classes — sewing classes, quilting classes, embroidery classes,” Bender said.

To get the word out about Quality Sew and Vac, the store has been featured at quilt shows, fairs, and home and garden shows in the area.

“We go to events all over the area to show our (products),” Bender said.

Bender said while people can buy vacuum cleaners and sewing machines elsewhere, buying and maintaining high-quality machines from Quality Sew and Vac can lead to better performance and a longer lifespan.

“Getting a quality product is a good investment,” he said.