Tacony Corporation acquires Sewing Center Supply Co., Inc. to further support the independent retailer

Tacony Corporation has always made its strong commitment to independent retailers a priority, both in day-to-day business and major strategic decisions. Recently, the St. Louis, MO-based company has expanded upon this dedication with the acquisition of the assets of SCS, Sewing Center Supply Co., Inc. of Portland, OR.

Under the September 30, 2008, agreement, Tacony will become the exclusive importer in North America and direct all the distribution of the varied SCS brands and products, including Madeira Thread, Klasse needles, Hemline luggage and notions, and Suzy’s bags and baskets. Tacony will also control and direct the design, manufacturing and worldwide distribution of the premier line of Koala Sewing and Craft furniture and studios.

Tacony Corporation, founded by Nick Tacony in 1946, is a privately-held worldwide manufacturing and distribution company operating in four strategic business units: home sewing products, household vacuum cleaners, commercial floor care products and ceiling fans.

For years, both Tacony and SCS have served the sewing industry by bringing new and innovative products to market. By providing the wide variety of Tacony and SCS brands through one distribution network, sewing dealers have even more opportunities to easily order, advertise and save on products that sewing consumers know and trust. SCS brands will now be sold through Tacony’s notions, parts and accessories division, Tacony Sewing Central.

Included in this acquisition is the Sewing and Craft Club Web site (www.sewingandcraftclub.com). Hundreds of sponsoring dealers from all over the country have joined this innovative site. Through education and demonstration of thousands of products, the Club has rewarded participating dealers with positive revenue both in-store and online. Benefits for participating dealers include a traffic-driving quarterly flier for customers and a rebate on all online purchases.

A seamless transition of operations between SCS and Tacony is expected, especially in terms of convenience and ease when ordering products. Item numbers will remain the same on current SCS products. SCS customers will have the support of Tacony’s inside and outside sales teams, as well as customer service and administrative departments to serve their every need. Tacony will continue to provide fast and cost effective shipping with its coast-to-coast distribution network.

In addition to supporting their dealer network, Tacony Corporation has also paid strong attention to the American economy. In 1997, Ken Tacony made the landmark decision to bring the manufacturing of Riccar and Simplicity brand vacuum cleaners to United States. Tacony will continue to support American-made products by working with SCS toward meeting the exceptionally large demand for American-manufactured Koala cabinets and eventually expanding manufacturing for the Koala cabinet line.

Ed Moore of SCS will join Tacony Corporation and relocate to the St. Louis, MO, area in the immediate future.

“It is an exciting time and opportunity for those that have supported SCS. We have always been committed to providing our customers with products and ideas to help their businesses grow,” said Moore. “The Tacony family and their commitment to excellence in serving their customers and associates will improve the ideas and services that SCS has provided. I am excited to join this team.”

“I’m pleased to have Ed Moore join the Tacony family,” said Tacony. “His years of experience in the sewing industry will be an important asset to our company and we welcome all of the SCS customers.”

For over 60 years, Tacony Corporation has been a leader in the sewing industry with popular brands such as Baby Lock sewing machines, Designer’s Gallery embroidery software, Amazing Designs embroidery software and design collections, Perfexion Design cabinets and Creative Notions. Tacony’s sewing division is extremely proud to add the quality brands owned by SCS to their current product offerings.

Reprinted from SQE Professional, November 2008