Pennsylvania’s Oldest Fabric Store Has Been Inspiring Crafters For Decades

More than 7,000 trimmings and supplies are packed into one shop on a street once called Der Ferder. That number alone made me stop and read twice.

The store opened in 1923 as a men’s fabric wholesaler. It is still run by the same family today.

Zippers hang loose in countless colors and lengths, ready for exact matching.

I like how a single building can hold suiting wool, sequins, pocketbook hardware, and studs all at once.

Pennsylvania has plenty of craft stores, but very few have lasted a full century on one famous street.

I can’t imagine a better place for a sewist to lose track of time.

Costume makers, tailors, and total beginners all end up here. So what keeps a little fabric shop going strong for over 100 years?

A Century On Fabric Row Started With Men’s Suits

Back in 1923, Fleishman Fabrics & Supplies opened as a men’s fabric wholesaler.

Tailors were the main customers, and suit cloth was the big seller.

That beginning still shapes the shop today. A dedicated room filled with menswear fabric for suits keeps the original mission alive and well.

For decades, the business operated near 5th and Monroe Streets, just off Fabric Row. Around 2015, it moved to South 4th Street, joining the historic shopping district directly.

Over the decades, the store slowly widened its circle. Local makers and home sewists joined the tailors who had always shopped there.

The result is a rare kind of business. It now ranks as the oldest continuously operating fabric shop on Philadelphia’s famous Fabric Row.

Plenty of shops on the street have come and gone over the years. Fleishman’s adapted instead, adding new fabrics and supplies as customers’ needs changed.

I believe that flexibility is the real secret here. Keeping a family business going for a century takes more than luck and a good location.

Pennsylvania has plenty of long-running family businesses. Few of them can say they’ve helped dress a city’s tailors, costume makers, and weekend sewists across so many generations.

So when you browse those shelves, you’re shopping a little piece of history. Not bad for a place that started with plain suit wool.

The Family Behind The Counter Has Kept It Going For Generations

Family businesses rarely make it past the second generation. This one has done better than that.

Fleishman Fabrics & Supplies has stayed family-owned throughout its long history. Tricia and Joshua Fleishman, second- and third-generation owners, now carry the legacy forward.

That kind of continuity matters in a craft shop. Knowledge about fabric, fit, and finishing gets passed down instead of starting over every few years.

It also shows in how the store adapts. The owners have reshaped the inventory over time without losing the tailoring roots that started everything.

I like the idea that the same family name has hung over the door for so long. It gives the shop a steady, personal feel that a chain store can’t easily copy.

The store even proved its value to the neighborhood during recent tough times. When mask-making took off, the shop supplied interfacings and elastics to the community.

That’s the kind of quick thinking a family-run business can pull off. No corporate memo required, just people who know their customers and their stock.

Supporting a place like this feels good. You’re helping a family story keep going.

Der Ferder Is One Of Philadelphia’s Most Storied Streets

Long before online fabric orders, South 4th Street buzzed with pushcart vendors.

They sold everything from needles to remnant fabric pieces right on the sidewalk.

The street earned a Yiddish nickname, Der Ferder. Jewish immigrants built livelihoods in the textile trade here during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

That history gives the whole stretch a special character. Today it’s simply known as Fabric Row, and it still draws makers from all over.

Fleishman Fabrics & Supplies sits right in the middle of that story. You’ll find it at 737 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147.

Planning a trip? Give yourself time to wander the block, since several fabric and notions shops share the street.

The neighborhood is a fun mix of old and new. Historic storefronts line the sidewalks, and the area feels walkable and lively.

Coming from elsewhere in Pennsylvania or nearby states makes the outing feel like a mini adventure. A day on Fabric Row easily turns into a creative field trip.

Just don’t be surprised if your shopping bag gets heavier than planned. That’s a Fabric Row tradition too.

Bolts Climb Floor To Ceiling Like A Library Of Cloth

Floor to ceiling. That’s how high the fabric goes inside this shop, and it makes quite an impression.

The selection covers natural and synthetic fabrics alike. Embroidered, sequined, and glitter options sit alongside everyday basics and quilter’s cottons.

Knits and traditional suiting also share the space. So one trip can cover a winter coat, a quilt, and a sparkly stage outfit.

Fleishman Fabrics & Supplies is known for designer fabrics, too. That makes it a strong pick for anyone after something a little more special.

The store’s footprint isn’t huge, which makes the variety even more surprising. It’s organized well, so you can actually see what’s on hand.

Here’s a practical tip. Bring a swatch or photo of your project to make color matching much easier.

Also, keep an eye out for clearance items. They offer a budget-friendly way to try a new fabric type without a big commitment.

Honestly, browsing here is half the fun. Running your hand along the bolts and dreaming up projects is basically free entertainment for sewists.

Seven Thousand Trimmings Means The Hunt Is Half The Fun

More than 7,000 trimmings and supplies. Let that number sink in for a second.

Fleishman Fabrics & Supplies stocks a huge range of tailoring supplies. These are the small parts that turn a nice project into a finished, polished one.

Zippers are a standout. They come unpackaged in countless colors and lengths, so you can match your fabric almost perfectly.

The button selection is impressive as well. Swapping buttons is one of the easiest ways to upgrade a jacket, so it’s worth a look.

Notions for garment work and repairs fill the shelves too. Thread fans will spot quality Gutermann thread in the mix.

Here’s my favorite part. Small details often decide whether a homemade piece looks homemade or looks professional.

A smart strategy is to shop your trims with the fabric in hand. Seeing colors side by side saves you from a second trip.

Of course, a second trip here wouldn’t exactly be a hardship. Some shoppers probably plan it that way on purpose.

Studs, Spikes, And Purse Hardware Make This A Maker’s Toolbox

Purse clasps and metal spikes might not be what you’d expect at a century-old fabric shop.

Yet here they are, ready for your next project. Fleishman Fabrics & Supplies carries pocketbook hardware for bag makers.

You’ll also find studs and spikes for anyone adding some edge to clothing or accessories.

Dry cleaning supplies are part of the lineup too. That nod to the trade side of the business shows how deep the inventory really goes.

Bag projects need more than fabric. Clasps, rings, and the right hardware hold everything together, literally.

Costume builders benefit as well. Studs can turn a plain bodice into armor or give a vest a dramatic, historical look.

Not sure what size or style you need? Bring your pattern so staff can help you find pieces that fit your design.

I love how this part of the store invites experimenting. A simple tote can become a statement piece with a little shiny hardware.

It’s a reminder that crafting isn’t only about sewing. Sometimes it’s about a good, sturdy clasp.

Costume Designers Treat This Place Like A Secret Weapon

Stage shows, cosplay, Halloween, and historical reenactments all have one thing in common.

They need materials that look dramatic and hold up well. Fleishman Fabrics & Supplies specializes in materials for costume designers.

That focus makes it a natural stop for anyone building something bold.

Sequins, glitter fabrics, and embroidered pieces add instant sparkle. Pair them with the right lining and trims, and a costume really comes alive.

The store also supports formalwear and alteration work. Prom gowns, special-occasion dresses, and tailored pieces all fit right into the mix.

Planning a big costume? Make a supply list before you go, covering fabric, lining, zippers, thread, and buttons.

A list keeps you focused in a store this full. Otherwise you might leave with three new projects instead of one finished one.

I believe costume work is where a shop like this really shines. Big imaginations need big selections, and this place delivers.

Just remember, someone has to sew all those sequins. Choose your project size wisely.

Bring Your Questions Because The Staff Knows Their Stuff

Helpful staff is the single most talked-about feature of this shop.

That’s quite a compliment for a store packed with 7,000-plus supplies.

The team at Fleishman Fabrics & Supplies is known for patience and deep technical knowledge. They help with fabric choices, component matching, and tricky sewing problems.

Beginners get special value from that support. Learning to sew is easier when someone can explain which needle or interfacing suits your project.

Experienced sewists benefit too. Even pros run into puzzles, like finding the right lining weight for a structured jacket.

My advice is simple. Describe your project clearly, including the pattern and the look you want.

The more details you share, the better the guidance you’ll get. A quick photo on your phone can speed things up a lot.

Walk-ins are always welcome, so no appointment is needed. That makes it easy to pop in when a project suddenly stalls.

Good advice can save hours of ripping out seams. And that might be the best bargain in the store.

Plan Your Visit So You Never Feel Rushed

Timing matters when a shop is this full of temptations. Rushing through would feel like skimming a great book.

Fleishman Fabrics & Supplies is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. It’s closed on Sundays, so plan weekend trips for Saturday.

Hours can shift in summer, including possible Monday closures. A quick check before heading out could save you a wasted trip.

Arriving earlier in the day gives you more browsing time. With this much to see, those extra hours really help.

Street parking is an option in the neighborhood. Many visitors also combine their stop with a stroll along the rest of Fabric Row.

Pack your project notes, swatches, and measurements. Those three things turn a fun browse into a productive shopping run.

This store has inspired Pennsylvania makers for over a century, and it’s still going strong. That alone makes it worth a dedicated visit.

Who knows what you’ll walk out with? Maybe the fabric for your next favorite outfit, or simply a fresh dose of creative energy.