William Gee's Haberdashery
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In 1906, William Goldstein- an East European immigrant- changed his name to William Gee and opened a small trimmings shop at 495 Kingsland Road with £2 worth of stock. At that time Hackney was a well-to-do area as well as being a centre for the rag trade. There were garment shops, clothing companies, factories and small units all along the road. Most products were manufactured locally and then sup
01/09/2024
William Gee's classic vans of the past. Our new shop will be full of vintage memorabilia and old photos so do come and visit our heritage haberdashery when we open! 🙏♥️
29/08/2024
DRESSMAKER'S GIVEAWAY!🧵🏆
Enter to WIN our gorgeous Dressmaker's Celebration Scissors Gift Bag - worth £70 - and some lovely William Gee goodies...it's the perfect prize! ✂️🎁
Entering is FREE & EASY:
1) Follow us William Gee's Haberdashery
2) Tag your friends - each tag counts as an entry
3) Share as a post or story for an extra entry!
Be sure to follow us so we can notify the winner on Friday 13th Sept! Good luck!🤞
👗 👚 💃
Terms:
Competition closes 1pm on 13/9/24 when a winner will be picked at random. International entries are allowed, however prizes can only be shipped to an address in the UK. You must be following us in order to be eligible for this competition. Winner will be informed via social media and contacted directly & via this post.
28/08/2024
YEP.
24/08/2024
HUGE NEWS 📣 We're moving!
We thought it's about time to share the exciting news that after 118 years on Kingsland Road, we're moving round the corner in a few months time! Some of you may remember our old warehouse on Forest Road - well this is how it looks now!
Our new multi-purpose hub will have space to host classes from industry specialists, step-free sewing machine rooms, a MASSIVE workshop area as well as huge cutting tables, and our shop will (finally!) be able to house all our products so you can browse our full range of 9000 sewing, tailoring and dressmaking supplies.
Whilst we are modernising the shop, we are extremely mindful that our heritage haberdashery needs to keep it's olde worlde charm, and there will be plenty of nods to the past relating to our shop, our trade, and our Hackney community throughout the years.
Those who regularly come into our shop know that these plans have been in the making for quite some time, and we can't wait to open our doors to show you what we're creating.
There's lots more to come, and we'll keep you posted with move-in dates in due course (as well as an official launch party later no doubt), but we wanted to keep you in the loop.
Have a wonderful bank holiday weekend you lovely lot!
Adam and the whole WG family ♥️
02/07/2024
What was your favourite garment from Kids Week?🧵🐝
Don't miss our weekly episode recaps online!
Great British Sewing Bee 2024: Kids week | Episode 6 | William Gee UK Kids week is a regular feature on the Great British Sewing Bee. Have a read of our recap of the episode, where the sewists make a children's sequinned bomber jacket, turn old towels into fancy dress, and create an outfit inspired by a childhood photo.
27/06/2024
📸 Spotted at Glasto!
☀️ A naked knitted figurine depicting Coldplay singer Chris Martin has been taken to Glastonbury Festival!
🎤 The doll is now in the fields of the festival, in its full glory!
🧵 Knitted by Sandra Witcombe
20/06/2024
Thursday Update📣⚽️ We'll be closing slightly earlier today - 4pm - to allow staff a little extra time to get home to catch the England match.
🚚 Orders will be despatched as normal on a Tracked DHL, Royal Mail or international shipping service.
🏡 Last Collection time today 3.45pm please.
🏴 It's coming home (maybe?)
15/05/2024
Not long to go now!
The Great British Sewing Bee 2024 air date and contestants! | William Gee UK The Great British Sewing Bee 2024 is officially returning to our screens on Tuesday 21st May! The much loved sewing programme is just around the corner, and we can't wait.
01/04/2024
TIME IS RUNNING OUT to save Princess Button from the evil Zip Monster in the Haberdashery Kingdom! 👹👾
William Gee: The Game - OUT NOW! ✅
💬 Who wants to play? Comment below & we'll send you a link!
GamesRadar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gamespot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Drapers Magazine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
13/03/2024
6 inspiring sewing podcasts to listen to in 2024 (& beyond!)✂️🧵
I love having something on in the background while I'm sewing or cutting out a new project. Podcasts are great - depending on which one it is, it can either be incredibly educational, or feel like having a chat with sewing friend while working on a project together.
🧶I've collated a list of my favourite sewing-related podcasts, and a few others which I've heard excellent things about and are next on my list.
Here they are, and in no particular order:
6 inspiring sewing podcasts to listen to in 2024 (and beyond!) | William Gee UK I love having something on in the background while I'm sewing or cutting out a new project. Here's a list of my favourite sewing-related podcasts, and a few others which are next on my list.
Hello & Happy Friday! ✂️
Due to staff shortages we are open for CLICK & COLLECT orders only today, and we'll close at 4pm. We'll be back up & running as normal on Monday. Xx
14/02/2024
❤️❤️
26/01/2024
Let's amp up that Friday feeling💃 Our sitewide sale is LIVE NOW 🔥
⚡ Use discount code INSTA15 and receive 15% off on EVERYTHING we stock online.
🎁 No minimum orders - choose from calico, papers, fashion tools, zips, threads & 9000 other sewing supplies.
Don't miss out! Ends Sunday 28/1/24. Online only.
21/12/2023
XMAS SPECIAL! 🐝🎄Who's tuning in?!
The Great British Sewing Bee is back for a Christmas special, airing in just a few days time! ✂️
Have a read through our little guide before the episode to find out who’s joining the Bee’s judges, and what they’ll be getting up to. Enjoy!!
https://www.williamgee.co.uk/great-british-sewing-bee-christmas-special-2023/
25/10/2023
It's our Halloween Giveaway!🎃🏆
Enter for your chance to win our Halloween giveaway including a pair of Fiskar's Tailor's Shears & other fab William Gee goodies!✂️🎁
👻 Entering is FREE & EASY:
1) Like us William Gee's Haberdashery
2) Tag your friends - each tag counts as an entry
3) Share as a post or story for an extra entry!
Just make sure you’re following us so we can notify the winner on 3rd November 2023! Good luck!🤞
🕯🎃🕸🦇
Terms: Competition closes 1pm on 03/11/23 when a winner will be picked at random. International entries are allowed, however prizes can only be shipped to an address in the UK. You must be following William Gee's Haberdashery in order to be eligible for this competition. Winner will be informed via social media and contacted directly & via this post. Good luck!
20/10/2023
🍑Sewing Your Own Underwear...is it worth it?
+ FREE sewing patterns & top tips for sewing your own undies🧵
Sewing Your Own Underwear: Is It Worth It?! FREE underwear sewing patterns & top tips on DIY pants!
📣SHOP UPDATE📣
The shop will be closing today (Friday) at 1pm. We'll reopen Monday as usual. Have a lovely weekend! WG xx
31/07/2023
Great British Sewing Bee 2023 Final! Episode recap & sewing inspiration🐝 SPOILER ALERT!!
Great British Sewing Bee 2023 Final! Episode recap and sewing inspiration | William Gee UK I'm going to recap the Series 9 final in this post, so don't read on if you haven't watched it yet, or don't want to know who won!
Wow! 🧵🐝 What an incredible journey! What did you think of the Sewing Bee finale?✂️
Fave outfit? Fave contestant? Fave moment? Let us know! 👇
25/07/2023
Sewing Bee Episode 9 (Semi Finals) Recap🐝🧵
📣SPOILER ALERT! Do not read before watching...you have been warned! 😊
The Sewing Bee: Episode 9 - Utilitarian Week (semi-final!) | William Gee UK Read on for some utility-inspired sewing and a recap of the GBSB's 2023 semi-final.
13/07/2023
Bring it all back with 90s week! Ep 6 Recap🧵🐝 SPOILER ALERT!
Sewing Bee: Episode 7 recap and 90's sewing pattern ideas! | William Gee UK We're back with a longer post for 90s week, including a recap and some 90s pattern ideas. This episode comes complete with a 90s playlist, dial-up tones and top 90s fashion trends.
28/06/2023
Episode 5 RECAP! 🐝🐝
The Sewing Bee: Episode 5 recap - art week! | William Gee UK This week's Great British Sewing Bee takes its inspiration from the world of art - join us for a recap of Series 9, Episode 5!
27/06/2023
The William Gee Birthday Giveaway🇬🇧🏆🎂
Enter below to win our NEW Luxury Marble Paper Weights & other fab William Gee goodies...it's the perfect prize to celebrate our 117th anniversary! ✂️🎁
Entering is FREE & EASY:
1) Follow our page William Gee's Haberdashery
2) Tag your friends - each tag counts as an entry
3) Share as a post or story for an extra entry!
Just make sure you’re following us so we can notify the winner on Friday 7th July! Good luck 🤞
👗 👚 💃
Terms: Competition closes 1pm on 07/07/23 when a winner will be picked at random. International entries are allowed, however prizes can only be shipped to an address in the UK. You must be following William Gee's Haberdashery in order to be eligible for this competition. Winner will be informed via social media and contacted directly & via this post. Good luck!
26/06/2023
📣Introducing the newest product in our Lifestyle Range: Hand-finished, smooth paper weights, perfect for your studio or at home!
🇬🇧Crafted in London & built to last
🛍️Order yours today with code MARBLE10 for 10% off
👉williamgee.co.uk/shop/marble-paper-weights/
22/06/2023
BIG NEWS! 📣 William Gee's Marble Weights - cute, stylish & ready-to-buy in our online store from Monday!
What do you think of our new marble weights? Let us know in the comments! 👇
⚡Stay tuned for our next giveaway coming soon!⚡
16/06/2023
Episode 3 Recap 🐝🐝
Sewing Bee: Episode 3 recap - West Africa week | William Gee UK his week the sewists celebrated West Africa, exploring the iconic batakari, Àdìre fabric and boubous. They were joined by Lagos-based fashion designer Banke Kuku, whose luxury designs have been on the red carpet and catwalk.
30/05/2023
SPOILER ALERT! 📺 Sewing Bee Series 9 Episode 1🧵
Our weekly roundup of all things Sewing Bee🐝 What did you think of Ep 1? Let us know in the comments!
The Sewing Bee Series 9 - Episode 1 recap | William Gee UK We've been eagerly awaiting the 2023 series of The Great British Sewing Bee, and loved watching the first episode last Wednesday! Check back for more GBSB updates..
22/05/2023
With the new series of the Sewing Bee✂️🐝 back on our screens this week, we want to know...
When was your first stitch? And who inspired you to start sewing?👚👕👗👒
Comments below!👇
25/04/2023
The William Gee CORONATION GIVEAWAY!👑🇬🇧🏆
Enter our competition to WIN our gorgeous Dressmaker's Celebration Scissors Set - worth £70 - and some lovely William Gee goodies...it's the perfect prize! ✂️🎁
Entering is FREE & EASY:
1) Follow our page William Gee's Haberdashery
2) Tag your friends - each tag counts as an entry
3) Share as a post or story for an extra entry!
Just make sure you’re following us so we can notify the winner on Friday 5th May! Good luck 🤞
👗 👚 💃
Terms:
Competition closes 1pm on 05/05/23 when a winner will be picked at random. International entries are allowed, however prizes can only be shipped to an address in the UK. You must be following William Gee's Haberdashery in order to be eligible for this competition. Winner will be informed via social media and contacted directly & via this post. Good luck!
13/04/2023
It's almost time!! ✂️🐝 Who's ready for the Sewing Bee??
It's nearly time for The Great British Sewing Bee 2023! | William Gee UK The Great British Sewing Bee is one of the highlights of our year at William Gee! It's nearly time for the new series and we can’t wait.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
William Gee’s family-run haberdashery since 1906
In 1906, William Goldstein- an East European immigrant- changed his name to William Gee and opened a small trimmings shop at 495 Kingsland Road with £2 worth of stock.
At that time Hackney was a well-to-do area as well as being a centre for the rag trade. There were garment shops, clothing companies, factories and small units all along the road. Most products were manufactured locally and then supplied to the big shops and manufacturers in the West End. William Gee’s business soon started to expand and moved across the road to larger premises at 520 Kingsland Road. His sons, Sidney and Alfred, built up the business and merged with David Graham who had his own business in Commercial Street in the East End.
As a child I remember there was almost a Dickensian atmosphere, clerks sat on high stools working with big ledgers. There were seventy to eighty people working here and all the floors were occupied with separate departments for zips, sewing threads, haberdashery, buttons, and linings. There’d be ten or twelve ladies upstairs making covered buttons – it was like a bingo session. People left school at fifteen and were here all their working lives. It was a career for life and many couples and families worked here.
I worked here as a student in the summer holidays and my father asked me if I could help out. I’ve been here full time since 1988. It hasn’t changed an awful lot since I remember it as a child. We thought about modernising it and making the shop self service like a supermarket but people come in and say ‘don’t change it’. They’ll say ’my grandma used to send me in here for buttons, and we like it as it is’. So we’ve kept it in its old style; there have always been two long benches for serving at the side of the shop and despite its old fashioned style (or maybe because of it) it has a certain charm.
Although as a company we are predominantly a wholesale company supplying manufacturers and hospitals, bridalwear and corporate wear suppliers, the shop has always served the local trade. But over the years that has changed. Many factories have closed down as production has moved to cheaper labour economies, first East Europe and now the Far East. Now we are much more retail based. We have a very wide and varied customer base supplying trimmings to film companies and theatre groups, fashion colleges and students, and many local designers and their studios.
Like everyone in the fashion business we are customer driven and our business is supplying what the customers require. Just like in the days when William Gee started his business.
As for the future…
We took part in an exhibition all about shops and the shopping experience in our area in Hackney Library a few years ago. The organisers asked shopkeepers what they thought business would be like in 10 years, and without exception everyone said they were worried and lacked confidence. There was a feeling that the high street was in decline due to the growth of massive shopping centres, rising rents and business rates and more people looking to buy online. In my opinion the high street is changing but there is a need for a vibrant high street, full of indie stores, for the sake of local communities.
So how do we see the future for William Gee? We are expanding our online shop and constantly adding to our catalogue and there are exciting plans for future developments. My son, Adam (pictured right, above), is involved with the management of the company and in particular growing our online site which has been most successful. After 113 years of trading, William Gee is still looking to adapt and grow as a company and to help all our customers – both in the clothing industry and with domestic customers alike.
Here’s to the next 113 years.
Jeffrey Graham
William Gee Director
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Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5:30pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5:30pm |
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