Local shoppers are in mourning this week after owners of a popular fabric store in east Bakersfield warned they may have to close the shop unless it can be sold soon.
Social media posts this week by Floraea and Marcel Sescu say they face medical problems that require them to step back from their daily obligations at F&M Fabrics at 2954 Niles St. They noted their son is unable to take over because he has moved to Oklahoma to open his own fabric store.
The updates have elicited an outpouring of support, thanks and offers of prayer for Marcel, the co-owner and manager who according to the posts is undergoing treatment for stage-three colon cancer. The posts also note that Floraea suffers constant pain from chronic arthritis in her hands, hips and knees.
“The combined demands of cancer treatment and running a business full-time have simply become more than they can manage, especially at this stage of their lives,” the posts read.
As the Sescus entertain purchase offers and thank their employees, many in the community have weighed in with reminiscences of F&M’s service over the past 40 years.
“This is an eastside gem,” customer Jennifer Davis commented on Facebook. “They have everything and the employees are always so kind and helpful. Literally the only place in Bakersfield where you have so many choices at a reasonable price. Prayers for your health and for the employees. You are a blessing to the community.”
The Sescus’ troubles have come as U.S. fabric, craft and sewing supplies stores face challenges, partly evident in last year’s closure of the last of more than 800 stores owned by nationwide retailer Joann Fabrics after repeated filings for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
A report by research firm IBIS found that shifting consumer habits and mounting economic pressure have combined with cutbacks in the amount of time Americans spend on sewing and crafting.
The report said e-commerce has grown to account for about one-sixth of all industry retail sales. Meanwhile, it noted, big-box stores like Walmart have undercut other fabric retailers by offering inexpensive materials as impulse buys.
The Sescus were unavailable for comment Wednesday, but employee Caitlin Murphy said no closure date has been set for the store. She noted that a clearance sale could start as soon as next week.
“They (the Sescus) are still kind of hoping that somebody can come in and purchase everything as a whole,” she said, adding that she is “devastated, to say the least.”
“It’s hard,” she said. “We don’t know what to do.”
The Sescus’ post Tuesday on Facebook had drawn 454 “likes” by Wednesday morning, along with 160 “shares” and nearly 100 comments.
Among the commenters was Diana Ripepi, who said the store’s news was sad for many reasons.
“This family has been a great part of our community ever since the tiny house,” she wrote. “F&M Fabric is unparalleled in the Central Valley of California. Marcel and Floraea are knowledgeable, helpful and irreplaceable. Our family wishes them the best. I have spent many hours restoring my creative spirit within their walls.”
Another customer who commented on the post, Elizabeth Rivera, said she was saddened to hear of the owners’ health problems and that she hopes the Sescus find a way to ease their pain and overcome their health challenges.
“Secondly, also so sorry to hear that the business may not be there pending on who takes over,” Rivera continued. “I know of many people whose celebrations have been saved by materials bought there. I pray that F&M Fabrics survives as you meant it to be.”