By Brenda Hillegas
If you’re looking for something to satisfy your creative mind and need for self-expression, look no further than our own backyard.
A growing number of businesses are taking root in Roxborough that encourage patrons to dabble on their artistic and creative side.
From the local arts scene to specialty stores offering unique merchandise and services, the Roxborough business community is going through a renaissance of sorts by offering customers opportunities for discovery and personal fulfillment.
One such enterprise is EOS Fabrics, under the guiding hand of Rachel Heal, which is settling into the Roxborough business landscape following its recent storefront renovation on the outer ring of the Ridge Avenue business corridor at 484 Leverington Avenue.
Heal didn’t necessarily set out to reinvent EOS Fabrics.
After purchasing the 25-year-old online business in 2024 and relocating it to Roxborough, she only hoped the storefront would be a welcomed addition to the already successful online presence.
As a Roxborough resident of 13 years, she soon realized the neighborhood was a wonderful fit for EOS, and helped the business evolve when she transitioned from employee to owner.
“Our previous space was strictly a fulfillment center for our online store, and that worked perfectly for a long time. When I signed the lease on Leverington, I was excited by the potential of this new space, but it took a while to take shape. After some light construction and a building refresh, we opened our beautiful storefront window,” says Heal.
Immediately, people were curious to stop in, and the interest from the community exceeded her expectations.
EOS Fabrics takes pride in its track record of providing unmatched customer service and a commitment to quality. (Photo courtesy of EOS Fabrics)
EOS Fabrics has an extensive inventory to fulfill the needs of even the most exacting of customers. (Photo courtesy of EOS Fabrics)
EOS Fabrics is a hybrid business, handling worldwide online sales as well as in-person browsing by appointment. (Photo courtesy of EOS Fabrics)
The EOS Fabrics storefront sits in the heart of the Roxborough business corridor at 484 Leverington Avenue, just off the Ridge. (Photo courtesy of EOS Fabrics)
A ‘before’ shot of the EOS Fabrics storefront before its transformational renovation. (Photo courtesy of EOS Fabrics)
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EOS Fabrics takes pride in its track record of providing unmatched customer service and a commitment to quality. (Photo courtesy of EOS Fabrics)
“I suddenly realized there was a need for change,” she says. “EOS is now a hybrid, still primarily selling from our website and shipping orders worldwide, but also offering free local pickups, consultations and in-person browsing by appointment. Our front office has been transformed into Swatch Land, where 1,300+ in-stock fabrics can be browsed and sampled.”
As a business owner, Heal says it’s reassuring to see a rise in the arts-focused businesses in Roxborough.
“Our community is so supportive and really craves this type of diversity. I cannot tell you how many people stop in just to say they’re glad we are here. There was actually a fabric shop in my exact location in the ‘70s and a neighbor stopped in to tell me she worked there as a teenager,” says Heal.
Learning this fact about EOS Fabrics’ location illustrated Roxborough’s deep roots in textiles. Heal felt that the neighborhood got away from that for a bit as it became more residential, but is looking forward to the ways the community is returning to arts-based businesses.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this community which both speaks to the past and the future and I’m excited to see where we will go!”
Since making the leap to a hybrid model, EOS Fabrics has connected with many of Philadelphia’s emerging designers, tailors, fashion students, and neighbors just learning to sew, including customers who live on Heal’s street, but hadn’t previously met her.
She calls this an unexpected bonus of the shift.
“One of the silver linings of the Covid pandemic was a resurgence of interest in sewing,” she says.
“EOS created a new category for mask-making fabrics which was extremely popular and people had time at home to either learn to sew their own clothes or rekindle their hobby. The most interesting and exciting part of this trend is that younger people are taking up the craft.”
Prior to Covid, more than half of the customer base at EOS had been 55-plus, and the majority of that population was 65-plus.
They have seen a fast-growing group of new customers who are 35 or younger.
There are many tutorials and guides on the EOS website that can help curious customers start their sewing journey.
“People need tactile, sensory-rich activities and a creative outlet to balance the constant input,” she says of our tech-driven world. “It’s also a great way to create a truly unique wardrobe in an era of fast-fashion which is incredibly refreshing!”
Just walk along Ridge Avenue or many of the connecting streets and you’ll see that creativity is being crafted every day in Roxborough from local shops, artists, murals, festivals and more.
As businesses like EOS Fabrics continue to welcome neighbors through their doors, they’re also helping ensure that the Ridge remains a place where unique craftsmanship and culture can thrive together in our community.