Old-School Business Survives, Thrives in San Juan Capistrano 40 Years

Originally posted at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 26, 2013.

When a business sticks around a small town for 40 years, that’s something to toast. When that business is based on the “domestic arts” of sewing and vacuuming, that’s fortitude.

Shopkeeper Stuart Binns’ Capistrano Sewing & Vacuum  marks 40 years this week and will host a small celebration with refreshments and deals on Bernina sewing machines Friday, you know, that day associated with a certain dark color.

“We’re in the disposable age,” said Binns, whose high-end Swedish sewing machines and American and German vacuum cleaners are meant to last. With the vacuum cleaners, people will often bring in the “big-box” kind clogged up. Binns declogs them but also touts the virtues of buying something designed to endure.

“It’s a small business. The only way to compete is by giving good service and service with a smile,” he said.

More than 15 years ago, Binns owned two sewing and vacuum stores, in Rancho Santa Margarita and Lake Forest. But Capistrano Sewing & Vac was doing more business than the two combined, so when the San Juan shop became available, he jumped at the opportunity.

British by birth, Binns sort of fell into the sewing and vacuum biz when he moved to Tucson and was willing to take any job. Another ex-pat hired him to do pick-ups and deliveries.

Capistrano Sewing &Vac is a destination business, attracting customers from as far away as Pasadena, Corona and San Diego, Binns said. The repair technician came with the purchase. He’s been on the job in San Juan Capistrano for 30 years.