It was October 1987 when By The Yard first opened on Warner Road in Tempe. It’s been there—and been a community staple—ever since.
“Many people say it’s a candy store!” says Colleen Simon, who has been working with the store for 24 years. “All of the beautiful in-stock fabric options coupled with our large resource room containing hundreds of books and fabric samples—it’s a one-stop shop. We do everything … help with the design, make the product, measure, deliver, and install.”
By The Yard not only sells upholstery and drapery fabric and trim, but designs and manufactures custom items including window treatments, pillows, bedding, and more—the company even once made a custom boat cover upon request. There also is a selection of wallpaper.
Window treatments and upholstery are the most common requests, says Simon, who shares that store designers offer consultations in-store or at a customer’s home.
“I love helping customers create beautiful pieces or complete rooms that make them happy!” says Simon. “[And what we do] allows every day to be different, with new clients and new projects.”
The fabrics available include everything from high-end designer options to mill-direct products.
While products were made on-site when the company first launched, over the years the business has grown exponentially, necessitating the relocation of the workroom to a separate location.
The staff of By The Yard has been the same mostly for decades, a true testament to the company and its commitment to its integrity, culture, and mission.
“Even though we are not family, we’ve run like a family business for 37 years. We all have many years with By The Yard.”