When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Discount Fabrics Truemart
Why Discount Fabrics Truemart is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Discount Fabrics Truemart is a cherished family-owned fabric store located in the heart of New York City’s Garment District, just steps away from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). With a rich history dating back to the early 1950s, Truemart has been a cornerstone for designers, students, and creatives for nearly 70 years. The business originally started under the ownership of Irving Ledereich, a Holocaust survivor who purchased the fabric store to continue a legacy rooted in textile expertise passed through generations. Today, under the guidance of David Ettinger, Irving's grandson, Truemart continues to serve a diverse clientele, including FIT students, Broadway costume designers, filmmakers, and hobbyists. The store’s intimate 350-square-foot space houses an impressive variety of textiles such as cotton, wool, satin, and linen. Beyond just a retail fabric shop, Truemart inspires creativity — its environment encourages customers to expand their imagination and take on new projects. The store balances tradition and modern needs, adapting to changing market demands while remaining a trusted fixture for quality fabrics and sewing supplies. Truemart’s blend of historic charm, family heritage, and proximity to a major fashion school makes it an ideal and inspiring destination for meeting friends who share a passion for fashion, crafts, and textile arts.
Here's what people think of Discount Fabrics Truemart
As of recent, Discount Fabrics Truemart holds a 4.4-star rating based on 68 reviews.
User reviews consistently reflect a positive overall experience with Truemart, as evidenced by its strong 4.4-star rating from 68 reviews. Many customers praise the store for its unique charm and the quality and variety of fabrics available. Positive reviews frequently highlight the personalized and knowledgeable service provided by the staff, noting that the family’s dedication to the business creates a welcoming, warm atmosphere. Patrons appreciate the store’s historic significance combined with the practical resources for both professional and amateur sewers. Students from FIT and creative professionals often mention the accessibility and helpfulness of Truemart’s offerings in supporting their projects from concept to completion. On the other hand, some negative feedback touches on the store’s small physical space, which can feel cramped, especially during busy times, and occasional limited stock in certain fabric types. Additionally, some customers noted that the pricing may be higher compared to some discount chain stores, reflecting the specialty nature and curated inventory of the shop. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus is that Truemart remains a beloved fabric destination with a unique character and invaluable connection to the fashion community in New York. The reviews conclude that this family-owned store stands out for its authenticity, history, and supportive environment for fabric enthusiasts.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Suz Sims-Fletcher
Lots of silk. Lots of silk on sale. There were several people in this small sho p who were eager to help. Barrels outside had more sale bolts. If you need something very specific you might not find it, but there are loads of choices... if random. Also some basics: muslin, tulle, etc.
Brooke T
Nice place! Small but they have lots of stuff. I got a very pretty floral stretch twill for $10/yard. The guy working there was professional and nice.
SINGLE n' CROCHETING
The guy there was very helpful and nice. They have a great selection of fabrics for such a small space. I bought this beautiful fabric for $10.00 a yard.
Rachel simpson
Small corner store. Great price and the guys are helpful. Beautiful silk blend for $72 bucks. Couldn’t be happier.
Chfman
Listed as open on Sunday noon to 5:30. Made the trip up and the place is closed. Doesn’t even look like they are in business to be honest.
How to reach Discount Fabrics Truemart
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Why Discount Fabrics Truemart may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Discount Fabrics Truemart with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meetup at Discount Fabrics Truemart presents a unique and memorable experience unlike typical social venues. Located in the vibrant heart of New York City’s Garment District, Truemart has an intimate, welcoming atmosphere enriched by its rich history as a fourth-generation family business. This place is more than just a fabric store; it embodies a creative community hub where imaginations run wild amid shelves of cotton, wool, satin, linen, and more. If you and your friends share an interest in fashion, design, or arts and crafts, Truemart offers a hands-on, inspiring backdrop to bond over. Even if sewing or fabric arts are new to the group, the store’s cozy size and the staff’s welcoming nature encourage exploration, creativity, and conversation. You can admire rolls of fabrics once used in Broadway productions and movies, connecting with a living piece of New York’s artistic culture. Hosting a meetup here not only fosters creativity but also supports a storied small business right next to the Fashion Institute of Technology, where generations of designers have honed their craft. It’s a perfect blend of history, creativity, and community all under one roof, making it a special place to rally with friends.
What activities can you enjoy together at Discount Fabrics Truemart?
Discount Fabrics Truemart offers a variety of engaging activities that are perfect for groups looking for a creative outing. The main activity revolves around fabric exploration—scrolling through countless bolts of material, each with its own texture, color, and story. Friends can compare and contrast options for projects ranging from home décor to fashion design. The fabric selection is vast, including everything from cottons to velvets and corduroys, which can spark lively discussions and ideas. For those who sew or want to learn, the store provides an excellent opportunity to exchange sewing tips, share patterns, and perhaps inspire a collaborative project among friends. Additionally, visitors often find the wall displays of family memorabilia and photographs fascinating, creating conversational starting points about the business’s legacy. This mix of exploration and education is perfect for nurturing shared creativity. Guests can also enjoy making plans for their own projects, inspired by the fabric samples around them, turning a casual meetup into a motivational crafting session. For college students and fashion enthusiasts, the proximity to FIT adds an educational vibe, and alumni or current students might recount experiences while browsing materials. These collective experiences make Truemart much more than a store; it becomes a place to create memories and possibly plan future meetups centered around creativity.
Why is Discount Fabrics Truemart the perfect place for a group meetup?
Discount Fabrics Truemart’s intimate and historic location creates an ideal atmosphere for any group gathering. The store’s compact size fosters a cozy environment that encourages interaction and conversation. Unlike large retail chains or impersonal craft stores, Truemart offers a personalized, family-run experience where visitors feel welcomed and can explore at their own pace. Its location near the Fashion Institute of Technology means the space constantly buzzes with creative energy and inspiration, perfect for groups enthusiastic about design, crafting, or simply looking for a unique outing. The staff, steeped in decades of family tradition, adds a warm touch by sharing stories or helping you find precisely what you need. Moreover, the diversity of fabrics available caters to numerous tastes and project ideas, ensuring that everyone in the group finds something intriguing. The nearby neighborhood offers complementary spots for post-visit socials, such as cafés or restaurants, making the meetup feel complete. Whether your group is looking to embark on a sewing project, explore textile arts, or just enjoy a shared cultural experience, Truemart’s atmosphere encourages creativity and connection, which is why it stands out as an exceptional place to rally your friends or family.
What makes the fabric selection at Truemart so special for meetups?
One of the standout features of Discount Fabrics Truemart is its extensive and varied fabric selection, which fuels group interaction and inspiration. You’ll find an impressive array of materials including natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, and linen, as well as specialty fabrics like satin and corduroy. This breadth allows friends to touch, feel, and experiment with different textures, sparking conversations about color combinations and design possibilities. Many fabrics have links to the glamour of Broadway and film industries, with some materials once used in professional costume production, lending a touch of storytelling to the shopping experience. This variety turns browsing into a tactile and sensory adventure that encourages collaborative decision-making—perfect for groups wanting to work on joint projects or simply indulge their shared fascination with textiles. The fabric rolls are displayed in a way that invites curiosity and creativity, with each bolt potentially triggering new ideas for apparel, décor, or artistic experimentations. Even for those less familiar with fabrics, the chance to explore and learn alongside friends makes the experience lively and enriching.
Why is the history of Truemart Fabrics an added attraction for group visits?
The rich history behind Discount Fabrics Truemart adds a meaningful layer to any group visit, deeply enriching the experience beyond shopping. Founded by family members who immigrated and contributed to New York City’s textile and fashion scene for over four decades, the store stands as a living legacy of heritage and perseverance. This family business began in the 1950s when Irving Ledereich, a Holocaust survivor, took over the fabric shop and crafted a name that still represents quality and commitment. Exploring the store, groups can view memorabilia and photos that narrate the business’s evolution and its ties to the city’s garment district, offering a window into the past. This story fosters respect and appreciation among visitors, making the visit more meaningful than just browsing—a chance to connect with real-life narratives of resilience and passion. Customers from various creative industries, including Broadway and fashion students from FIT, have patronized the store, adding cultural weight to the atmosphere. For groups interested in history, fashion, or community storytelling, Truemart offers a unique blend of commerce and culture that enhances social interaction.
How does the location of Truemart Fabrics enhance the group meetup experience?
Truemart’s location in the Garment District near Chelsea and adjacent to the Fashion Institute of Technology creates invaluable synergy for group meetups. Being in Manhattan’s fashion heart means there is always creative energy permeating the neighborhood, which invigorates any visit. This central spot is easily accessible for friends coming from all parts of the city, making it a convenient meeting point. The surrounding area is rich with attractions such as art galleries, trendy cafes, and iconic shopping streets, ensuring that meetups can seamlessly expand beyond Truemart itself. After exploring fabrics, groups can celebrate their time together at nearby eateries or grab coffee to discuss ideas sparked during the visit. Furthermore, the proximity to FIT means that meetups can intersect with ongoing fashion education and youth culture, adding vibrancy and relevance. The bustling yet intimate neighborhood perfectly complements the store’s charm, turning a simple fabric outing into an energetic day filled with discovery, creativity, and social bonding.
What amenities and customer service can groups expect at Discount Fabrics Truemart?
Groups visiting Discount Fabrics Truemart benefit from a personalized and attentive shopping experience that enhances the social aspect of a meetup. As a family-run business, the store prioritizes friendly and knowledgeable service, ensuring that visitors feel welcome regardless of their fabric expertise. Staff members are eager to provide assistance with fabric selection, project advice, or even sewing tips, which can be particularly helpful for groups with mixed experience levels. The store’s manageable size means that everyone can stay together comfortably, encouraging dynamic interaction rather than being spread out or overwhelmed. Customers can purchase fabrics by the yard, allowing friends to mix and match materials tailored to their individual or collaborative projects. The store is open six days a week with flexible hours, which offers convenience for planning group meetups. This combination of customer-focused service and quality product offerings makes the fabric shopping trip at Truemart not only productive but also enjoyable and social.
How can a meetup at Truemart inspire future creative projects?
A group meetup at Discount Fabrics Truemart extends far beyond the immediate visit by planting seeds for exciting future creative endeavors. Immersed in a rich environment of textures, colors, and fashion history, gatherings here naturally spark ideas for sewing, designing, and crafting projects. Friends can discover materials that inspire each other and potentially collaborate on garments, home décor, or art pieces. The hands-on experience encourages people to learn new skills, share knowledge, and motivate one another in creative pursuits. Those connected to the Fashion Institute of Technology can bring fresh design concepts to life through fabric selection. Even casual visitors often leave with newfound excitement about future craft or fashion work. In this sense, Truemart becomes a catalyst for creativity, where the social aspect of meeting friends combines seamlessly with artistic inspiration, making it an ideal hub to plan and launch shared or individual projects.
Why do returning customers and celebrities choose Truemart for their fabric needs?
Truemart Fabrics holds a reputation among long-time customers and even celebrities for its reliable quality and personalized service. Over the years, the store has attracted a diverse clientele that includes Broadway costume designers, independent film producers, and even personalities like J Alexander from America’s Next Top Model. The trust earned from these high-profile customers speaks to the consistent excellence of Truemart’s products and its knowledgeable staff. For a group meetup, this adds an air of exclusivity and pride—meeting at a place that serves as a trusted resource for professionals in the creative arts. The store’s ability to adapt to trends while maintaining traditional values keeps customers coming back. Long-standing customers often return not only to purchase materials but also to reminisce and connect with the family behind the business, enriching the communal feel that makes it perfect for groups. This reputation ensures that every group visit is a chance to experience a slice of New York’s fabric and fashion legacy.
What types of fabric projects can groups plan after visiting Truemart?
Groups visiting Discount Fabrics Truemart have the ideal opportunity to plan a wide variety of fabric-based projects tailored to their combined interests. Sewing enthusiasts can consider making clothing pieces like dresses, shirts, or outerwear using the diverse materials available. Textile artists might explore mixed media art or fabric sculpture using specialty fabrics from the store’s inventory. Home décor projects such as cushions, curtains, quilts, or table linens are also popular and provide a rewarding group craft activity. For those interested in costume design, there is inspiration from the fabric’s connection to Broadway and the arts. Beginners can start small with simple crafts like fabric-covered notebooks or tote bags, which are accessible yet creative. The experience of shopping together helps groups decide on project themes and coordinate supplies, turning Truemart into a base camp for creativity. These projects foster bonding as friends learn new skills and collaborate, making the meetup meaningful beyond just the time spent in-store.
How do the store’s hours and location support flexible group meetups?
Discount Fabrics Truemart’s convenient hours and accessible location support flexible scheduling and easy meetup planning for groups of all kinds. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed on Saturdays. These varied hours accommodate different work and school schedules, enabling groups to plan visits during weekdays or weekends as fits best. Located on 7th Avenue near 25th Street in Manhattan, the store is centrally placed for friends coming from various boroughs. The neighborhood’s excellent transportation links—subways, buses, and easy walking distance from key areas—make arrival and departure convenient. These factors reduce planning stress and encourage spontaneous meetups or more extended creative sessions. Whether you want a quick fabric browse or an all-day adventure including nearby dining and gallery visits, Truemart’s accessible operation supports group cohesion and fun.
Why choose Discount Fabrics Truemart over other fabric stores for group events?
Choosing Discount Fabrics Truemart for your group meetups has distinct advantages over other fabric retailers. Its deeply rooted family history and location in New York’s Garment District endow it with authenticity and character that larger chain stores often lack. The personalized service creates a welcoming environment where every visitor feels valued, perfect for groups wanting an interactive and intimate experience. The store’s diverse fabric selection caters to a wide spectrum of tastes and creative levels, making it versatile for mixed groups. Its social and cultural significance as a creative hub right next to FIT gives visitors a sense of participating in something bigger—supporting local business, engaging with fashion history, and sharing inspiration. These aspects combine to create a meetup experience that’s not just about shopping but about community, creativity, and connection. For groups who want more than just a venue—those who want inspiration and warmth—Truemart stands out as the ideal destination.