The ZipYard, the UK and Ireland’s leading clothing alterations and repairs brand, has officially opened the doors of its brand-new Stockport store at Merseyway Shopping Centre. The new ZipYard Stockport has created three local jobs, with a full-time seamstress and two part-time seamstresses now part of the team. Plans are to expand the workforce further as demand continues to grow.

The store welcomed its first customers on Monday 8th December, and the response from the local community has already been positive, with strong opening-day footfall and a warm welcome from neighbouring businesses and shoppers.

The ZipYard Stockport offers a full range of expert services, including wedding dresses, prom dresses, gowns, suits, menswear, curtain alterations and specialist zip repairs for coats, trousers and accessories. A quick-turnaround service is also available, helping customers with urgent fixes and last-minute alterations.

The new store is owned and run by franchise partners Rajitha Rayanki and Rakesh Potluri, who opened their first ZipYard together after discovering the brand at London’s International Franchise Expo earlier this year.

Originally from India, Rajitha comes from a medical and public health background, holding a Master’s in Public Health from the University of York. However, her passion for creativity and entrepreneurship has always been close to the surface. Growing up, she helped her mother with clothing alterations at home and later went on to develop creative sewing and upcycling projects using unused materials. Rakesh studied Commerce before completing his MBA at the University of East London and brings strong business, finance and operational experience to the partnership.

Rajitha will manage the day-to-day running of the Stockport store, while Rakesh oversees finance and procurement, with both owners working closely together across all areas of the business.

Rajitha Rayanki, Franchise Partner at The ZipYard Stockport, said: “Opening the doors has been an incredible moment for us. The welcome we have had from customers, neighbouring businesses and the local community has been amazing. Stockport is such a vibrant, friendly place, and we already feel proud to be part of it.”

The ZipYard Stockport is located within Merseyway Shopping Centre, with the centre team and neighbouring Redrock development playing a key role in supporting and promoting the opening.

Rajitha added: “Merseyway Shopping Centre and Redrock have been so supportive from day one. They really believe in the sustainability and repair side of what we do and have told us that The ZipYard brings something positive and different to the area. That support has meant a huge amount to us as new business owners.”

Sustainability is at the heart of the business. Alongside repairs and alterations that help extend the life of garments, the team plans to work with charities and local organisations to restyle, resize and reuse textiles that might otherwise go to waste. There are also plans to create bags, artworks, curtains and tablecloths from reclaimed fabrics, as well as collecting unused clothing from the local community.

The store also plans to work closely with independent retailers and boutiques across Stockport, offering third-party alteration services, including in-store fittings, collections for minor alterations and fast returns.

Neluka Dunning, Managing Director and Owner of The ZipYard across the UK and Ireland, said:

“Rajitha and Rakesh have made a brilliant start in Stockport. Their passion, warmth and commitment to quality and sustainability really shine through, and it has been fantastic to see how well the store has been received already. Stockport is a great location for The ZipYard, and this opening is a real success story for the brand. I hope everyone drops in to find out more.”

The ZipYard Stockport opening hours:

Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday – 10 am to 4 pm
Contact details: 0161 317 0894 / stockport@thezipyard.co.uk