The UK’s largest clothing alterations and repairs franchise, The Zip Yard, is bringing its trusted tailoring services to the capital for the very first time. The new Shepherd’s Bush store will open on May 27th, creating new jobs and offering West London residents a high-quality alternative to throwaway fashion.
Located at 117 Shepherds Bush Road, this flagship location will become The Zip Yard’s 52nd store across the UK and Ireland – marking a major milestone in the brand’s 20-year journey.
From simple repairs to bridal and designer tailoring
Whether it’s a button that’s come loose, a broken zip, a vintage treasure in need of reshaping or a full bridal gown alteration, The Zip Yard is trusted across the country for its precise, professional and friendly service. Many Zip Yard stores also work with well-known designer retailers, providing expert tailoring for premium garments.
Customers bring in their best-loved clothes knowing they’ll receive care and attention to detail – whether it’s a Fendi dress or a favourite pair of jeans. The Shepherd’s Bush store will offer the full range of alterations and repair services, including leather and suede, suit tailoring, and bespoke bridalwear.
The new store will be owned and operated by Judith Yemane, who will manage day-to-day operations, supported by her husband Binyam. Judith brings a lifelong love of fashion and design, shaped by a creative childhood and a professional background in retail, education and the civil service.
“I’ve always wanted to build something I could be proud of – not just for myself, but for my family and community,” said Judith. “The Zip Yard stood out to us as a perfect fit. I love fashion and creativity, and I care deeply about sustainability. There’s nothing else like this in Shepherd’s Bush – we’ll be offering something genuinely useful, friendly and personal.”
The store is expected to create up to four jobs, including seamstresses and front-of-house roles, with opportunities to scale as the business grows.
Repair, reuse, restyle – a more conscious approach to fashion
With the cost of living still biting and awareness growing about the environmental impact of fast fashion, more people are choosing to invest in the clothes they already own. The Zip Yard has seen demand soar across its network, completing over 280,000 repairs and alterations in the past 12 months – and helping to prevent 150,000 garments from ending up in landfill.
Seam repairs, jeans and trouser shortening, zip replacements, and crotch repairs are among the most in-demand services. The network also handled 3,000 bridal and 7,000 formalwear alterations last year, making it a trusted name for occasion dressing.
Neluka Dunning, owner of The Zip Yard franchise, said:
“Whether it’s a student mending vintage finds or a customer altering a designer piece, we’re seeing a real shift in how people think about clothing. People want to wear what they love – and make it last. Judith and Binyam are exactly the kind of franchisees we’re proud to support: passionate, service-driven, and rooted in the local community.
“There’s been a real desire for a London Zip Yard store for some time, but we knew we had to wait for the right location – and the right person to lead it. Shepherd’s Bush ticks all the boxes, and Judith brings the passion, attention to detail and commitment to quality that our customers have come to expect.”
Judith and her team also hope to build relationships with other local businesses, boutiques and charities, and are open to future collaborations in the area.
The store is now taking enquiries ahead of its grand opening in May. Launch offers and local promotions will be announced soon via social media and in-store.
