Summary

Established décor and canvas business in Lydenburg offering custom upholstery, blinds, and outdoor solutions. Known for quality workmanship and a “can-do” attitude, with repeat clients across estates, commercial sites, and mining operations. Strong growth potential into nearby towns

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Fully describe the business's activities?

The business is a well-established operation in Lydenburg offering custom upholstery, canvas products, and home décor solutions. Originally focused on specialist upholstery services, it has evolved into a broader retail and service provider—supplying curtains, blinds, quilts, and bespoke canvas work for residential and commercial clients.
The operation combines craftsmanship with practical design, serving walk-in customers and fulfilling made-to-order requests

How does the business operate on a daily basis?

The business operates from a dedicated premises in Lydenburg, serving both walk-in customers and custom-order clients. Core activities include:
• ? Upholstery & Canvas Work: On-site production and repairs for furniture, bakkie canopies, and bespoke canvas items
• ? Home Décor Sales: Retail of curtains, blinds, quilts, and related accessories
• ? Custom Orders: Tailored solutions for residential and commercial clients, with direct consultation and quoting
• ? Staff Roles: Skilled artisans handle production, while front-of-house staff manage sales, customer service, and scheduling
• ? Supplier Coordination: Regular stock intake from local and regional suppliers, with flexibility for special orders
• ? Operating Hours: Typically open 6–7 days a week, with hands-on owner involvement ensuring quality and responsiveness

What Advertising/Marketing is carried out?

The business relies primarily on word-of-mouth, visible output in the community, walk-in traffic, and direct client engagement via phone or WhatsApp.
No formal advertising campaigns are currently in place.

What competition exists?

The business faces light competition from local upholsterers and décor suppliers but stands out through its reputation, repeat clients, and specialized canvas work.

How could the profitability of the business be improved?

The business could improve profitability by modernizing its marketing footprint (e.g. social media, local online platforms), expanding service reach to nearby towns like Hoedspruit, and scaling operations to handle higher volumes.
Leveraging its reputation and repeat client base, especially in estates and mining sectors, would support targeted growth.

Give a breakdown of staff/ functions/ length of service?

3 x ladies -- curtains and pillows / upholstery stitching / stitching of seat covers
1 x gent - large canvas work and netting
1 x gent helping with stripping and stitching
1 x driver and installer
They all are working for the business for numerous years - some even more than 15 years

Do any have management potential?

All workers skilled in their field of expertise
They can work unsupervised

How involved is the Owner in running the business?

The owners are actively involved on a daily basis

When does the current lease end?

The seller's family are also the owners of the property
Aldes has accounted for a lease expense

What are the trading hours?

Only weekdays -- 8h00 to 17h00

What are the main assets of the business?

Industrial sewing machines and canvas fabrication tools
• Raw material inventory: canvas rolls, fabrics, decorative stock
• Finished goods: completed decor items ready for sale
• Display and showroom fittings: shelving, signage, sample setups
• Office equipment: computer, printer, POS system
• Customer and supplier database
• Business name and goodwill (established reputation since 2006)
• 2 x delivery vehicles
• Design templates or proprietary styles

Strengths?

• Long-standing local reputation and repeat client base
• Skilled in custom upholstery and canvas work
• Flexible service offering across residential, commercial, and mining sectors
• Hands-on owner involvement ensures quality and responsiveness
• Strong “can-do” attitude reflected in service delivery and client relationships

Weaknesses?

• Limited marketing footprint and online visibility
• No formal contracts despite repeat work
• Reliance on owner involvement for day-to-day continuity

Opportunities?

• Expand service reach to nearby towns
• Modernize marketing via social media and local online platforms
• Formalize repeat work into service agreements or contracts
• Scale production capacity to meet growing demand