The Zimmermans moved their young family to Ashland in the early "70's" looking for new opportunities and an Oregon life style.  After working in management at a few different businesses in Ashland the time came to begin The Web-sters.  Raising sheep (selling yarn from their farm) and being an avid fiber artist provide the perfect mix to apply to a creative, upscale Ashland business.  The business was small and grew in unison with the creative and inspiring Ashland environment and economy.
 
Their niche market focuses on the needle arts industry; hand crafted art clothing and accessories made by the best American artists and the highest quality yarns, materials and education to support crafting customer's every need.
 
The Web-sters is unique in providing products and support to our customers both in our downtown Ashland location and by having a vital and ongoing web presence that keeps them in touch with customers on a regular basis.  Dona said, "35% of The Web-sters business is on the Internet."   She sends a weekly email to keep in touch with the market.  Retail, warehouse, shipping from Internet orders, and classes are all in the North Main Street store.
 
"Ashland enhances our ability to be innovative by its' physical beauty and the ever changing community of creative individuals and visitors."  Dona chuckled, "Our slowest time is Spring, April and May, because of gardening.  The knitters are also gardeners."
 
The Web-sters will celebrate our 30th anniversary in June.  The store has grown to be consistently in the top 10% in the needle arts industry in the country.
 
The lessons learned over these 30 years are many!  Provide the best customer service and products, be consistent and love what you do are my recipe for success.

Photos by Graham Lewis