The History of Cathey’s

Friou Cathey, Sr. originally founded Cathey’s in 1954 on Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ. The business then was moved to Campbell Avenue in 1958. Donny Cathey then expanded to the Speedway location as an independent entity, Cathey’s Vacuum, Sewing and Stereo, in 1978. While sewing machines had been a part of the business since the late sixties, Cathey’s became very serious about selling them in the 1980’s. On July 24, 1992, Cathey’s experienced a devastating fire that destroyed both the store and the inventory. Although Cathey’s was open in a temporary location, business was reopened in the present location on Speedway on December 13, 1993. In the early 90’s, Cathey’s began selling Pfaff and Viking. Today, Cathey’s Vac and Sew is a top ten dealer of both brands. Most recently, Cathey’s has become the only Brother Sewing Machine dealer in Tucson.

A second location, carrying sewing machines only was opened in November 1998, inside the JoAnn’s store at 3906 N. Oracle Road. A full line store opened at 7889 N. Oracle Road in July 2001. The fourth store, a sewing center, opened inside the JoAnn’s Super Store at 7255 E. Broadway Blvd. in March 2004. In January 2007, Cathey’s purchased property at 8700 N. Oracle Road and moved the full line store from 7889 N. Oracle Rd.