Joan Janzen
of The Clarion

Staples Apparel Company in Kindersley conducted its final day of sales on Feb. 10.

Owner Lorne Staples recalls the origins of this family business, which began 70 years ago at its present location at 209 Main Street.

“My dad, Don Staples, and my uncle, John Staples, started the business 70 years ago. My dad came back from the war and joined my Uncle John in starting the business after the Second World War.” Lorne said.

Don Staples considered starting Staples’ Men’s Wear in October of 1948, as one of the most important decisions of his life.

As a child, Lorne remembers events like Black Top Days, which was the start of what is now Goose Festival Days. “Main Street used to be dirt or gravel, and black top was the first pavement. Goose Festival evolved from that,” said Lorne.

“I worked there as a 16-year-old, but it wasn’t really my gig at that time. I wanted to be working outside. I liked it but I didn’t love it.” he admitted.

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Staples Apparel Company has closed its doors after 70 years.

Lorne continued his story saying, “My brother Allan came back to town, after getting educated, and bought out my uncle in 1975. I came back in 1979, after taking business at SAIT in Calgary, and then environmental science.”

When asked why he decided to operate the business with his brother, Lorne replied, “The business was in my blood. I really enjoyed being there. Everything I sold in the store, I had confidence that people were really going to enjoy and love it.”

The clothing store operated out of the same location, with renovations taking place and an addition added on later.

“Tuxedo rentals were there before I got there,” said Lorne. “My brother and my father were already on board with tuxedo rentals. But we haven’t had tuxedo rentals for probably five years already.” The demand for tuxedo rentals tapered off when suits became more affordable.

As for the addition of women’s apparel, Lorne explained, “We carried women’s clothing back in the early ’80s, but then got away from it. Then we got back into it in the late ’90s. I was dressing a lot of men who I never met, because their wives were coming in to shop for them. So it was natural to bring in women’s clothing.”

The biggest change that Lorne noticed, during his many years of business, was “the change in technology, the social media arena, and all the online stuff that’s going on. That would have to be the single biggest change,” he admitted.

What will Lorne miss most?

“I will miss interaction with all the people. I love meeting all the different people. Lots of them started as clients, and ended up being friends.”

However, Lorne acknowledged he would not miss the government paper work.

Now that the store has closed, all that remains to be done is the cleanup and the hated paper work. After that, Lorne says he’ll take some time off.

“I’ve been working since I was 11 years old when I had a paper route. I’m going to take till next fall, and then maybe start looking for some work.”

Mayor Rod Perkins acknowledged the significant contribution Lorne’s business has made to the town of Kindersley.

“It’s hard to imagine the many suits and tuxedos you have fitted for graduates and grooms, the sportswear and business apparel style trends your family has been witness to over the years. Thank you for being a good corporate citizen, and for the many donations and door prizes you have graciously given to support community initiatives.”

Meanwhile, his loyal customers and friends will surely miss, not only Staples Apparel Company, but more importantly, everyone will miss visiting with and being served by Lorne Staples and his friendly staff.

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