Carlyle has given its residents lots of reasons to be proud of where they live, and the town’s business community is one source of pride.
One of the long-standing businesses is King’s Department Store, located on Main Street. It’s a business that has plenty to offer its customers, with its fashion, footwear and accessories for adults and youths.
Owner Ken King said Carlyle is fortunate to have all that it has right now.
“We had what I would call some definite boom years, and things have tailed off since then, but they’re still very good,” said King. “We’re very fortunate to have what we have with the diverse economy. The tourism business is strong. The ag. business is strong.”
The people in the oil industry have been through tough times, but King hopes the prosperous times in the industry will come back.
Main Street in Carlyle attracts a lot of people. It’s just off of the junction of Highways 13 and 9. People are passing through on their way to the tourist destinations to the north of the town, or to other destinations in different directions.
The town also has lot of good business people.
“I have seen a lot of changes,” said King. “I’d like to say it’s all positive, and for the most part it has been. We’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by other great business people, who we’re able to piggyback off of their success, and the momentum that they have and the draw that they have.”
Main Street in many Saskatchewan communities has gone through tough times, but Carlyle is one that King believes has been able to sustain a great deal of strength.
King’s has gone through a lot of changes, too. It arrived in Carlyle in 1985, and since that time, it expanded. A few years ago, King purchased the neighbouring 122 Main The Ladies’ Boutique Store, after the previous owner, Judy Feduk, decided to retire. A link between to two stores was established, and that expanded retail and office space has allowed them to grow.
“We’re very fortunate to be situated next door to a ladies’ wear store that has been there since 1963,” he said.
Thirteen full-time and part-time employees work in the Carlyle store.
King’s parents opened the original store in Wawota in 1976. The Wawota store is still open six days a week. They eventually expanded operations to Redvers in 1978 and Carlyle in 1985.
“We’re blessed to have people who appreciate what we do, and support us whole-heartedly, plus we have neighbouring communities who do exactly the same thing,” said King.
Tourism also provides a big draw for the community, with customers who are visiting White Bear First Nation, Kenosee Lake and Moose Mountain Provincial Park.
“That’s certainly always enjoyable. We love the tourism business just as much as we love the everyday business. So you get two great opportunities right here in one Main Street.”
