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SASKATOONEXPRESS - February 29-March 6, 2016 - Page 1
Free Wiper Blades with Semi or Full Synthetic Valvoline Oil Change! (Retail Value of $40.00)
1204 Central Ave. • 802 Circle Dr. E. • 519 Nelson Road • 1702 8th St. E. • 3330 8th St. E. • 705 22nd St. W.
Volume 14, Issue 8, Week of February 29, 2016
Saskatoonʼs REAL Community Newspaper
Good product, great staff, and a bit of luck Elwood Flynn counts the blessings of 60 years in business Elwood Flynn (centre) with employees Ryan Walter, left, and Rob McNab (Photo by Joanne Paulson) Joanne Paulson Saskatoon Express t is a rare thing for one owner to operate a business for 60 years. This year, Elwood Flynn Ltd. marks that sixth decade, even as its namesake owner celebrates his 63rd year in business. The obvious question is answered first: What does it take to be in business for 60 years? “Irish luck,” said Elwood Flynn, in an upstairs room surrounded by Hugo Boss and DC022925 Ted Baker suitsDarlene and shirts. He chuckles, a bit.
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“The Good Lord has been good to me,” he added, more seriously. “I still have pretty good health, and come into work every day.” Flynn himself reached the 60-year ownership milestone three years ago. He began his retailing career in the early 1950s, when he managed McAskill’s Mens Wear Store. The owner, former mayor J.D. McAskill, Ken Fenwick and Flynn then started a small store in the Senator Hotel; and three years later, Flynn bought out his partners. Kenwicks became Elwood Flynn Ltd. on March 1, 1956.
He later moved his store to Midtown Plaza, along with his shoe store, Town Cobbler; and in those years, his wife, Joan Flynn, also opened an eponymous women’s wear store. Moving on to Bayside, once an upscale local mall, the Flynn fashion group added son Barry, who came on the scene with his store, Ultimo Euromoda. When Bayside was repurposed from a retail mall to office space, it was time again to relocate. Elwood Flynn Ltd. and Ultimo Euromoda moved to the Avenue Building, on the corner of Third Avenue and 21st
Street, 11 years ago. It’s not just luck that keeps a business healthy for that many years. For his part, Flynn says he’d be nothing without his staff, Rob McNab, Ryan Walter, Elaine Walker and Terry Boucher; and his son Barry, right next door, is also a huge support. Factor number three is the product. “We’re very fortunate to have world-class suppliers, such as Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Warren K. Cook, Valenza and Coppeley, to name a few,” said Flynn. (Continued on page 5)