CARLYLE - Jade Moore began working at King’s Department Store last September as a casual employee. She loved the atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff who worked there.
Moore has been a real estate broker with her mother for the past seven years but wanted something extra in her life.
Born and raised in Osage, she moved to Carlyle 11 years ago. She married her husband Travis, and they now have two sons, Sedric, who is six, and Sully, age five. Travis has lived in Carlyle his whole life.
On Jan. 22, Ken King, the owner of King's Department Store at the time, held a staff meeting, which the employees were not prepared for.
King informed the staff that the business may need to close the doors due to some serious health issues he was having.
As soon as Moore heard this, she had an overwhelming feeling she needed to purchase the business to keep it going.
She ran out of the store, phoned her husband and explained what was happening, and he jumped on board with his wife to buy the business.
“I had no idea at the beginning of January that I would be doing this,” said Jade Moore.
She explained that Ken King has been in business for over 40 years, he is an incredibly special person and this is a staple business in the town, but he would not be able to train Moore due to what he was going through.
She needed to know the 11 employees would remain with the store and offer their support.
King is well known for his donations to many local and area businesses over the years. He always had a welcome smile for his customers who come into the store and knows many by name.
He originally had the main store, but when the space beside him came up for sale years later, he purchased it and made that part the ladies' wear side.
King's brother spoke to each employee privately and Moore was excited to know they would all stay and offer her the much-needed help she would require over the next while, learning about the business.
It was a key moment for Moore to know this, as they will train her, since King is unable to be a mentor.
To keep things going, the fall lineup of clothing would need to be secured, so five of the staff, including Moore, travelled to Saskatoon for a trade show.
“It was so much fun,” said Moore. They have all kinds of displays, different clothes and colours, and the latest fashions. “It is similar to Homespun [Carlyle's Homespun Craft Show and Sale] with all the booths."
All items for quantity and size need to be ordered and spoken for to ensure the clothing will arrive in the summer. They will keep the same popular name brands and have added a few new ones.
“We are really honoured to take on King’s,” she said. She and her husband are co-owners, but their sons are also excited to help with items in the store.
Moore will step away from real estate and focus on this new adventure.
It is their goal to continue giving the “King’s Experience” with exceptional customer service, a wonderful atmosphere and the easy return policy, just like King had. They look forward to supporting causes like King always did.
The Moores look forward to seeing all the regulars and fresh faces at the store and hope for all the best for King in the future.
