Third-generation downtown Stettler business John’s Clothing and Shoes plans to grow in the next few months to add more products for families and all ages and lines.
“We plan to get into more ladies’ wear and clothing for girls and teens,” said Ryan Sratulate, who owns the business started by his grandfather, John Stratulate, 49 years ago and later owned by his father, Wayne Stratulate.
Currently with 9,000 square feet of retail space, John’s plans to expand by 3,300 square feet when an addition to the south wall is completed, likely this fall.
“We plan to have a grand re-opening in October,” Ryan Stratulate said.
“With the expansion, customers will still enter the main entrance and access the addition with a few doors along the south wall.”
Work crews last week demolished the neighbouring building that was recently occupied by Cas Tech and Town Trophy.
Expanding the lines of clothing for men, women and teens comes just as longtime women’s clothing stores Lou’s Fashions and KJ Casuals close this summer to make way for new stores Suzanne’s and Jenny’s, and Odds and Ends goes out of business.
“We want to have different products from these new stores,” Stratulate said.
Since the store opened under the longtime name John’s Men’s Wear, it has grown to serve a wide area of clientele.
“We get a lot of customers from the east country,” Stratulate said.
Now with a staff of 14 employees, he plans to add more staff in the coming months.