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Downtown Saskatoon, Oct. 18, 2019 – Credited as fashion leaders in Canada, this power couple has always been at the forefront of Saskatoon’s upscale fashion scene – from the days of a single-breasted vicuna sport coat and a wide geometric tie, to the more current slim fit and jeans-inspired five-pocket pants – and from skirts in every length, paired with opaque stockings and lower heels by day/higher heels at night, to the extensive array of accessories and international designer boots. The Flynn stores never carried anything less than head-turning styles! Elwood + Joan’s distinct passion for design quality and excellence in service made a customer’s experience memorable, resulting in loyal, repeat customers, be they beloved-local or famous-international ones.
Downtown Saskatoon, Oct. 18, 2019 – Credited as fashion leaders in Canada, this power couple has always been at the forefront of Saskatoon’s upscale fashion scene – from the days of a single-breasted vicuna sport coat and a wide geometric tie, to the more current slim fit and jeans-inspired five-pocket pants – and from skirts in every length, paired with opaque stockings and lower heels by day/higher heels at night, to the extensive array of accessories and international designer boots. The Flynn stores never carried anything less than head-turning styles! Elwood + Joan’s distinct passion for design quality and excellence in service made a customer’s experience memorable, resulting in loyal, repeat customers, be they beloved-local or famous-international ones.
In 1946, Elwood began his career in the menswear clothing industry, working with independent business owners, who later became partners, employees, mentors and customers: Mallin’s (eight years – having started part-time in high school), McAskill’s (four years), and Kenwick’s (four years). Having found his destiny in this industry, he was quick to follow suit – he bought out his partners in the Senator Hotel-located business, to open his own eponymous menswear fashion store – Elwood Flynn Ltd.
If you haven’t bought a suit from Elwood – you must, for the experience! Even through the growth of our city, Elwood Flynn Ltd. remains the store to buy from. As the experience goes, he may have greeted you from his classic photo-pose – standing in his grand entrance staircase, unless he met you directly at the door. As he taught his sons to treat everyone with respect and dignity, he led by example offering an outstanding, appreciated tradition of service. Elwood’s personality is the essence of the place, one sales consultant had aptly described.
Joan had started her career in radio, including a morning live show, but it was evident that she was cut from the cloth of a true fashionista as she made the move herself, into the fashion industry. While Joan treated all her customers like royalty, that’s what they thought of her in return. Her son reminisces, when she entered a room, she was noticed and cherished. Joan appreciated working with her customers, who she described as “any age, but very confident”. Today, Joan is missed dearly, even by those who still ask if The Town Cobbler is still open.
Elwood + Joan married in January of the same year they opened Elwood Flynn Ltd. in March, 1956. Elwood was also an avid golfer and hockey player; Joan was additionally an artist, cook, golfer, and basketball player; Both were strong community advocates and supporters. Their belief in strong business clusters being beneficial to all is how the Flynns appreciated working with so many fellow-industry businesses over the years – “people want to shop where there is selection” and that cluster has always been Downtown for the Flynns. Between them, they had their hands and hearts proudly full, as they began their Flynn fashion dynasty.
sources | a lifetime of Flynn’s marketing materials; proud-son, Barry Flynn; various articles from Saskatoon Business + Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Downtown Saskatoon strives to support our Downtown business community by enhancing the experience of all who work, live, and visit Downtown Saskatoon.
