They grew with the business in the early years, and in part due to their heavy community involvement, were able to catch and hold the loyalty of locals. Pringles’ were also able to expand their clientele from outside Boissevain, gaining a reputation for top quality merchandise and excellent customer service.

Over the years, the business changed. At the 40th anniversary in 2003, Del and Wayne remembered men’s suits being as inexpensive as $39, with ties as low as $1. Leisure suits were in their glory in the 1970’s. Sports jackets and uniforms became a part of the business, and as the years went on, sports equipment became a bigger part of Pringles’

One area of interest in the past were the Turtle Derby shirts. For 30 years, the Canadian Turtle Derby was the pride of the Boissevain summer, and so were the t-shirts. Pringles’, who owned the building next to their store, used to make and sell the shirts from there, often dealing with big line ups in the early years, selling more than 1,000 of them at the peak.

In 1978, Del left the business, moving on to real estate in Brandon, although he remained a silent partner for 10 years. Wayne was the only Pringle there for a short while. His son Ken, who had worked in the store since he was 12, had originally planned to go a different route, but came home to the family business, and bought Uncle Del’s shares, becoming a partner in 1988. His son Tyson is working there presently.

Of course, one of the biggest changes over the years was location. The old store, presently vacant, was 100 years old and a little small. In 2000, they moved west on the same street and moved into their present digs in the old Robinson’s store, which almost doubled their floor space. It allowed them to increase their stock in every area, and expand into girls’ and women’s clothing.

In 1994, Pringles’ was presented with the Chamber of Commerce Urban Business Award in the Family Business Category and in 2002 was one of three businesses in Manitoba awarded the Manitoba Historical Society 100 year Business Award.

On August 25, they are holding a get-together for past and present employees. Not counting people like bookkeepers and seamstresses, there have been about 38 employees who have been a part of Pringles’ since 1963.

After 60 years, Pringles’ continues to be the premier spot for clothing, footwear and sporting goods in southwest Manitoba.

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff