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Clothier changes hands

After 25 years in the retail clothing industry, Joan Waddell is entrusting Talk of the Town to new owners.
Joan Waddell is selling Talk of the Town, her downtown women’s wear store.
Joan Waddell is selling Talk of the Town

After 25 years in the retail clothing industry, Joan Waddell is entrusting Talk of the Town to new owners.

She’s sold her 4948 Ross St. business to Wanda and Nicole Hewitt, effective July 1.

“It’s just time for me to take some time and enjoy my grandkids,” said Waddell on Monday, while helping out at the store.

Opportunities to put her feet up have been rare for Waddell since 1986, when she started the original Talk of the Town in Rosetown, Sask. About 12 years later, she opened a second store under the same name in Red Deer — influenced by the advice of wholesalers, who suggested the Central Alberta city would be a good location to expand into.

“Really, what appealed to me was the hustle and bustle of Red Deer,” said Waddell.

She established her new store at its current premises, in the heart of the city.

“I thought at that time that downtown was the place to be.”

Waddell continued to operate her Rosetown business for a few more years, closing when her staff there moved on.

Over the years, she said, her focus has been on unique merchandise. This, plus quality and personal customer service have been the ingredients for her success, said Waddell.

She always tried to make people feel comfortable in Talk of the Town. In this regard, Waddell said she was influenced by a jeweller in Rosetown, who was always social and personable, and consequently had an inviting store.

Wanda and Nicole Hewitt plan to continue Waddell’s business philosophy, with no major changes to the store’s operations planned.

“We’re going to try to keep the same brands, same clothing lines,” said Nicole, listing Mexx clothing and Guess purses as among the store’s more popular names.

She added that they will also be responsive to customer demand, and may expand their inventory of clothing for younger women.

The Hewitts are also positive about downtown Red Deer and its potential.

“This is a good location here,” confirmed Waddell, describing how many of the women who work in the area stop in at the store.

With ongoing improvements to the downtown infrastructure, new development in the area and the pending opening of Red Deer College’s Donald School of Business, the outlook is bright, she said.

Waddell added that she’s appreciative of the support from her customers over the years, many of whom weren’t yet aware that she’s sold Talk of the Town. She hopes to remain in contact with some through her next venture: a home-based luxury jewelry consulting business called Global Wealth Trade.

hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com