CanaDay's Apparel Ltd. Auctions Off Legacy: Iconic Moose Jaw Business Closes Chapter

The closure of CanaDay's Apparel Ltd., a fixture in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan for 63 years, will culminate in a landmark auction on August 22, 2024. DirectAuctions.ca is organizing the event, which will feature 916 items from the company's manufacturing plant and retail outlet, including industrial equipment, furniture, and memorabilia.

Established in 1954, CanaDay's Apparel Ltd. grew to become a significant employer in Moose Jaw, providing jobs for over 300 residents at its peak. The company was known for producing high-quality men's clothing, which was distributed to major Canadian retailers such as Hudson Bay, Woodward's, and Mark's Work Warehouse.

The auction will include items from two locations: the manufacturing plant at 115 Coronation Drive and the "Pic-a-Pant" outlet at 429 River Street West. Among the items up for bid are sewing machines, pressure rollers, industrial washers, chairs, and vintage exit signs, offering bidders a chance to own functional equipment as well as pieces of local history.

Murray King, a former merchandising agent who dedicated nearly 60 years to the company, expressed mixed feelings about the auction. "I'll be so happy just because it's been an economic burden the last seven years," King stated, adding, "I'll also be happy to get something for the machinery and the lots and the building. We had a good operation going, for sure."

The significance of CanaDay's legacy has attracted attention beyond Moose Jaw. Jeff Schwarz, a reality TV personality known as "The Liquidator," highlighted the company's impact on the local economy. "To see somebody in Moose Jaw with over 300 employees, it's quite substantial. This was a very significant part of Moose Jaw for many years," Schwarz remarked.

Meryll Dreyer, COO of Direct Liquidations, emphasized the historical importance of the event, stating, "CanaDay's has an iconic story because of its 63-year history and its iconic warehouse. We're honored to help preserve and distribute these pieces of Moose Jaw's heritage."

The auction represents more than just a sale of assets; it's a celebration of CanaDay's Apparel Ltd.'s remarkable journey and an opportunity for the community and collectors to own a part of this local legend. The event is expected to draw significant interest from both local residents and industry enthusiasts.

Interested parties can participate in the auction through DirectAuctions.ca. The event will begin at 10 AM CST on August 22, with a preview available on August 21st from 10 AM to 5 PM CST. In-person viewing will be available at both the Coronation Drive and River Street locations.

For those unable to attend in person, the auction organizers have made arrangements for global participation. Items can be shipped worldwide, allowing international buyers to acquire pieces of CanaDay's history. Potential bidders can register online to view items and participate in the auction.

The commercial building housing CanaDay's operations is also available for viewing from July 24th to August 20th, offering potential buyers the opportunity to inspect the property before the auction.

As Moose Jaw prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic businesses, the CanaDay's Apparel Ltd. auction stands as a testament to the company's enduring legacy and its significant role in shaping the local community for over six decades.