A Family Business That's Still In Fashion

Newcastle Herald

Saturday October 18, 2008

WHEN Ken Lane opened his store for business in Maitland in 1948, he had not long been discharged from the army.

He began trading in army surplus, concentrating on those things in short supply especially sheets and blankets.

Things went well, so he added drapery lines to the shelves.

A little later, encouraged by the success he was having, Mr Lane made the move into menswear.

John Lane joined his father in the business in 1968, taking over when Mr Lane snr died in 1978.

The reins were handed over again in February this year when John Lane retired and his son Patrick assumed the senior role.

Ken Lane Menswear is still at the same High Street address, but the business has been through many changes over the past 60 years, helping to pioneer fashion trends.

When denim became the material of choice for a modern generation in the late 1960s, The Jeanery was opened to run alongside Ken Lane Menswear.

Patrick Lane said the store was the first outside Newcastle to stock and sell Levi jeans.

"Later, of course, the surf culture hit and we became the first store outside Newcastle to stock surf wear.

"We've always kept up with the trends in what is an increasingly competitive field."

Mr Lane said the shop was completely refurbished in February to tie in with its latest incarnation.

"What we've done now is move to the better end of the market, repositioning ourselves into a niche area.

"We're very confident about the future of Maitland's CBD.

"We've been part of it now for 60 years and the changes we're seeing happen around us now are very positive."

Product knowledge and customer confidence built over generations are two of the keys to continuing success for Ken Lane Menswear, Mr Lane said.

"We've been around for a long time and people know us and know what to expect from us.

"And we've got staff members who are familiar faces in the business community. Richard Fellows has worked at the store for 38 years and Leanne Davies has been here for 23 years.

"We're ready for a bright future."