Purchasing and taking over a popular and long-standing business in downtown Moose Jaw would have been a challenge in itself but doing it just a few months into a global pandemic might be considered a gamble.  It's a gamble Eleisha Lanz and her family are hoping will pay off in the future. 

Lanz became the owner-operator at Ashdown's Furniture and Interiors last summer and it's been full speed ahead ever since. 

"Yes, it was a little nerve-racking to begin with.  We were actually supposed to take over April 1st, but the previous owners were nice enough to weather the storm for a couple of months for us and then we took over July 1st, not knowing really what we were getting ourselves into at first at that time but, you know, it's been really, really good.  The community has been very welcoming and supportive," Lanz told us. 

Owner and operator of Ashdown's Furniture and Interiors, Eleisha Lanz.

"It's been a new world and we've definitely had to learn how to adapt.  Managing expectations is a little different when we used to get a fridge in in 10 days and now, we still have customers waiting and it could be a year before they get their new fridge," Lanz explained. 

"Everything rolls downhill.  One manufacturer is low on steel, and the next one has an issue with plastics and pretty soon you don't get your parts made and pretty soon you don't get your fridges made and then they prioritize specific models and colours for the majority, right?  Like, the most popular items are being made right now but white isn't as popular in Vancouver as it is in Moose Jaw so, right now, we're not getting white fridges," Lanz said. 

That said, Ashdown's Furniture and Interiors is very well stocked going into summer. 

"We have 30,000 square feet of furniture and even though appliances have been a little sparse at times we're just constantly ordering in and making sure we have what everyone in Moose Jaw needs," Lanz said with a smile. 

And, while Eleisha runs the day-to-day operations at Ashdown's, she calls the place a "family-owned business". 

"My fiancé and I have been together now for 9 years, and we have a 7-year-old daughter.  We lived on the farm until we took over Ashdown's and then we just figured it would make more sense to be in the city and be a part of the community and have our daughter going to school here at Sunningdale," Lanz said. 

Eleisha first came to Moose Jaw a few years ago to work with us at Golden West Radio as a sales associate.  It was a time she enjoyed. 

"Yes, it was a pleasure.  Golden West is part of my family as well.  You know, I enjoyed my time working there and now, all the support I've received as a new business owner here in town, with Golden West and all three radio stations and now Homefield, is just fantastic," Lanz explained. 

Homefield is building on our many years of local relationships with the power of digital marketing and advertising.  Homefield's full-service marketing team takes on the heavy lifting for local businesses, allowing owners to focus on growing their business.  In fact, Homefield just produced a new video for Ashdown's. 

"It was pretty exciting.  We had some fun.  We had some family and friends in the store, and we produced a commercial.  The film crew that Homefield had here was just fantastic.  The guys knew exactly what they were doing, and I think the possibilities are endless with something like that," Lanz said. 

You can shop online at Ashdown's by going to Ashdowns.ca but Eleisha wants locals to know, they are open for business at 38 High Street West, and they take all the necessary precautions during this COVID-19 pandemic. 

" We sure do.  We have handwashing stations at all the entrances and all the main spots in the building.  Our staff sanitizes all the doors and rails twice a day and my guys are fully equipped to go into someone's home with special requirements if our customers want.  They'll even wear booties and gloves - you'll get the white-glove service if you want it but, safety is an issue, and we want to make sure our customers are just as safe as our family, friends and co-workers," Lanz explained. 

Ashdown's website is customer-friendly and easy to use and features a "You Design" section where you can customize your dream sets. 

"Yes, a lot of our different manufacturers offer the 'you design' tool and I have staff that has been with the company for over 10 years.  So, between having the 'you design' on the website and being able to come in and talk to the girls here you can customize exactly want you want for your home," Lanz boasted. 

Ashdown's has it all from design options, furniture, delivery, kitchen and laundry appliances to refrigeration, cooking and dishwashers - you'll find it all and more at Ashdown's. 

"That's the new thing I wanted to do - make sure that we had everything in one place.  I know the community really missed Sears when they closed and so now, we've added things like bedding and linens, cookware and dishware and a lighting gallery.  We have a children's section that's fully equipped with all of the accessories for kids' rooms and play areas," Lanz said. 

So, whether you're shopping for your living room, bedroom or a home office space, you'll find it at Ashdown's Furniture and Interiors. 

And, while you can find it all online, Eleisha says she loves seeing people walk through the doors. 

"I think it's pretty hard to order a sofa online," Eleisha laughed.  "You still want to be able to test them out and now that we're using them more than ever you want to make sure that it's nice and comfy." 

Lanz also wants the community to know she does her best to offer products in all sorts of price ranges. 

"Yes, I think Ashdown's has always been known as a higher-end store, but we still have high-end quality with a lot of different price points.  We have brought in a lot of different furniture for every different price point and budget." 

Eleisha also promises kind and courteous service when you visit her store. 

"We have the best staff.  Most of the staff from the previous Ashdown's owner came with me so all my ladies here that are in sales have 10 years-plus experience in retail and furniture in particular and then our delivery guys - same thing.  They have 10 years plus experience so, you're going to get good service when you come here," Eleisha told us. 

And, as summer approaches, Eleisha wants us to know they have plenty of furniture and accessories for outdoor living. 

"Yes, we sure do!  That's something new that we're also carrying - 5000 square feet of patio furniture and accessories." 

"I just want to say that I'm really happy.  This has been really overwhelming with the support.  The community of Moose Jaw and the downtown businesses are just amazing.  I couldn't be prouder to be a part of this community," Eleisha added. 

Ashdown's Furniture and Interiors.  You'll find them at 38 High Street West and online at Ashdowns.ca