K's Merchandise Mart Embroidered Dad Cap Hat
Honor the history of K's Merchandise Mart, a Decatur, Illinois, business founded by Raymond “Ray” Eldridge Sr. and his son Kay in 1957. From its catalog showroom roots, K's expanded to 17 stores in five states, offering a broad range of merchandise to regional shoppers. The company announced liquidation in 2006 after years of pressure from big-box competition. This embroidered cap celebrates the people, places, and shopping memories connected with a familiar name in local retail history.
K's Merchandise Mart, Inc., commonly known as K's Merchandise, was a catalog showroom department store based in Decatur, Illinois. Raymond "Ray" Eldridge Sr. and his son Kay founded the company in 1957. It sold furniture, jewelry, electronics, and other general merchandise. By the time it closed, K's had 17 stores across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Kentucky. The company also operated four Bargains Only stores in Illinois: Mt. Zion, Champaign, Springfield, and Peoria. Their assortment included clothing, household goods, and furniture. By the 2000s, competition from big-box stores had eroded K's sales for years. Boston's Gordon Brothers Group took over the company from the founding family and appointed Bill Weinstein as president. After an effort to turn around store operations, K's announced on October 3, 2006, that it would liquidate and close to pay its creditors in full. Bargains Only stores closed ahead of their parent stores; the final one, in Mt. Zion, closed in October 2006.
Product features
- Unstructured 6-panel body for a relaxed, low-profile fit
- Permacurv® precurved visor with 4-row stitching and color-matched underbill
- Self-fabric hideaway strap with antique brass buckle and grommet for adjustable fit
- 100% cotton construction (Green Camo variant 65% polyester / 35% cotton)
- Sewn-in label and brand sticker on visor; adult sizing (not for ages 0–3)
Care instructions
- Use warm water and dish soap and clean spots off your hat. It's not necessary to soak the whole item. For hard to clean spots use a soft bristled brush.
EU representative: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY
Product information: Yupoong 6245CM, 2 year warranty in EU and Northern Ireland as per Directive 1999/44/EC
Warnings, Hazard: For adults. For adults. Not for use by ages 0-3, Blank product sourced from China
Care instructions: Use warm water and dish soap and clean spots off your hat. It's not necessary to soak the whole item. For hard to clean spots use a soft bristled brush.