Western clothing retailer Boot Barn plans to open a store in the SLO Promenade shopping along Madonna according to a city permit issued June 12. The retailer would occupy the vacant former Dollar Tree location that is 9000sf.
Boot Barn has a location in Paso Robles and Santa Maria. The publicly traded retailer was founded in 1978 and is the largest and fastest-growing lifestyle retail chain devoted to western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories in the U.S. according to their website.
The chain has more than 345 stores in 43 states and an e-commerce channel.The company expects to reach 400 stores by 2024.
San Luis Obispo enjoys a diverse population base – certainly more than surfers and engineering geeks. With its acreage of farmland and open space the region has a strong country western and “cowboy culture” segment with the county home to about 6000 horses and a $45 million cattle industry.Cal Poly is hub for our horse economy. Well known are numerous rodeo events including the famed Poly Royal rodeo each year that draws big crowds.Recreational riding is big in these parts too.
Shares of Western-style apparel retailer Boot Barn (NYSE: BOOT) has risen nearly 200% during the last five years and appears to be popular with investors.
The news is good for the Promenade shopping center having attracted major retailers like Sprouts and REI as well as Hobby Lobby ( where Gottschalks used to be ) and more recently Nordstrom Rack and Mattress Firm – each yet to open. The new Boot Barn should open later this year.