We Support Our Retail Partners

Baker’s Boots & Clothing is all about family and has been from its establishment.

Its start goes back to the 1950s. Bill Baker started working at his father-in-law’s custom boot and repair shop in Eugene, Oregon after completing military service. His brother, Dave, joined him as a youngster in working at what was then called Pukey’s Shoes. Dave would go on to serve in the Air Force, and when he came home after his military days, he partnered with Bill to buy the boot shop.

It was renamed Baker’s Shoes. Fast forward to 2020. The Bakers are now in their third generation of family ownership. The commitment to what they do is as strong as ever. During the coronavirus crisis, Baker’s has been there for its community. Baker’s was deemed an essential business in equipping workers with boots and footwear.

"Mill workers, factory employees, and fire and law enforcement officers, you know those guys are always working, no matter what," Kyle Baker said. "We made the right call staying open for them."

It’s what Baker calls 'old school values.’'

Baker sees a kindred spirit in commitment to family and time-tested values in Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands.  He recounts the story of the time Rios patriarch, Trainor Evans, came from South Texas to visit his family in Eugene to get to know the Bakers.

"He told us some great stories, along with the struggles and challenges they’ve faced," Baker said. "It’s real life like what we’re facing right now. It helps you navigate situations to get insights like the ones Trainor gave us."

It is the sort of unique relationship that Rios of Mercedes retailers across the country describe in their partnership with the South Texas boot maker. It’s a bond that has grown stronger during the COVID-19 outbreak and disruptions in business operations. Oregon-to-Texas is a long way in miles but not in the business and personal ties between Baker Boots and Rios of Mercedes.

"Faith, family, there’s a lot there we relate to," Baker said of his company’s connection to Rios. "It says a lot that Rios would check in on us to see how we’re doing."

The same can be said about how customers in Eugene feel about Baker’s. One customer, Travis Kuhn, said in a Facebook post that Baker’s is "a firefighter’s best asset." He went on to say how hard firefighters work in the fire lines, adding, "Baker’s Boots hopes to work just as hard to get firefighters back out in the fight."

It’s a fitting testament to Baker’s own fighting spirit and their commitment to community. They work to serve their customers with quality products, including the custom-made and uniquely styled boots from the Rios Family of Brands.

"It’s a team effort between us and Rios to design boots," Baker said. "Then it’s a lot of fun to see our customers smile when they put them on and see how much they love what we’ve done for them."

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Not all heroes wear capes – Baker’s is offering free boot repair to any first responder on the Holiday Farm Fire. Busted seems, heels, stitching, etc. They’ll get you taken care of and back on the front lines.

Please keep the state of Oregon and our retail family in your prayers <3

Chase Hunold describes his corner of northeast Texas as being hot, rural, and resilient.

It's also a part of the country where folks truly embrace the western lifestyle. Chase is the boot buyer and connoisseur for Crazy House Western Wear, a 35,000-square-foot store, a retailer loyal to its Texas and neighboring Oklahoma markets.

Located in Paris/Reno, Texas, Crazy House Western Wear offers clothing, hats, shoes, and a large assortment of boots, among them are the Anderson Bean and Horse Power boots of the Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands. Crazy House is a longstanding and valued Rios of Mercedes retailer. It's a partnership that has created custom-made Anderson Bean boots styled to the taste and needs of their life long customers.

It’s a part of the Crazy House brand.

"We have a great amount of Anderson Bean Original boots," Chase said. These are boots exclusively styled by Crazy House. "It gives us and edge along with unique styles that we can curate to our customers and give them something no one else has."

The collection of Anderson Beans highlights exclusivity and a fit that’s hard to match. The Crazy House customer from the rancher to collector knows that their Anderson Bean boots are catered to their individual preferences.

Crazy House is owned by Charlie and Carolyn Withers and their son, Justin. Their partnership with Rios of Mercedes goes back many years and is built on trust and mutual respect.

"Rios looks out for their retailers," Chase said. "They take care of us, and in return, we work on our end to honor what they do for us."

shopcrazyhouse.com to snag your pair!!

Linda and Randy Davis are true road warriors. As a mobile retailer their business strategy encompasses taking their boots to the western folks. What makes them even more extraordinary, is the only boots packed in their trailer are Rios of Mercedes and Anderson Bean- handcrafted in Mercedes, TX.

Davis Boots is based in Harrisburg, Illinois, but in more normal times than the present, Linda and Randy aren’t home much. They’re on the road upwards of 300 days a year. The Davis’s are fixtures at major horse shows, with the majority of them in Texas and Oklahoma.

"We're like gypsies," Linda Davis said, adding, "we're always on the move.’"

The couple loads up a beautiful white-and-black trailer with Rios and Anderson Beans proudly displayed on its side panels and an inscription that reads - 'Putting the Cowboy back in Boots!'

The trailer gets loaded up with hundreds of Rios and Anderson Bean boots. Once loaded up, they’re on the road again, where highways take them to the next big show.

"We go where the people are," Davis said. "We see a lot more people that way rather than sitting in a store in Illinois."

The Davis Boot customer is a serious one. Major horse shows are attended by people who have high expectations about the boots they wear.

"The boots they wear are part of their costume," she said. "They expect their boots to perform." 

Rios and Anderson Bean boots meet those expectations. It’s the only line of boots the Davis's sell. It’s a confidence in product based on many years of doing business with Rios of Mercedes Boot Company. Their connection to Rios goes years back to working with company patriarchs Trainor Evans and Pat Moody. It continues today in the business relationships they have with Ryan Vaughan, the Rios chief executive officer, and his staff.

"They’ve been great people to work with over the years," Davis said. "We share our Christian beliefs and doing things the right way."

The Davises sell only boots. Linda Davis works closely with Vaughan and the Rios team in designing boots sold by the couple.

"I live and breathe leather combinations," said Davis, who grew up the daughter of a horse trainer. "It’s always on my mind."

Randy and Linda consult with the Rios team over boot designs at shows, hotel conference rooms, and more recently, over Zoom online sessions. Wherever it may be, the Davises know it will be designs that meet customer needs.

"It’s a big advantage to have uniquely styled boots that you can’t find anywhere else," she said. "Our customers have the money to buy what they want, and they need the quality boot that Rios and Anderson Bean provide."

Davis Boots has hit the road again folks! They’ll be at the NCHA Summer Spectacular in Ft Worth, TX from July 7 – August 1st. Randy & Linda will take great care of you and have you walkin’ away in style and comfort with their stocked assortment of AMERICAN MADE / handcrafted boots from the Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands.

For more info on Davis Boots upcoming shows check out Davisboots.com!!

In the early 2000s in Lubbock, Michael Kahn and his Dollar Western Wear store were dabbling in a selection of Anderson Bean and Rios of Mercedes boots.

Kahn knew Anderson Bean and Rios of Mercedes boots were high quality, but a local competitor already featured a full line of the South Texas-made boots. Kahn wanted to be different, so he primarily offered other brands. His customers had other ideas.

"Our customers kept beating us up," Kahn said. "They kept asking, 'why don’t you all have more Rios and Anderson Bean boots?'"

Kahn would relent – and he’s glad he did.

"It was like a light turned on," he said describing when Dollar Western Wear began selling more AB and Rios boots. "It was the start of an amazing relationship. All of a sudden, here was a company that allowed us to DESIGN boots."

Today Dollar Western Wear carries 107 styles of Anderson Bean boots. Of that total, 92 are exclusive to the Lubbock store, with 15 set AB styles. Prominent among the Dollar Western Wear exclusives is a special line of Rios and AB boots that proudly feature the Texas Tech University logo. For Kahn, it signifies how collaborative the Rios of Mercedes team is in working with its retailers to create and design unique boots.

"What they do and the way they share with their retailers...it's something special," Kahn said. "They make you feel like you're their most important retailer. Rios is like that with everybody."

The teamwork between the Rios Family of Brands and their retailers is vital in this difficult era of the COVID-19 crisis. Business operations have been disrupted. Government orders have limited public access to stores. Kahn said Ryan Vaughan, the chief executive officer of Rios and Anderson Bean, moved quickly to reach out to retailers.

"What can we do to help you?" Kahn said was message sent by Vaughan. "I know Ryan and his team care about Dollar Western Wear."

The Lubbock store prides itself on having all things western from boots and clothes to purses, jewelry and gifts. Dollar Western Wear transitioned to brisk curbside service when retailers were forced to close in-store shopping. The store is promoting personal shopping via FaceTime and other talk-through options. Dollar Western Wear also has a huge online presence. For AB Original Styles check out Dollarwesternwear.com.

"Birthdays still exist," Kahn said of persevering through the current difficulties. "Anniversaries still exist." There are plenty of reasons people still need to shop.

Work duties also continue. Railroad and oil field workers represent essential services and those workers need their work boots, as do those employed by utility companies. Kahn recounted a story of a utility worker from New Mexico who drove 120 miles to Lubbock to get his safety boots needs taken care of at Dollar Western Wear.

Looking ahead, Kahn knows there will be a new normal in doing business – and Dollar Western Wear will be ready.

"We're going to come out of this with a new way to do business," he said. Moving forward he is confident, saying "We’re going to have the right play to call in."

**Use code “FREETEE” at dollarwesternwear.com for a FREE AB TEE and FREE SHIPPING!**

Phil Harris and Rios of Mercedes Boot Company go way back.

He can recall years ago being a fan of Rios of Mercedes boots for work and pleasure. Phil's destination store that sold Rios boots in his part of North Carolina stopped selling the boots from South Texas, so he decided to do it himself.

"I had to start selling them since I couldn't find them anywhere else," he said of his family's multi-generational business, Harris Leathers & Silverworks in northwest North Carolina.

Harris Leathers at one time was the only retailer east of the Mississippi River that sold Rios of Mercedes boots. While Rios boots are now found at other retailers on that side of the country, the store on State Road remains one of the most renowned. It has been a long and productive partnership between a Southern store known for its craftsmanship in custom saddles and silver and the South Texas handcrafted bootmaker known for it's 160+ years of experience.

"Rios is an over-the-top fine outfit," Phil said. "They're very customer-and-quality oriented, and they're great folks to do business with."

Harris Leathers was started in 1968 by Phil's parents, Ray and Mabelene. They began working out of their home, making belts and purses and selling their products at horse shows. Along the way, Phil developed an expertise in saddle making. Business continued to grow, and in 1982 the family opened their store.

It is known for custom-made show saddles and heirloom sterling and gold buckle sets. Harris Leathers creates their own one-of-kind show equipment – and that includes boots. The store offers 30 different styles of Rios boots that are unique to Harris Leathers. The craftsmanship of the South Texas-made boots fits right in with the brand and reputation of the Harris name.

"When I think of our business, I think of exceptional quality and unique products," said Phil, who owns and operates the family business with his wife, Phyllis. "We're able to do everything in our shop and that's something we take a lot of pride in."

Brad Humphries wore Olathe boots before he began selling them.

He was a working cowboy at ranches in his native Texas and then Wyoming, getting a feel for the best working boots he has ever worn.

"The fit, the comfort," Humphries said is what he likes about Olathe boots. "It's what I grew up wearing."

Humphries went into the pawn shop business after his working days at ranches were over. He did well for himself in the retail world and considered his next move.

"I didn't have enough money to buy a ranch," he said. "I enjoyed retail, so I decided, let's go western."

It was the start of Lazy J Ranch Wear in Willow Park, just west of Fort Worth. Humphries would later add a second store at The Stockyards in Fort Worth. He started right up with Olathe and Anderson Bean boots. Lazy J is a full-line western store with an assortment of apparel and footwear. Boots are the heart of what Lazy J does.

The Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands takes a hands-on approach and is right there in the process of helping Lazy J design and sell its own unique boots. "Rios knows it's customer base," Humphries said, and "we lean toward a younger demographic in our stores."

"We do a lot of different makeups and new styles," he said. "I listen to the pros, (Rios), and then put our twist on it."

Mary Caroline Nolan, Lazy J's marketing director, raves about the support Rios provides during the steps of boot designing.

"We work with Rios on the patterns, designs and leathers," Nolan said of the creative process. "It's like having your own boot company with a label and design that has a great name to it."

Lazy J has been getting through the challenges and disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Online sales and curbside services were the emphasis for weeks. Humphries says the in-store closures taught some customers how to shop online. He expects some of those trends to continue now that stores are open for full business operations.

"It's going to be a process," Humphries said of customers returning now that stores are open again. "People are going to be a little scared, so it's not going to happen overnight."

This working cowboy turned businessman and retailer has seen tough times before. He will put his twist on this one – and keep riding.

For More of Lazy J's AB Exclusives visit lazyjranchwear.com!

An iconic boot shop at the Oklahoma City Stockyards went from one little Joe to another nearly 40 years ago.

Joe Bass purchased Little Joe's Boots from Joe Medina 38 years ago. The name continued and so did the connection to the Stockyards.

"We’ve always been here," Joe Bass said. "In our business, there’s no better place to be than the Oklahoma City Stockyards. I mean, talk about reaching your core market."

Little Joe's started out as a boot repair and handmade boot shop. From its inception to the present, Little Joe's is dedicated to the working cowboy. Joe figures it accounts for 80 percent of his business.

"Rural Oklahoma is a big part of our customer base," he said of his store's ties to area ranches and farms, and the lines of boots, western clothing and fine knives Little Joe’s offers.

Those working cowboys and ranch hands come to Little Joe's to get the boots that are up to the tough work they do every day. They rely on one brand of boot – Rios of Mercedes – and their loyalty to the brand runs strong.

"It’s amazing how many times they will come back to order a pair of Rios boots," Joe said. "They love them. We'll see three generations of families ordering Rios boots."

Little Joe’s also carries Anderson Bean boots, and for both Rios brands, customers are able to experience building their custom one-of-a-kind boots - giving them a look and style like no other.

"We lay out all the leathers and a variety of unique samples, and they get to customize their pair to their likes and personalities," Joe said. "Rios is great at working with us to give our customers exactly what they want in a custom-made boot."

It's the best of all worlds for Little Joe's in the heart of Oklahoma City. There’s the horse shows, auctions, and tourists-at-large drawn to the western lifestyle of the Stockyards. And, of course, there is the loyal customer base Little Joe's has developed over nearly 40 years.

"Great merchandise and great people," is how one customer, Ann Butler, put it on Little Joe's Facebook page.

The last year has brought its challenges with a pandemic, but Little Joe's customer base never wavered.

"I'm pleasantly surprised how busy we are considering everything," Joe said. "We love what we do and we're going to keep doing it."

National Roper’s Supply knew it needed a boot that was up to the challenge of riding with the United States Team Roping Championships.

National Roper'’'s Supply of Decatur, Texas is the nation’s largest retailer of calf and team ropes with its 50,000-square-foot store in North Texas. It’s also the official retailer for the upcoming US Team Roping Championships. NRS looked to its longtime partner – Rios of Mercedes – to find the right boots to fit the bill for the USTRC. NRS has been a loyal Rios retailer carrying a wide selection of the Rios’ Family of Brands –including Anderson Bean, Olathe, Horse Power & Macie Bean boot lines.

NRS and Rios are thrilled to partner with USTRC and are honored to have Horse Power Boots recognized as the official boot at the USTRC 2021 Finals. Rios of Mercedes has been building high-quality, hand-lasted boots for over 160 years. With that much experience, they know how to build a good boot. They have developed a variety of brands to offer everyone the opportunity to wear boots that are built the right way. Horse Power boots are recognized for their quality and can’t be beat for their value.

"We've partnered with Rios for years, so we know the quality they bring to the boot-making process," said Jason Brooks, the vice president of marketing for NRS.

It's a commitment to quality that delivers in Horse Power a solid boot with a cool style – and one we think will appeal to a community as large and diverse as the USTRC.

"The people who buy our products live and breathe the western lifestyle," Jason said. "They wear boots and jeans every day of the week, not just on weekends."

It's the sort of customer that will be competing at the USTRC. You'll see Horse Power boots being worn in and out of the arena during the USTRC Finals in Fort Worth. Jason applauds the custom fit and extra features Horse Power gives the NRS customer. It starts with having the right leathers that will ride well and are durable. The all-leather construction and cushion insoles of the Horse Power boot provides the comfort needed for the hard-riding roper, with ample spur rests providing an extra touch.

Then there's the affordability. At a mid-price point, Horse Power delivers the exotic-skinned boots that ropers prefer.

"With Horse Power, it produces an exotic boot that doesn’t break the bank," Jason said.

National Roper's Supply is all saddled up for the premier USTRC event, which will be held April 26-May 2 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth – Make sure to stop by the NRS booth for an amazing deal - BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF on all Horse Power Boots!!

Let’s ride!

David Nigro Jr., knew one thing for sure when he got involved in the family business.

He really liked Anderson Bean boots and he wanted his family's western store selling them.

"When I got a really good look at Anderson Beans, I knew there was something special about them," Nigro said. "It has been a home run ever since."

Getting the Nigro's Western Store seal of approval is important in Kansas City. Nigro's started up over 50 years ago as a 'three way market,' he said. Produce was sold up front. Boots and shirts were also available. When it came to saddling up, Nigro's of yesteryear had 'everything horses needed,' he said.

The needs of horses are no longer served at Nigro's, but a large statue of one sits above the main store sign fronting the highway. It's a reminder of the heritage of the story and its ties to the community. The history of the western store is one David is proud to be part of in following the paths set by his grandfather, Tony Sr., father, David Sr., and mother, Anita.

The original Nigro's Western Store is the longest active family-run western store in Kansas City. There is a second Nigro's in Shawnee, Kansas, that's run and owned by other family members. It's the Nigro's in Kansas City that is David Jr.'s focal point. He works there to 'style up boots' of the Anderson Bean and Rios of Mercedes brands.

Nigro says buyers of those boots wear 'eye catchers on their feet.' Like other Rios Family of Brand retailers, he works closely with the Rios team in the custom designs of boots unique to Nigro's. The styles when combined with the overall qualities of these distinctive boots give Nigro's a distinctive edge in its market.

"The comfort and fit of a Rios and Anderson Bean, there's nothing like it," he said. "They have a look, style and profile like no other boot. I can spot one from a mile away."

Beyond his belief in Rios of Mercedes boots, Nigro has forged a close business relationship with Ryan Vaughan, the company’s chief executive officer.

"The entire Rios team is like family to me," Nigro said.

For NEW HOT AB & Rios styles exclusive to Nigro's Western Wear check out their fresh new site HERE!!

Walk into the Outpost Western Store and you'll get that Mom N' Pop feel.

It's just what Ty Mosier and his mother, Pam Laird, want when customers walk into their charming western store in Manhattan, Kansas – Wildcat Country. 

Anderson Bean boots is one of their most popular brands and a driving reason why Ty and Pam decided to bring Outpost Western back in 2017 after a three-year hiatus from business. The family had the western store going strong from 2001-to-2014 before halting operations.

There was one big reason for wanting to bring Outpost Western back to northeastern Kansas.

"It was the opportunity to design our own one-of-a-kind styles of boots," Ty said. "It's such a benefit to have designs that are unique to your store. It's the reason we do what we do."

Ty and Pam credit Anderson Bean sales representative Scott Tucker for working with them to design and offer boots styles that can only be found at Outpost Western. Throw in their previous knowledge and admiration of the Olathe line which falls under the Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands and the mother-and-son duo have products they love to sell.

"We only work with brands we believe in," Ty said. "We want to sell something that's worth the price and we've got that with Anderson Bean and Olathe."

Ty highlighted the brand loyalty his customers have for Anderson Bean and Olathe boot brands. He says doctors, lawyers, working cowboys and K-State students are among Outpost Western's mix of customers.

Then there's the quality of relationships Ty and Pam enjoy with the Rios of Mercedes family. They both spoke glowingly of how Rios stepped up to help them in spring 2020 when COVID-19-related measures forced store closures. Rios showcased Outpost Western-designed boots during that time on Anderson Bean's social media platforms in giving their products a much wider audience.

"It was absolutely awesome for Rios to put our products on a much bigger platform," Pam said. "It really helped us during those months for Rios to repost our boots on their social pages."

The added exposure dovetailed with Outpost Western improving their website and boosting their e-commerce services.

"It helped us weather the storm," Ty said. "We're very appreciative of all the help Rios of Mercedes has given us."

To check out more of Outpost Western's AB Originals visit their awesome website!! Outpostboots.com

The Anderson Bean boot sells itself.

That’s how Jimmy Drury sees it.

He should know. For the last 25 years, Drury and his wife, Sheri, have owned and operated Saddle Rags, The Western Store, in Stephenville. It's about an hour’s drive from Fort Worth to the Drury's store in a community that the local chamber describes as the 'Cowboy Capital, where giving heart still matters.'

Saddle Rags is a perfect fit for such traditional values. The Rios Family of Brands, among those Anderson Bean, fit right in as well.

"Once you get someone in a pair of Anderson Beans, they'll come back and ask for it again," Jimmy Drury said.

Saddle Rags is a full-line western store. Shirts, shoes, purses, caps and blue jeans are a big part of what the store offers. Selling and DESIGNING boots are what Jimmy and Sherri enjoy the most.

"It has been the most fun aspect of our business for a long time," Jimmy Drury said. "We love making boots. It's probably the strongest part of the business."

Designing their own unique styles of boots with the Rios team gives Saddle Rags an edge in the western store marketplace. Saddle Rags listens to their customers, incorporates their own ideas, and partners with the Rios to make great boots. It's all part of the philosophy that is shared by the Drury family and the Rios family of brands.

"Rios doesn’t want to grow just to make better numbers and improve sales," Sheri Drury said. "They've grown with us with the intent to make a better product."

Saddle Rags has maintained its community connections throughout the business upheavals of COVID-19. They provided customers live Instagram feeds during days when the store was closed for in-store shopping. Working through the process of making shoppers feel comfortable with the coronavirus lingering as a danger will be a challenge for Saddle Rags and retailers everywhere.

The store is taking all safety precaution measures with retail back open in Texas.

"There's a new normal for now, but people still want to come in and shop," Jimmy Drury said.

The Drurys have worked with Ryan Vaughan, the chief executive officer of the Rios family of brands, during the challenges brought on by COVID-19. They cite the plan of action Vaughan devised for retailers as just another indication of the partnership formed with Rios.

"It makes us feel like we're partners with the Rios family and not just customers," Sherri Drury said. It's refreshing when you deal with Rios. They have a heritage and values that we admire and fit into the way we do business.

For exclusive AB styles check out Saddle Rags fresh new site HERE!

Tener's Boots has been kicking it up in Oklahoma City for nearly 90 years.

Tener's has always stayed true to its roots and all things Oklahoma. It's a fact that Tener's products are sold and shipped all over the world – from Saudi Arabia to Argentina to Africa – but it's an even greater joy to be serving ``the great American cowboy.''

That's how Andy Hughes, the owner of Tener's OKC, puts it from his 32,000-square-foot store located near the Oklahoma City fairgrounds, with a store in Edmond as well. Rios of Mercedes has been a true partner, providing Tener's with some of their best sellers for the last 40 years.

It's not just about the boots when it comes to this business partnership. Andy describes Rios patriarchs Trainor Evans and Pat Moody as 'great, great people to work with,' and said the new generation of leadership at Rios 'is every bit as golden.'

Like Rios retailers everywhere, Tener's excels in designing boots exclusive to its market and their customers. Tener's and Rios are able to give their customers what they want in the styles and designs that satisfies their wishes.

"You can have it made your way, from the stitching to the color of the top, really every aspect of a pair of boots, and know no one else is going to have that boot," Andy said.

Get a pair of handmade Rios of Mercedes boots on a customer, Andy said, and they'll never go back to a mass-made boots again.

"Once they learn how a handmade boot feels, the look of comfort of it and the durability of a really high-quality boot, you can't get them to go back to what they had before," he said.

It's why Tener's customers keep coming back to get their Rios and Anderson Bean custom-made boots. They're built to last, just like the iconic Oklahoma City western wear store that sells them, and the South Texas bootmaker that makes them.