Cavender's


Cavender's is a family-owned and operated western wear retail chain based in Tyler, Texas. The brand consists of over 80 stores, which sell traditional and modern-style hats, boots, clothing and home décor. Founded by James R. Cavender in 1965, Cavender's stores are located in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, Alabama, and Mississippi. The stores operate under the titles "Cavender's Boot City" and "Cavender's Western Outfitter" according to regional location.

History

In 1957, James R. Cavender opened a small burger restaurant called the Dairy Hart in the small East Texas town of Pittsburg. Eight years later, Cavender decided to open a clothing store "Cavender & Smith's." A year later, Cavender bought out his partner and renamed the store as "Cavender's." By the mid-seventies, there were 5 Cavender's stores and by 1981 the name was changed to "Cavender's Boot City". Today it is called "Cavender's Western Outfitter" outside of Texas. In 1983, Cavender's began to open more stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and in 1986 opened its first of 11 Houston stores. Today Cavender's retail chain has more than 80 stores in 11 states, 48 of them spread across Texas. Cavender's stores have also opened in Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Cavender's is operated by James Cavender's eldest son, Joe, who serves as President of the company. Joe Cavender's brothers, Mike and Clay Cavender, are also involved. Mike Cavender is in charge of site selection, and Clay Cavender oversees store design and merchandising.

Business

The stores carry a large selection of western brands. Cavender's busiest times come annually during the fall back-to-school season, as well as during the Ft. Worth, San Antonio, and Houston Livestock Shows and Rodeos, held January through March.