Iconic western wear chain opens first South Carolina store for boots, hats & more
Saddle up, South Carolina. The first Cavender’s Boot City in the Palmetto State is bringing 19,000 square feet of boots, hats and western wear to match to North Myrtle Beach on Friday, Oct. 24.
“The location was chosen because of the rich history here in the community with the locals, and also to gain that traffic of the heavy tourism that we have in this area,” said district manager Eric Garza, “And so we thought that it was a good mix of both, and customers that align with our core values and our mission and just our western way of life.”
The family-owned western chain out of Pittsburgh, Texas has more than 100 locations in 16 states, including two across the state line in North Carolina. Its newest location is now open at 2301 Highway 17 S. in North Myrtle Beach. The western emporium stocks brands like Ariat, Carhartt, Resistol, Wrangler and more.
“We still have that hospitality and that family feel, so when customers walk in, we want them to feel welcome,” Garza said.
Walls upon walls of shoe shelves showcase all sorts of cowboy and cowgirl boots. Some are made of cowhide or alligator skin, while others use more exotic material, like python skin and even arapaima, an Amazon fish.
“Our specialty, first and foremost, is boots. That’s why we’ve got ‘Boot City’ in our name. So we carry a wide variety of all the big brands in mens’ boots, ladies’ boots and kids’ boots,” said Garza. “We have a huge selection, but we also specialize in hats, denim and apparel.”
Customers on the hunt for the perfect pair can get free fittings and shapings to ensure their boots look and fit just right.
“If someone has a pair of boots, and they’re little snug or something, that they’ve purchased prior or from somewhere else, we do free boot stretching, and that’s instep, toe box and calves, as well, in case you need a little more room in the calf area,” Garza said.
Prices of the adult options vary significantly, with boots ranging from roughly $80 to $1,200. Kids boots are less expensive, from about $30 to $150.
Cavender’s also offers a sizable hat selection. Hat options include entry-level wool options, beach-ready straw hats and premium beaver blends, where the material is a mixture of pelts. Depending on the quality and material, Cavender’s hats run from about $40 to $1,200.
Quality across cowboy hats is often indicated with something called X quality. Although manufacturers assign X ratings differently, Garza explains more is better.
“The higher the X, the higher the quality hat,” Garza said. “They go anywhere from our entry level, probably a 2X or 3X, up to 100X.”
As in the boot department, Cavender’s offers free hat services. Customers can have their hats stretched and shaped to their preference, including the sizing, crown and brim shape.
Beyond boots and hats, customers can shop western-style belts, denim, T-shirts, workwear, casual shoes, tumblers and more. The new store welcomes shoppers Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.