Business feature: Western wear destination
Dec. 13—Editor's note: We continue our series of stories about local business owners and the unique merchandise and services they have for sale — just in time for Christmas.
PORTALES — Fern and Buz Goodson's Bar G Western and Casual Wear has been in Portales for 48 years.
"People should know all about us," Buz said.
For those who don't know, Fern answered a few questions:
Q: So what was your career before you started your shop?
A: "We got married in 1973 and we opened a little store on Main Street here in Portales called The Tack Shop. We sold rope, rodeo supplies, did boot and shoe repair. We knew we weren't going to make it on that.
We started with western wear, we went with Wranglers, Justin Boots, Tony Lama boots.
In 1978 we moved into a bigger building on Main then we bought this building on the square in 1995.
I don't know exactly when we added casual wear but we were inspired by people who said, "We don't really wear Western wear."
We started adding lines of clothes that were what we call 'crossover.'"
Q: What are some things you really like about your business?
A: "Well the flexibility. Both of our boys were in rodeo, and if we need to go to the boys' events we had people working for us we could trust. The store taught our boys how to deal with people, they could work on boots, gift wrap, greet the people, fit people in a pair of boots, crease a hat.
Our youngest, Grady, works for us now and our oldest Garrett sells cattle feed supplements. He comes in and works for us when things are busy.
We also get help from our daughters-in-law Sarah and Alicia, granddaughters Jayda and Greeley help here too. Then there's grandson Gunner, he's 4, he thinks he's a big help too."
Q: What can people find inside Bar G Western and Casual Wear?
A: "We carry a complete line of clothing and accessories for the entire family: Infants, children, men, ladies.
There's western wear and the casual wear: T-shirts, pullovers, anything that's not western. We have lots of lines of ladies wear."
Q: What's the highest priced item you sell in your store?
A: "A 100X felt hat for $600. The 100X means better quality beaver."
Q: Anything you'd like to add to the conversation?
A: "We're just thankful for the people of Roosevelt and Curry counties, Cannon Air Force Base, the surrounding counties, the people within 150 to 200 mile radius, for being our customers."
