When we hear the term “western,” we often think of horses, cowboys, cactus and such things. And more and more we learn that people all over the world have similar visions. I learned this on a recent visit to Mitchell's Western Store on Potter Road.
As I pulled into the store's parking area, I noticed that the 100-year-old barn housing the store, and the surrounding area, created a feeling of being in the historic western United States. As I approached the front door, I was greeted by a life sized wooden horse that is decorated for every holiday.
I entered the building and was graciously welcomed by Kathy Mitchell and store manager, Roberta La Forte, while at the same time taking in a view of the extraordinary variety of “western” products.
This “rare to the area” store was opened in 1987, against the advice of those who felt that it would not be successful in its somewhat remote location. But 20 years later, owners Ward and Kathy Mitchell are still operating the business they “felt a need to open.”
Kathy has, over the years, trained and shown horses, given riding lessons, barrel-raced and still competes in the English Hunting Circuit. Ward, at the age of 64, is a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and still competes in “team roping.”
The store is filled with western and English riding equipment and accessories, of the type and quality which may not be found in just any store.
“Our secret is quality merchandise,” Kathy said. “It is reasonably priced, there are no hard sells, and we will not sell something the customer is not 100 percent satisfied with; 40 percent of our customers are not even horse people.”
As manager, Roberta LaForte, works closely with the store's employees and she enthusiastically says, “they are the best employees in the world. They are all horse experts, and know the business inside and out.”
She remembers a little girl who came into the store with gift certificates she received from family members, and after seeing all the merchandise in the store, said “I wish I had more relatives.”
This “western culture” seems to pervade the entire United States and most of the world, as loyal customers from around the state and visitors from overseas come to see and purchase authentic western wear. Kathy notes that “we get about 20 new customers weekly.”
For more information on the store and western and English riding products, visit their Web site at www.mitchellswesternstore.com.
Tom DeFurio is former town supervisor for Sennett
I entered the building and was graciously welcomed by Kathy Mitchell and store manager, Roberta La Forte, while at the same time taking in a view of the extraordinary variety of “western” products.
This “rare to the area” store was opened in 1987, against the advice of those who felt that it would not be successful in its somewhat remote location. But 20 years later, owners Ward and Kathy Mitchell are still operating the business they “felt a need to open.”
Kathy has, over the years, trained and shown horses, given riding lessons, barrel-raced and still competes in the English Hunting Circuit. Ward, at the age of 64, is a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and still competes in “team roping.”
The store is filled with western and English riding equipment and accessories, of the type and quality which may not be found in just any store.
“Our secret is quality merchandise,” Kathy said. “It is reasonably priced, there are no hard sells, and we will not sell something the customer is not 100 percent satisfied with; 40 percent of our customers are not even horse people.”
As manager, Roberta LaForte, works closely with the store's employees and she enthusiastically says, “they are the best employees in the world. They are all horse experts, and know the business inside and out.”
She remembers a little girl who came into the store with gift certificates she received from family members, and after seeing all the merchandise in the store, said “I wish I had more relatives.”
This “western culture” seems to pervade the entire United States and most of the world, as loyal customers from around the state and visitors from overseas come to see and purchase authentic western wear. Kathy notes that “we get about 20 new customers weekly.”
For more information on the store and western and English riding products, visit their Web site at www.mitchellswesternstore.com.
Tom DeFurio is former town supervisor for Sennett
