by Western apparel retailer Boot Barn is opening a fourth New Jersey location, this one in Paramus on Route 17 at the current site of a Petco, according to an announcement from a broker representing the future landlord.
The store is known for its American cowboy clothing line, namely “cowboy boots, work boots, western wear, workwear, western-inspired fashion and outdoor gear,” according to the store’s website.
This latest location will be at the Petco at 450 Route 17 North in Paramus, adjacent to a DXL Clothing, according to Welco Realty, which represented the landlord Paramus Roller Skating Arena, Inc.
Petco’s lease at the Paramus location expires this month, said Welco President Jerry Welkis. Boot Barn is aiming to open for this year’s holiday shopping season, which typically starts between Halloween and Black Friday.
A representative from Petco could not be immediately reached for comment by email on Wednesday morning.
The Route 17 storefront was once the home of the Paramus Skating Rink, which featured tournaments and rock concerns, though it ultimately closed in 1987.
Representatives for Boot Barn were not immediately available for comment.
Boot Barn is a growing brand
Boot Barn opened its 400th store earlier this month — 55 in the last year — with plans to have 900 stores by 2030, according to business publication Footwear News.
Amid the surging popularity of pop singer Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour last year, as well as rising popularity in country music, analysts predicted a spillover benefit for the retail chain.
“We see ample opportunity ahead with country music becoming increasingly prevalent and rodeo season in full swing,” Jeffries analysts said last year in a note titled “Don’t Discount the Taylor Swift Effect, Shares Significantly Undervalued.”
Still, the chain hasn’t been immune to economic headwinds. The company predicted sales for the next year to be between $1.76 billion and $1.8 billion, compared with analysts’ initial predictions of $1.82 billion, according to MarketWatch.
Same store sales — those attributable to a new store opening — are expected to decline 1.6% to 3.6%, according to a recent outlook to investors by Boot Barn.
“We expect the consumer to continue to be cautious for the foreseeable future,” said President and CEO Jim Conroy, who noted that store and online sales have improved between April and May this year.
