By Kate Sanchez

Bar G Western Wear has been a Portales mainstay for over forty years. Still today, they manage to serve our farming and ranching community with popular everyday items. Opened in 1974 as The Tack Shop, where they performed boot and shoe repair and sold saddles and tack, Buzz and Fern Goodson and their family have grown Bar G Western Wear into a hospitable store with top of the line items for all.

Bar G works hard to carry items essential to a rural community. For men, it’s items like jeans, boots, and hats, as well as bringing in more shoes, caps, and leather goods. For the ladies, they work to keep up with the latest trends with a large selection of tees, jeans, trendy tops and bottoms, purses, and jewelry. They also carry infant clothes and boots as well as clothing and boots for girls and boys. Meanwhile, tack and rodeo supplies are great sellers for the store, and their BARGAIN BASEMENT, where items are constantly being taken for clearance, is very popular. “We carry something for the entire family,” Buzz shares, “We are not just your typical western store. We carry many lines that are not “western” but crossover lines for both men and ladies that are trendy.” In carrying these items, the store has worked at advertising as Bar G Western and Casual Wear, to help get the word out.

The Goodson family has put hard work and a lot of time into building a successful local business over the years, and while change has been inevitable, they’ve embraced it all and enjoyed the ride along the way. “When we moved to our current location we thought we would never fill up the building…look at us now,” Buzz shares, “We have tried to stay competitive by stocking current trends and styles and constantly looking at new brands.” Like many small businesses, they say that the development of social media and the internet has brought along the most change they’ve seen over time. “We cannot stock everything…we really appreciate those customers that let us order in items they are looking for,” he adds.
Being a small business in an area like Portales has been a big perk to the Goodson family and their way of life. Buzz and Fern raised their two in the store with them and in doing so, were able to travel to their rodeos and other activities, thanks in large part to their many “Bar G Gals” who have worked and helped in the store over the years. Aside from the family atmosphere, the Goodsons have enjoyed the small-town comradery that’s grown over the years. “We know the majority of people who come in,” Buzz says, “some second or third generations, so it is always fun to catch up.” The business has seen support over time for Clovis and Curry County, as well as a growing interest from Cannon AFB.

Additionally, ENMU students and faculty often show their support in shopping local and the owners especially like seeing the ENMU Rodeo Team members stop by. “Seeing our regular customers and making new relationships has been truly a blessing,” they share.

Bar G Western Wear is located on the square in Portales at 115 W. 2nd St. Their hours or operation are Monday-Friday 8:00-5:50, Saturday 9:00-5:00, and closed on Sunday. Visit them on Facebook at Bar G Western Wear or call 575.359.0794