Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Boot Barn opens new locations at Totowa Commons, Hudson Commons
- Additional store planned in Edison; RIPCO and CBRE involved in leasing
- Brand aims to reach 900 stores nationwide by 2030
- New Jersey now hosts 8 Boot Barn stores, serving urban and suburban markets.
National western apparel chain Boot Barn is widening its New Jersey footprint.
Following the recent launch of a store at Somerset Shopping Center in Bridgewater, the retailer expects to open locations at Totowa Commons in Totowa and Hudson Commons in Jersey City before the year ends, according to Elmwood Park-based RIPCO Real Estate.
As exclusive broker for the chain in North and Central Jersey via a partnership with Boot Barn’s master broker CBRE, RIPCO announced a lease for an outpost in Edison. Additional details were not available on when or where the store will open.
Founded 47 years ago in California, Boot Barn has become a leading retailer of western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children.
For the first part of its existence, the chain targeted markets only in Texas and the western part of the U.S. However, after going public in 2014, Boot Barn embarked on a quest to build itself into a national brand, Modern Retail reported. Since then, its footprint has grown from 86 locations in eight states to more than 460 stores across 45 states.
Growing demand
As part of a larger push to reach 900 stores by 2030, Boot Barn is focused on shopping centers in smaller cities and towns located outside of big metropolitan areas. It’s also trying to position itself to serve a wide range of customers, from lifestyle shoppers to trade professionals.
After making its New Jersey debut three years ago in Millville and Cherry Hill, Boot Barn has gone on to add six more stores. Of the brand’s eight spots across the state, RIPCO handled transactions involving three locations (Flanders, West Long Branch, Paramus).
RIPCO and Boot Barn are actively seeking additional spaces ranging from 10,000 square feet to 15,000 square feet to continue growing the brand’s presence locally.
RIPCO Executive Vice President Mike Horne said, “Boot Barn’s latest commitments in Totowa, Bridgewater, and Jersey City, along with the newly signed lease in Edison, are a clear sign of the brand’s strong momentum in New Jersey. Their expansion is driven by a growing demand for quality Western and workwear across both suburban and urban markets. We’re excited to continue supporting their growth strategy and bringing the Boot Barn experience to more communities throughout the state.”
In Totowa, Boot Barn is opening an 18,221-square-foot store that was previously a Marshalls. It will join a lineup that includes Home Depot, Fortunoff Backyard Store, Staples and a soon-to-open Lidl.
In Jersey City, Boot Barn’s 12,000-square-foot store will take over space currently occupied by apparel seller Kid City. Hudson Commons is also home to Jollibee, Lowe’s, P.C. Richard & Son and Mattress Firm.
