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“Western fashion is timeless,” says Jeff Lammle, whose father Barry started Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack 40 years ago. “The Western lifestyle is different for everyone. Whether you live in a rural setting, small town, or big city, Western fashion lends itself to different variations of what it means to dress Western.”

Lammle’s was created in 1983 when Barry and his ranching neighbours needed a place to buy quality clothing that suited both their working life and off-the-farm outings. Filling that need was the impetus for starting the stores. But there was a hitch.

“We filled three stores with merchandise but didn’t have a name,” says Barry, explaining that all the typical Western tack store names had been taken. “Every name we submitted for a business licence was already in use. My brother and I went back and forth for hours trying to find a name. Then one night it hit us. No one was using the name ‘Lammle’s Western Wear.’”

Today, Lammle’s has expanded from its southern Alberta roots to 24 stores across Western Canada — from British Columbia to Saskatchewan. They’re known for their terrific selection of Western wear for all lifestyles, and for providing great customer service.

“We research the Western markets all over North America,” says Barry, “and have a large group of buyers who make sure Lammle’s is following the trends and needs of today’s customer."

Lammle’s is also known for supporting community events and rodeos across Western Canada.

“We try and support as many local communities and rodeos as we can,” says Jeff. “Whether we’re part of a trade show or providing a donation or sponsorship to a rodeo event, we think it’s important to help create awareness of the Western lifestyle and the communities involved.”

Lammle’s has partnered with the Calgary Stampede, Professional Bull Riders Association, Canadian Finals Rodeo, and Country Thunder — North America’s premier country music festival. Sometimes the stores have event crews at multiple locations on one weekend.

The Lammle family members all live on ranches, so they understand the needs and love of the Western lifestyle they’re sharing.

“Many of our staff have a ranch and farming background, which gives the stores a really authentic feel,” says Barry. “A lot of them have horses, participate in rodeos, and live the Western lifestyle everyday.”

Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack supports the next generation of ranchers and Western lifestyle lovers, too.

“We’re sponsors of 4-H,” says Barry. “There are 4-H clubs in every area of the Western provinces that we try and support with donations and prizes.”

“We’re helping build their careers, too,” says Barry. “A lot of our staff are farm kids, including a few 4-H kids. Sometimes working for Lammle’s is their first job. They live the lifestyle and know the products. I think it’s nice to be served by someone who genuinely loves what they’re selling, lives that lifestyle, and is excited to show it to you. It’s also a great environment for young staff to learn new professional skills.”

The company is still family owned and operated — something rare in today’s commercialized world. However, that’s part of their unique value set.

“It’s a lifestyle that we’ve lived all our lives and we want to carry it on to the next generations,” says Barry.

With 40 years behind them, Lammle’s plans to continue serving customers across Western Canada for at least that long again. 

“We want our customers to feel like they’re part of something,” says Barry. That “something” is a unique Western lifestyle that everybody defines for themselves.

To learn more, please visit their website.

Main Photo: L-R: Barry and Jeff Lammle