Western Heritage

You’d have to be living under a rock not to notice that western style has once again spiked in popularity. Western vibes are popping up in TV, movies, music and most noticeably in fashion. 

For Lisa McBride, owner of Great Western Clothing, it’s not a fad however, it’s an actual lifestyle. One where a typical morning might include tracking down missing goats and reblanketing mischievous horses. After crossing the cattle guard and leaving her little chunk of paradise, McBride heads to the big boot on Broadway that marks the entrance to her Eureka store.

Great Western, has been a part of the Humboldt community for nearly 50 years. McBride bought it in 2019, after working there for a few years and falling in love with the customers. Traditionally the store’s customers have been ranchers, farmers and horse enthusiasts. “They’re my kind of people,” says McBride. She and her late husband Jack, are part of a local timber and ranching family that has been in the area since the 1800’s, so it’s no wonder she feels at home in this environment. 

The western frenzy means new customers all the time. McBride doesn’t mind the western craze at all, but finds it a little funny. “What they are now calling cowboy core is what we’ve always just called clothes!” she laughs. “Though I enjoy the fun trends,” says McBride, “cowboy boots, denim, and cowboy hats are still our bread and butter, and will forever be a cornerstone of our western heritage.” 

Whether it’s literally your first rodeo or you’ve been to a couple hundred, Great Western is the place for authentic western gear and old fashioned customer service. You can find them on the south end of Broadway Eureka, right behind that big beautiful boot.

Great Western Clothing Co., at the Big Boot — 4465 Broadway, Eureka CA