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 Solano’s Boot & Western Wear, located at 101 South Second Street
in the heart of downtown Raton, has been family owned and operated since 1956
and recently celebrated its 50th year servicing the western needs of local,
regional and global clientele. Solano’s began humbly in September of 1956 when
Andy Solano opened a small boot repair shop in Raton. After years of spending
many late nights and early mornings resurrecting countless pairs of tired old
cowboy boots, Andy’s wife Fabie joined him by opening a small western wear store
carrying several styles of boots and shoes. The business grew steadily over the
next decade when, in 1976, their eldest son Ralph returned to Raton and
dedicated himself to the business. Over time, Ralph eventually created the
unique atmosphere that makes Solano’s what it is today by stocking a wider
variety of merchandise and expanding on the selection of boots that his mother
started.
For the next 20 years the business continued to grow, running
mainly on a staff of family members, and gained regional as well as national
recognition as one of the most unique and authentic western stores in the
country. The large array of merchandise is simply stunning, and includes such
items as tall top boots designed in-house, 5-inch brim hats, Old West style
shirts and much more. There’s something to cover just about anyone from head to
toe at Solano’s, and as of December 2003, people all over the world have the
ability to purchase quality western wear via their website at
www.solanoswesternwear.com, which was created by Ralph’s son, Drey.
Today, Solano’s is still run by the family with Fabie and Andy
as the owners, their daughter Sandy and grandson Drey take care of managerial
operations, their granddaughter Tiffany is a sales clerk, and long-time employee
Sandi does all the rest. The staff at Solano’s welcomes you to stop in and
experience for yourself their “hat cemetery” - a collection of over 300
authentic used cowboy hats - and an old fashioned kind of western service that
you just don’t find anymore. No matter where you choose to hang your hat, a trip
to Solano’s is one you won’t soon forget!
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