SAN ANGELO, Texas — Thomas Blair isn't short on family in West Texas.
The owner of Blair's Western Wear is retiring after more than 30 years of operation. He said he is closing the store to make time for his children and grandchildren. However, the 66-year-old still tries to treat his present and former employees like extended family.
"We've watched kids be born, grow up (and) come work for us," Blair said. "And I've even had their kids work here."
Through decades worth of rodeo seasons, plenty of cowboys and cowgirls have visited Blair's store. He said he tries to make every performance he can.
"If you like rodeo and it means something to you, there's not a better one I know of," he said.
Blair said the store will remain open through the end of the San Angelo Rodeo. While he gets to end things on his own terms, he said, the thing he will miss most is the people of West Texas.
Calli Buckles, an employee, has only worked at Blair's Western Wear for a month. However, she still praised Blair and said he was someone people would want to work with.
For Buckles and the other employees who have become family to Blair, the store closing is a bittersweet moment.
"It makes me feel sad, but it makes me feel happy for Tom," Buckles said. "He’s ready. He’s ready to be a grandpa, and a husband and not have to worry about all this, which I don’t blame him. He’s done it for a very long time, so I’m just happy to be able to work with him and help him out during this last couple of months."
As of Thursday, everything in the store is 30% off.