BUSINESS FEATURE Hays Co. Out tters Retailer provides apparel for the outdoors A fter almost a decade of providing San Marcos a one-stop shop for outdoor clothing and gear, Hays Co. Out tters
BY DANIEL WEEKS
Connell said she wants her store to maintain a “hometown” feel, even if the city around her starts to feel less so. “In a way, it’s sad to see that our small little town is no longer a small, little town. But we can still embrace the small-town way of thinking and the small-town vibes even though we are growing rapidly,” Connell said. Connell’s approach to customer service works toward making shopping at the out tters a personal experience. She is often recognizing returning customers and address- ing some by name. The store also provides some services such as a simple shing guide or advice on the best nearby walking trails. While the store does o er limited online shopping on its website, Connell would rather have custom- ers come shop in person. “A lot of the products that we sell need to be tried on. It doesn’t matter what it is brand-wise, everything ts di erently,” she said. “We carry some higher-end brands, so if you’re going to spend $90 on a button-down shirt, then we want to try it on and want to make sure that it ts correctly.” The Buda location will open in May, and Connell said her plan is to continue to expand without ventur- ing too far out of the region. “I like to be in the stores and be involved. If we went several hours away, I wouldn’t be able to do that,” she said. “We’ll see what the future holds. I’ll still be doing this, because this is what I love.”
“I like to knowwhat our customers are looking for andwhat they’re buying. I want tomake sure that we have the products that theywant.” WHITNEY CONNELL, OWNER
is set to expand to Buda, and its owner hopes to go even further. Owner Whitney Connell started working at the store after it opened in 2012. In 2017, she bought the store, and just ve years later she is set to open her second store in Buda. Con- nell said she hopes to place a store manager at each location eventually, but for now she will be running everything herself. “Unfortunately, you can’t be in two places at one time,” Connell said. Connell said she plans to split her time between both stores to maintain a hands-on approach. “I’m a really involved business owner,” Connell said. “I like to know what our customers are looking for and what they’re buying. I want to make sure that we have the products that they want. The only way to really do that is to be in the store.” Hays Co. Out tters sells outdoor clothing, including shoes, hats, shirts, shorts and swimwear. The store also provides a variety of outdoor gear, such as stainless steel water bottles, coolers, hammocks and camping chairs. One can also nd unique products such as decorative stickers and cocktail syrup. The second Hays Co. Out tters location soon to open in Buda will ser- vice customers in the Buda, Kyle and South Austin areas. Connell said her small store is better suited to smaller markets found in Hays County.
Hays Co. Out tters owner Whitney Connell bought the store in 2017.
PHOTOS BY DANIEL WEEKS COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Hays Co. Out tters sells a variety of brands, including Patagonia, Chaco, Birkenstock, On Running and more. Connell says the store tries to focus on Texas-based brands as well, sporting Howler Brothers from Austin and Burlebo from Dripping Springs. “Who wants to have to drive to Austin to get all of these brands?” Connell said. BIG CITY BRANDS IN A SMALL TOWN STORE
The store o ers a variety of Birkenstocks and other shoe brands to choose from.
Reusable and durable water bottles, asks and tumblers are also available.
Apparel for every outdoor need can be found at the store.
Hays Co. Out tters 690 Center Point Road, Ste. 201, San Marcos 512-749-1514 www.hayscoout tters.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. noon-4 p.m.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • APRIL 2022
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