A California apparel and footwear company — which offers equestrian and Western-inspired gear — is expanding its regional headquarters and distribution operations in Fort Worth.
Ariat International is set to invest $72.6 million and create about 250 new jobs as part of the expansion of the site, the company said in an announcement.
“Fort Worth and the state of Texas have been an incredible partner in Ariat’s growth,” Ariat International CEO Beth Cross said in the announcement. “We’re committed to building opportunities that strengthen both Ariat and Fort Worth for the long term.”
In a separate announcement from Gov. Greg Abbott, he said a Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $1.5 million has been extended to the company.
D-FW Retail News
North Texas is attracting investments as its population expands and it lands more corporate expansions and even relocations. Companies such as Care.com, Caterpillar and McKesson have set up new headquarters in the region in recent years.
“With a skilled and growing workforce and the best business climate in America, Texas is where businesses innovate and people thrive,” Abbott said in the statement.
In 2020, Ariat established its regional headquarters and a distribution center. In 2022, it opened a brand shop in Mule Alley at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
The Fort Worth expansion will occur over two phases. In the first step, Ariat will bolster the existing regional headquarters, with an $8.9 million investment in property improvements and equipment — and the creation of 150 new jobs. The second phase will include the construction of a new regional distribution center nearby, which will be an investment of $63.7 million in property and equipment. It’s set to create 100 new jobs for Fort Worth.
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Ariat has a wide lineup for customers that includes square-toe slippers, colorful Western boots and shoes for work. There are also jackets, shirts and hoodies along with jeans — with choices for men, women and children. And, given its equestrian perspective, it offers riding boots and show coats.
Fort Worth itself has been getting more attention for growth and landing investments. Among large American cities, it ranks fifth-best for economic growth, buoyed largely by strong marks in education and international trade, according to a study from Coworking Cafe.
The city also ranked higher than Dallas, which checked in at No. 15 in the report.
“This (Ariat) expansion strengthens our city’s position as a hub for innovation, logistics and world-class brands, while creating quality jobs and opportunities for our residents,” Mayor Mattie Parker said in the announcement.
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