The so-called “Yellowstone” effect is providing economic spurs to growth in Fort Worth as Ariat International, a Western, work and equestrian footwear and apparel maker, said it plans to invest $72.6 million and create 250 jobs to expand its regional headquarters in Fort Worth.
“Fort Worth and the state of Texas have been an incredible partner in Ariat’s growth, and we’re proud to expand our presence here with this investment,” said Beth Cross, co-founder and CEO of the San Leandro, California-based brand.
Gov. Greg Abbott also announced that a Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $1.5 million has been extended to the company. The Texas Enterprise Fund awards grants to a business relocation or expansion project when the state is in competition with other states for the same project.
In 2024, the Fort Worth City Council voted to offer Ariat a $300,000 grant for the headquarters expansion and up to five annual grants for the distribution center. According to the city, the company’s expansion could create $3.3 million in new tax revenue for Fort Worth.
Earlier, in 2020, Fort Worth approved economic incentives valued at $2 million as the company opened a new 1 million-square-foot regional distribution center and local office space in the Alliance area.
Ariat has had a strong presence in Fort Worth since 2020, when the company established its regional headquarters and opened a 1-million square-foot distribution center. In early 2022, Ariat opened a brand shop located in Mule Alley at the Fort Worth Stockyards. It also became active in the community. Among other efforts, the company became the title sponsor of the Fort Worth-based Texas Rattlers professional bull riding team in 2022.
Ariat has been a sponsor of Fort Worth-based Texas Rattlers since 2022. (Courtesy photo | Texas Rattlers, photo by Andre Silva)
“Ariat believed in the Ariat Texas Rattlers from day one, and they’ve believed in Fort Worth even longer,” said Chad Blankenship, president of the Ariat Texas Rattlers. “Ariat’s regional headquarters expansion here is another clear sign of their deepening commitment to this community – and a real testament to the strength of the Fort Worth workforce.”
The apparel company was founded in 1993 and named after the famed racehorse Secretariat. It is known for infusing sneaker technology into Western boots.
“We are happy to welcome Ariat International to an even deeper relationship with Fort Worth,” said Robert Allen, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership.
The expansion will occur over the course of two phases. In the first phase, Ariat will expand the company’s existing regional headquarters in Fort Worth, resulting in 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 a few miles away, which will be an investment of $63.7 million in property and equipment and create 100 new jobs for Fort Worth.
“This 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,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker in a statement.
Bob Francis is the business editor at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org.
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