
site designed & created by ÜBER COMMUNICATIONS |
In 1908, Robert John Welsh, set up shop on 96th Street selling “settlers’ effects” - horse harnesses, axes, pails, shovels – to Alberta’s early homesteaders. Welsh’s was known primarily for its harness and saddle making, and in the late 1950s added western wear to the inventory to become a fullfledged western supply store.
R. J.‘s son Lloyd took over from his father and worked in the store for 52 years. Now the third generation of the Welsh family are the current owner/operators. Bob and Gary Welsh and sister Sherry Worton succeeded their dad, Lloyd, as owners in the early 1990s.
They have witnessed tremendous changes in the retail industry over the years, and have expanded and changed the business in tune with the economy and with emerging trends.Welsh’s Saddlery and Western Wear now operates two locations in Edmonton – one in west Edmonton and their 20,000 square foot store on Manning Drive. They believe that customer service is what sets them apart in the retail business, and also what contributes to their ongoing success. In addition to success in attracting new customers, they also have been serving the same customers for close to 30 years and they are quick to say that it’s service that brings them back into the store.
In keeping with their western theme, they are proud to say that they are “Branded to the Community” - At Welsh's, connecting with the community is still as much a part of their philosophy as it was when R.J. Welsh first started the business in 1908. Their hands on commitment and attention to detail goes into everything they do in the store and they pride themselves in extending this same commitment into the community by supporting numerous fine organizations, too many to mention but here are just a few:
Alberta Equestrian Federation
Lakeland Rodeo Association
Salisbury Saddle Club
The Rainbow Society
Little Bits Riding Club
Cooking Lake Saddle Club
Newbrook Range Riders
Parkland Riding Club
Triple "R" Riding Club
Cross Cancer Institute Cancer Ride
Alberta 4 – H Society
Alberta Team Cattle Penning Society |