Last roundup: Double J Western Store in West Springfield closing after nearly 50 years
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Double J Western Store is riding into the sunset after 49 years selling boots, hats, Native American-style jewelry and Western wear.
"I've really got to retire," said owner Brenda Hodge.
The store's last day is Dec. 28.
"It's been a very good business for me," she said. "I have a lot of good customers."
But online sales of Western wear have eaten into her business. So has the presence of national chain Boot Barn with a store also on Riverdale Street in West Springfield.
"They have pushed hard into New England," she said.
In years past, Hodge had customers from Vermont and New Hampshire as well as Western Massachusetts.
Double J Western is shutting its doors for good in West Springfield. The current location on Riverdale Street will shut on December 28 due in part to online shopping trends. Dec. 18, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook
And it's hard to find young people willing to work long hours and weekends.
"I can't say I blame them," she said.
Double J started in 1976 with two brothers, John A. and Joseph Garreffi, traveling to New England selling boots and hats at rodeos and horse shows.
Hodge bought the business in 2011 after having worked there since 1990.
She boasts knowing everything there is to know about the brands.
She does all of the hat cleaning and shaping as well.
Owner of the Double J Western Store in West Springfield, Brenda Hodge, is closing the store. Hodge said that due to staffing and online consumer trends the store is no longer viable. Dec. 18, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook
"I don't know how you can sell a hat over the internet," she said.
In a market where some Western wear is just made to look like at home on the range, the store carries brands favored by real cowboys: Justin boots, Stetson hats, Resistol hats.
"This is the real thing," she said.
As for retirement, Hodge said she'll finally have time to read.
Stories by Jim Kinney
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