POCATELLO — A popular Pocatello western store and pawn shop is just one year away from reaching 50 years of serving the community with cowboy oriented fashion and merchandise.

Gayle Shappart, manager of Vickers Western Store and Pawn at 1460 Yellowstone Ave. in Pocatello, said Bill Vickers originally opened the store in 1976. A second location in Idaho Falls opened about 20 years ago.

"We are very fortunate and blessed to have this store located in Southeast Idaho," Shappart said. "We have a great customer base. We couldn't do it without returning customers."

Bill Vickers died about 12 years ago, but his wife still owns both the Pocatello and Idaho Falls stores. Shappart has worked with the company for about 20 years and is happy to continue operating the Pocatello location, allowing Bill Vickers' legacy to live on.

"I feel very fortunate to be able to carry on Bill's legacy," Shappart said. "He put his heart and soul into it, and I feel very fortunate to have that opportunity."

Shappart expressed gratitude to the community for supporting Vickers Western Store and Pawn over the years, saying the store wouldn't be open today without continued customer support.

"(I love) the great customer relationships that I get to nurture year after year," Shappart said.

The community's generosity in continuing to support the brick-and-mortar store during the age of online shopping hasn't gone unnoticed.

"We all know that online shopping is amazing," Shappart said. "We're grateful for every customer who walks through our door."

Shappart also praised the employees who have worked at the store over the years. Some are long-term workers who have been there more than 10 years.

"We have a good employee base," Shappart said. "I'm fortunate to have employees who have worked for me for 15 years."

The store has also employed people for shorter periods, including high school and college students, and Shappart appreciates having worked with them as well.

"I like to be able to contribute that way and move them to their next career," Shappart said.

Vickers Western Store and Pawn offers clothing including shirts, boots and hats, as well as belts, buckles and jewelry. The store also carries horse-related products for care, grooming and tack.

"We are not just a western store," Shappart said. "We sell jeans that not just the western person wears. We sell a variety of merchandise."

Shappart said Vickers Western Store and Pawn plans to hold a celebration when it officially reaches its 50-year anniversary next year.

"Fifty years in retail is a milestone in this day and age," Shappart said.

More information about Vickers Western Store and Pawn can be found at vickerswesternstore.net.