By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — One of the largest western and work wear retailers in the country is preparing to move into the former JoAnn Fabrics space along East State Street.

Boot Barn started remodeling 6280 E. State St., suite No. 2, next to Old Chicago in December, according to city building officials. The national retailer plans to open in the space by March 5, according to its Google listing. Calls and messages for the company were not returned.

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Boot Barn is hiring now for the future Rockford store, including a store manager position posted on Zip Recruiter.

The company was founded in 1978 as a western lifestyle brand and there are now nearly 400 stores across the country, according to its website listings. The largest concentration is in Texas with 78 stores. The Rockford store will be the company’s fourth in Illinois.

The company describes its brand as serving the iconic American cowboy from the ranch to the rodeo arena. Its Boot Barn Work brand is designed for workers “from the oil and gas industry to agriculture,” while its Just Country brand serves the avid outdoorsman and Wonderwest caters to fashion enthusiasts, according to its website.

JoAnn Fabrics moved late last year from 6280 E. State St. into a portion of the former Dick’s Sporting Goods nearby at 6360 E. State St. The other portion of Dick’s is occupied by Burlington Coat Factory, which moved a couple doors down from its previous location.

This article is by the Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas