Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., the nation's largest retailer of western and workwear, has opened a 460,000-square-foot distribution center in Kansas City, Missouri, marking a significant expansion of its supply chain infrastructure to support growing demand across eastern markets.
The new facility represents a strategic investment in the company's logistics network, equipped with advanced automation systems capable of processing approximately 6 million inventory units. The center will primarily serve Boot Barn's eastern retail locations while alleviating capacity constraints at its existing Fontana, California distribution hub.
Strategic Location for National Growth
Company executives emphasized Kansas City's central geographic position as key to optimizing distribution efficiency. "This facility creates a more balanced network that reduces transit times and shipping costs for our eastern stores," said Jim Conroy, Boot Barn's President and CEO. The location provides direct access to major interstate corridors including I-70 and I-35, enabling efficient transportation to both coasts.
The Kansas City operation incorporates state-of-the-art technologies including automated conveyor systems, robotic sorting equipment, and real-time inventory management software. These systems aim to improve order accuracy while reducing processing times by approximately 30% compared to manual operations.
Supporting Exclusive Brand Expansion
Beyond distribution functions, the facility will centralize value-added services previously handled at store level, including product customization and specialized packaging. This operational shift allows retail staff to focus on customer service rather than backroom processing.
The expanded warehouse capacity particularly benefits Boot Barn's growing portfolio of proprietary brands such as Cody James and Moonshine Spirit. "Our exclusive merchandise represents a strategic differentiator in the marketplace," noted Greg Hackman, Chief Operating Officer. "This facility ensures we can scale inventory to meet demand for these unique product lines."
Future Supply Chain Investments
Company leadership indicated the Kansas City opening represents just one phase in broader supply chain optimization. Boot Barn anticipates establishing an additional eastern seaboard distribution center by the late 2020s to further enhance delivery capabilities.
The expansion comes as Boot Barn operates over 300 retail locations across 41 states, complemented by robust e-commerce operations. Industry analysts observe the investment reflects broader retail sector trends prioritizing logistics efficiency to meet evolving consumer expectations for fast, reliable product availability.