Tecovas (company)
Tecovas is an Austin, Texas-based direct-to-consumer retailer specializing in handcrafted cowboy boots, apparel, and leather goods. Founded in 2015 by Paul Hedrick, the company bypasses traditional retail channels to offer what it claims are higher-quality boots at more accessible price points.
History:
Paul Hedrick, a Harvard Business School graduate, started Tecovas after experiencing difficulty finding well-made cowboy boots at a reasonable price. He identified a gap in the market and decided to create a brand that focused on direct-to-consumer sales, cutting out the middleman and passing the savings on to customers. The company launched online in 2015, initially offering a limited range of men's boot styles.
Products:
Tecovas offers a variety of cowboy boots for men and women, including traditional Western styles, ropers, and dress boots. They also sell apparel such as shirts, jeans, and outerwear, as well as leather goods like belts, wallets, and bags. The company emphasizes the use of high-quality materials and traditional bootmaking techniques.
Business Model:
Tecovas operates primarily as a direct-to-consumer brand, selling its products online and through a growing number of retail stores located in major cities across the United States. The direct-to-consumer model allows the company to control its brand image, customer experience, and pricing.
Retail Locations:
In addition to its online presence, Tecovas operates physical retail stores, designed to offer customers a personalized boot-fitting experience. As of late 2023, Tecovas has expanded to include stores in cities across the Southern and Southwestern United States, and is continuing to open new stores.