Running Bear Western opens Monday in uptown Jackson

Running Bear Western is opening Monday in uptown Jackson. Running Bear is a store with an eye toward the authentic Western lifestyle.

Merchandise is seen Wednesday inside Running Bear Western in Jackson.KASSI JACKSON

Owner Brian Blankenship said the store is similar to what someone might find in a mountain-town tourist destination.

Blankenship and his wife, Laura, have had their shop for a couple of years already, he said, and are making the move to uptown for several reasons: market exposure, but also the experience of the area.

Merchandise is seen Wednesday inside Running Bear Western in Jackson.KASSI JACKSON

�I�ve enjoyed so much the uptown area of Jackson,� he said. �It does remind me in many ways of stepping into your resort communities. See a lot of people walking, visiting the shops, sitting in our outdoor seating.�

It really takes him back, he said, to when people would sit around the stores uptown, relax and enjoy their day.

Sammy Bear, a 1-year-old black Lab, hangs out behind the counter at Running Bear Western while shop owner Brian Blankenship leans on the front counter Wednesday in Jackson.KASSI JACKSON

�It�s been so rewarding,� Blankenship said.

The main focus of the business is clothing lines, mostly for outdoor adventuring, he said, and home d�cor items.

Merchandise sits on display Wednesday at Running Bear Western in Jackson.KASSI JACKSON

That includes bronze statues and original artwork, signed and numbered, as well as more affordable items, he said.

Handmade pottery from a Navajo reservation in New Mexico is offered for sale, and jewelry, including stonework, as well as pieces made from horsehair.

Leather purses and bags are for sale Wednesday at Running Bear Western in Jackson.KASSI JACKSON

The shop also has a small section of firearms for sale, including sport rifles and handguns. Some collectors� guns will also be sold, but, he said, �We are not a gun store. We�re a store that also sells firearms.�

Shoppers will see a lot of unique products, Blankenship said, and those offerings might only be seen once.

Leather purses and bags are for sale Wednesday at Running Bear Western in Jackson.KASSI JACKSON

He said the shop searches out green vendors, as it�s important to support people working to conserve nature, so it can be enjoyed by future generations.

And, he said, �We�re just trying to give that unique experience you don�t typically find in this part of the country,� Blankenship said. �I hope we can supply products our customers really want. So far, we�ve had a very positive response, and we�re just so pleased with the community support.�

The store at 105 E. Adams St. in Jackson is next door to the Ground-A-Bout coffee shop, and will be open Tuesday through Saturday.

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630