Carrying on the Western Tradition

It’s a longstanding tradition in Sisters to celebrate the spirit of the American West, and a western-wear store that caters to locals and tourists has been an essential part of the town’s fabric for decades.

When Rigoberto “Rigo” Ramirez was offered the chance to reopen a western wear and outdoor shop in downtown Sisters, he seized the opportunity and moved from Portland to Sisters last July.

Ramirez’s parents, Dixie and Gary Baker, have lived in Sisters for more than eight years and had frequented Leavitt’s Western Wear. But, last year, store owner John Leavitt hung up his hat after 40 years and said goodbye to the retail business.

“John had the property for sale, and I bought it,” said Gary Baker. “I thought a retail store was a wonderful opportunity for our son, Rigo.”

Ramirez, a personal trainer with a business degree, had always envisioned owning his own business, though admittedly a western retail store was not part of his original plan.

“This opportunity came up, and it was a change of direction, but something that I welcomed,” Ramirez said. “I was ready to move to Sisters. I like the change of pace and lifestyle.”

Ramirez wants his store to appeal to those who simply love western style, but also to those who need durable outdoor clothing for work and play in Sisters country.

“Boots are my favorite part of the apparel in the store. I wear boots everyday,” Ramirez said, adding that while Dixie’s carries many of the same lines as Leavitt’s did when it was in business, he’s also branching out and stocking additional brands including Lucchese, Boulet, Old Gringo, Lane and Justin Work Boots.

“Our main focus is women’s apparel, but we also have men’s clothing,” Ramirez said.

Jeri Buckmann shops at Dixie’s whenever she gets the chance.

“Dixies’s has the latest fashions, it’s not all Wrangler,” said Buckmann, the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce event coordinator. “I recently bought a pair of Y Knot Branded shoes [at Dixie’s] made by local artist, Wendy Weems, and I love them!

“And the new layout of the store is very inviting,” Buckmann added.

Before reopening, the store was redesigned and given a new layout as well as being updated with new carpet and paint, which gives it a fresh feel.

“One of the main changes is that we added a third window along Cascade Avenue,” explained Ramirez. “It really brightens up the shop. We also had a contractor custom build the railing and steel sign that says ‘Dixie’s.’”

Ramirez supports local artists and carries leather art by Dirk Godby, decorative skulls by Shelby Ross and horse-hair pottery by Karen Kassy.

Melinda Witt, a longtime Sisters local, gets all her western wear at Dixie’s.

“We love that Rigo is carrying on with Sisters’ western tradition,” said Witt. “The apparel is high-quality and the latest in fashion trends. Dixie’s is the place to shop for your summer rodeo attire!”

Dixie’s is located on the corner of Cascade Avenue and Elm Street in downtown Sisters. For more information call 541-549-6451.