Terry & Kathryn Larson

In Aberdeen, South Dakota, there’s a storefront that feels like part of the town’s fabric—Hitch’n Post. Known for its rustic charm and unmatched selection, this family-owned business has been a one-stop shop for western wear in South Dakota for 55 years. Whether you’re after authentic boots, hats, shirts or jeans, Hitch’n Post has you covered.

Here in South Dakota, western wear isn’t just fashion—it’s functional and cultural. Ranchers, farmers, cowboys, cowgirls and families rely on gear that works as hard as they do. For decades, the Hitch’n Post has ensured they’re ready for anything that comes their way. It’s that deep connection to lifestyle and livelihood that has kept the store anchored in the community for over half a century. From boots made of ostrich and elephant leather to rugged denim that stands up to the seasons, Hitch’n Post is a part of everyday life in Aberdeen and beyond.

Terry Larson, born and raised in Watertown, South Dakota, graduated high school in 1963, moved to Aberdeen and later earned a degree in sociology with a minor in psychology and business from Northern State University. By the time he joined the Hitch’n Post, he was already no stranger to hard work. His first job being in the eighth grade at a grocery store in Watertown. John and Bobbie Pagones owned a high-end shoe store and a western store on Main Street in Aberdeen. They opened the Hitch’n Post in April of 1970. Terry started in August of that year as a salesman, quickly moved into management, and spent over a decade working at the Hitch’n Post

In 1982, he and another employee bought the store. It was a booming time for western wear. The Urban Cowboy craze and developments like the Northern Border Pipeline brought waves of new customers through Aberdeen. But as trends faded, cheap imitations flooded the market. For three straight years, Hitch’n Post lost $100,000 annually. Terry didn’t give up. He bought out his partner, George Lemer, and became the sole owner.

While Terry ran the store, his wife Kathryn “Pete” Larson was on a different path. She’d long dreamed of being a teacher, but after college at Northern, life took her in a different direction. She worked at K-Mart for 11 years then at the Department of Labor. After they bought George out, Kathryn joined the family business as the bookkeeper, doing office work along with helping on the sales floor.  It was a major shift for both of them-working together every day. Times were tough back then, but with hard work, grit, optimism and a lot of faith the business prospered.

Together, they turned the Hitch’n Post into more than a retail space—it became a community hub. In South Dakota, western wear isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about living your roots. It’s for the working hands and the everyday people who need clothing that’s built to last and made with pride. That’s exactly what Hitch’n Post has offered for more than 50 years: dependable gear, personal service, and a familiar place where customers become friends.

Even now, with the rise of online shopping and changing fashion landscapes, the Hitch’n Post keeps moving forward. In 2012, Terry and Kathryn’s daughter, Alissa, stepped in with fresh ideas. In 2016, she began digitizing inventory which has led to the expansion on several social media platforms and most recently launching their website, hitchnpostwestern.com. Through every shift and challenge, one thing has remained constant: the Larsons’ commitment to Aberdeen. They’ve poured in long hours, sacrificed time, and stayed rooted in service. Customers come not just for the brands—but for the people behind the counter. As Terry often says, customer service is everything. “You have to be available,” he notes. “You have to treat customers like friends.” That belief has kept people coming back—and helped the store endure.

Owning a business hasn’t always been easy. The high interest rates of the 1980s hit the farming economy hard, and the digital age brought stiff global competition. But the Larson family kept evolving—and investing in their town. Today, the Hitch’n Post stands tall. With one eye on the market and one on their community, they’ve never lost sight of what makes the business special. After all these years, their formula is simple: work hard, treat people well, and they have always stuck by their motto “If you take care of your business-your business will take care of you”.