Hats and boots of its own

Much of the stock carries the house label. The distressed Kemo Sabe Grit hats began in the Aspen store in 1995 and are now produced at the company's own hat facility in Gainesville, Texas. Since 2021 Kemo Sabe has also made Grit boots through a boot company it bought in El Paso. Custom hats, handcrafted boots, heirloom silver and rare leathers are all part of the offer.

How the shop works

There are no reservations or appointments: you walk in and one of the staff, whom Kemo Sabe calls Sales Wranglers, works through the choices with you. The company's motto, "Make Everyone Feel Important", dates from 1990 and still shapes how it describes its service. Since 2020 it has been owned by Wendy Kunkle, Bobby Kunkle, Lisa Kunkle and Andrew Wilson.

Trunk shows and private events

Kemo Sabe runs weekend trunk shows at its stores, Vail included, with knives, estate jewelry and hand-engraved buckles brought in for the occasion. It also hosts private events around a VIP bar for birthdays, bachelorette parties, wedding welcome parties and team outings; ask the events team which bar space the Vail store offers.

Before you buy

Returns are accepted within 30 days on unworn items in original condition, but not on anything that has been branded or bought on sale. Gift cards are sold by phone or in store.

Sources: about Kemo Sabe, FAQ, events, trunk shows. Checked September 23, 2026.