#5 King Ranch: America’s Most Iconic Ranch Turned Lifestyle Brand

Backstory

The story of King Ranch Saddle Shop didn’t start with an eCommerce idea, but with the founding of one of the most iconic ranches in American history. In 1853, Captain Richard King purchased land in South Texas that would become King Ranch, a sprawling cattle empire larger than the state of Rhode Island and to this day the largest ranch in the US. Over generations, the ranch became known not just for ranching and quarter horses, but for craftsmanship: saddles, tack, and leather goods that carried the King Ranch name.

What began as working gear for cowboys on the ranch slowly evolved into a symbol of Western heritage. In the mid-1900s, King Ranch opened its Saddle Shop in Kingsville, Texas, selling handmade saddles and leather goods. Tourists, dignitaries, and ranchers alike came to buy a piece of the ranch’s authenticity and also experience hunting adventures on the ranch itself. Exotic animals like the Nilgai, antelope from India, were brought in to hunt in the 1930s which still roam wild in King Ranch and surrounding counties.

As retail shifted, King Ranch Saddle Shop moved beyond Kingsville. It expanded into luggage, belts, wallets, boots, and apparel. Transforming from a cowboy outfitter into a luxury Western lifestyle brand. The natural next step? Taking 170+ years of heritage online.

Today, KRSaddleShop.com blends history with modern commerce. The brand has grown into a multimillion-dollar retailer with stores in Kingsville, Houston, Austin, and Frisco plus a full Shopify-powered eCommerce business that ships worldwide.

Road to the Money

Here’s how King Ranch transformed 170 years of cowboy craftsmanship into a thriving digital business.

1853 – King Ranch founded

Captain Richard King establishes King Ranch in South Texas. It grows into one of the largest ranches in the world.

1920s–1950s – Saddle making takes off

King Ranch saddle makers craft custom saddles and tack for working cowboys and rodeo riders. The gear earns a reputation for durability and authenticity.

1960s–1990s – Expanding the product line

The Saddle Shop broadens into boots, belts, luggage, and apparel, pushing into the lifestyle category while keeping its Western roots.

2000s – Launches KRSaddleShop.com

Heritage moves online. Customers around the world can now buy directly from the King Ranch brand, not just in Kingsville.

2010s – Growth beyond Kingsville

New brick-and-mortar Saddle Shops open in Houston, Austin, and Frisco, TX. The store transitions from local retailer to statewide and national presence.

2020s – Heritage meets modern retail

KRSaddleShop.com becomes a polished Shopify Plus storefront with digital marketing, email flows, and social content fueling sales. Lifestyle partnerships (like John Deere) broaden reach.

2024 – Estimated revenue $7M–$15M+

Different data providers peg King Ranch Saddle Shop revenue between $7.1M and $15M annually driven by eCommerce, retail stores, and corporate gifting.

Tech Stack

Shopify Plus → E-commerce backbone
Handles DTC sales, bundles, and promotions while syncing with stores.

Klaviyo → Email flows
Abandoned cart, browse recovery, VIP offers, and ranch-heritage storytelling.

AccessiBe → Web accessibility
Keeps the site ADA-compliant and accessible for all visitors.

Judge.me → Reviews
Authenticity and social proof from customers online.

GA4 + Hotjar → Analytics & tracking
Modern measurement layered on a 170-year-old brand.

Top 3 Lessons from King Ranch

1. Heritage is a moat
   You can’t fake 170 years of authenticity. King Ranch’s story gives it pricing power and loyalty new brands can’t replicate.

2. Expand from utility into lifestyle
   What started as working gear evolved into luxury luggage, apparel, and home goods. Moving upmarket turned a niche product into a full brand.

3. Old world + new world wins
   The Saddle Shop could’ve stayed a Kingsville tourist stop. Instead, Shopify and smart retail expansion turned it into a multimillion-dollar omnichannel business.

Besos,

Nick