A Valued Partnership- QH Congress and Rod’s
Rod’s Western Palace was established in 1976 by the late Dan Evans. Still, at that location, the original store was located on Silver Drive in Columbus to be close to the fairgrounds where there were many horse and livestock shows, including the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Rod’s has successfully grown over the years through its physical location, shows, catalogs, and online storefront. Today, Rod’s occupies two stores and two warehouses on approximately six acres in Columbus, Ohio, and is owned by the Hartle family. Additionally, Rod’s is a major retailer and sponsor of the Congress and several regional shows in the Midwest.
Rod’s first store at the Congress was in the late 70s, and it started as a 10 x 20 booth. At that time the Congress only lasted about ten days or two weeks. Over the years, our space and our partnership with OQHA and the Congress grew steadily. In the early 80s, Rod’s jumped at the opportunity to move into the SE corner of Congress Hall and continued to add space, including a connected tent outside the east wall. And as things changed, down the south wall, more space was added to create the current L-shaped store. During that time, Rod’s became the first retail Corporate Sponsor and increased the support of the show contributing cash and awards and the Judges and VIP sportscoats they wear every day.
It’s been a great partnership over the years, and the synergy between the stores, catalog/e-commerce, and Congress has been essential to Rod’s growth and success. Rod’s plans for Congress all year round and have facilities, equipment, and staff mostly devoted to that time. We usually spend over two weeks setting up, almost four weeks open, and a week tearing down and putting away everything for the Congress.
Rod’s is very much missing Congress and other shows this year. These events have become one of the business’s cornerstones, but steps have been taken to adapt to the situation this year. The stores reopened on May 9th, and the retail industry has remained good. Ecommerce has picked up with more people shopping online.
While we are all anxious to return to normal, Rod’s is doing its part to keep everyone safe while serving our loyal customers. Some office employees work from home part-time while our store and warehouse employees practice social distancing with additional cleaning done to ensure safety. We are most appreciative of the customers who have continued to support Rods.com with their purchases and their encouraging words during this time. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones and maybe hurting in other ways due to Covid-19.
Coincidently, just as the pandemic hit in late March, Rod’s Western Palace released their newest endeavor: Country Grace. Country Grace is a line of women’s clothing and home décor that celebrates God’s grace and the blessings we share in our lives and business because of that grace. Combining country charm with modern style, Country Grace aims to describe your lifestyle while nurturing and empowering your spirit.
Rod’s cowboy values such as honesty, hard work, liberty, and patriotism, serve as great inspiration for us all. They say, “It’s in our blood to serve horse people and those who enjoy the Western lifestyle.”
