What began as a small shop selling horseback riding equipment became a Pennsylvania family business with four locations, work boots, pet supplies, and grooming services. It grew despite competition from major chains and online shopping, an impressive achievement for an independent retailer.
The original store served riders and horse owners before expanding into products for dogs, cats, and workers. Today, customers can shop for sturdy footwear while arranging a grooming appointment for their dogs or cats at the same location.
I like how the business kept evolving without losing its emphasis on personal service. Instead of abandoning its roots, the family followed the needs of its community, creating an unusual combination of services.
The anniversary marks a quarter century of changes, but the idea behind the store remains familiar: knowledgeable people helping neighbors find what they need.
A Family Business That Outlasted 25 Years Of Big-Box Pressure
Chaar began in 2001 when Antoine “Tony” ElChaar founded a small Pennsylvania business called Chaar Saddlery, initially specializing in English horseback-riding equipment and apparel.
The company expanded into horse feed and Western riding supplies before moving into a larger Airport Road location in Allentown in 2004. There, the family introduced pet products and gradually expanded its selection of footwear and workwear.
Twenty-five years after its founding, Chaar operates four Lehigh Valley stores, combining specialty retail with the personalized service that helped the original business grow.
Plenty of small shops closed as big-box chains spread across the Lehigh Valley. Online shopping added even more pressure, since anyone could order boots from the couch at midnight.
Chaar kept going anyway, and the reason seems pretty simple. Shoppers here get real people who know the products, not a search bar and a guessing game.
The Allentown store on Airport Road carries a mix that might seem random at first. Work boots, western boots, work clothes, and pet supplies all share the floor space.
Once you remember the horse supply roots, though, the mix starts to click. People who care for animals often work hard outdoors, and they need tough gear too.
That blend has become the store’s signature. It’s practical, a little quirky, and clearly shaped by the community it serves.
Family businesses rarely last this long without heart and plenty of stubborn effort. This one has both, and it shows in how the shop runs today.
Bring Your Hardest-To-Fit Feet, Because This Team Likes A Challenge
High arches, wide feet, and stubborn heels are all fair game at this boot counter. The team at Chaar measures feet and brings out several styles to compare.
That matters more than most people think. A boot that pinches on day one can turn a long work shift into a slow, grumpy march.
Staff members ask how you’ll use the boots before they suggest anything. A roofer, a nurse, and a weekend hiker all need very different things underfoot.
The store also offers boot stretching when a pair fits almost right. Customers have had that service done for free, which is a sweet bonus for tricky arches.
Insoles get serious attention here too. Fitted inserts can add support and help a good boot feel even better after hours of standing.
A smart tip before you shop is to wear the socks you plan to use at work. Thick socks can change how a boot fits more than you’d guess.
Try on more than one size and walk around the store for a few minutes. Your feet will thank you on the first rainy Monday.
Good fitting takes patience, and patience is hard to find online. That personal touch is a big reason this shop has kept its doors open.
Safety Toes, Waterproof Leather, And Made-In-America Picks Fill The Shelves
Work boots are the backbone of the Allentown store, and the selection goes well beyond the basics. Thorogood is one of the brands on the shelves, a name many tradespeople already trust.
Shoppers can look for safety toes, waterproof builds, and boots made in America. Those three features alone can shrink a big wall of boxes into a short list.
Not sure which features you need? Check your job site rules first, since many workplaces require a specific type of toe protection.
Waterproofing is worth it for anyone who works outside in Pennsylvania weather. Slush, mud, and sudden spring storms can soak cheap boots in minutes.
Staff can walk you through the differences without pushing extras you don’t need. That kind of honest help makes a big purchase feel a lot less stressful.
Leather care kits are available too, and they’re a smart add-on. A little conditioner keeps leather from cracking and can stretch the life of your boots.
Many workers wear the same boots for years, so it pays to choose carefully. Think about comfort first, then safety needs, then style.
Need winter or hiking boots instead? The store carries those as well, so one trip can cover more than one season.
Cowboy Boots Still Have A Proud Home Here
Fitting for a business with horse supply roots, cowboy boots still hold a proud spot at Chaar. Western styles sit alongside the work boots, so riders and fans of the look have real options.
The Lorado boot is one style the staff has recommended for western fits. It’s a good reminder that cowboy boots come in many shapes, not one classic mold.
Western boots fit differently from lace-ups, and that surprises first-time buyers. Your heel should lift a little at first, while the ball of your foot should feel snug.
That’s why trying them on in person makes such a difference. Staff can measure your feet and pull several pairs to compare side by side.
Boot sales pop up from time to time, too. Checking in before a big purchase could leave a little cash for a new belt or socks.
Cowboy boots also make great gifts for weddings, birthdays, and big milestones. Just bring the lucky person along, since guessing someone’s boot size rarely ends well.
Plenty of people wear western boots to work, to the barn, or to a country concert. A well-made pair can handle all three without complaint.
Few things feel as satisfying as breaking in a good pair. Give them time, and they’ll start to feel built just for you.
Your Dog Can Get A Haircut While You Shop For Boots
Yes, the same store that sells steel-toe boots also grooms pets. Chaar offers grooming at the Airport Road location, and both dogs and cats get pampered here.
That’s right, cats too. Some even get the lion cut, a style that trims the body short and leaves a fluffy mane and tail tip.
Regular grooming can help maintain a pet’s coat and prevent tangles. Chaar recommends different appointment intervals depending on the animal’s coat type, with longer-haired pets generally needing more frequent care.
First haircuts can feel like a big deal for young puppies. A calm groomer and a gentle routine help nervous pets learn that grooming isn’t scary.
Want a smoother appointment? Walk your dog beforehand so extra energy gets burned off before the clippers come out.
Tell the groomer about any skin issues, allergies, or tender spots. Clear details help them give your pet a safer, more comfortable visit.
Pairing grooming with shopping is a clever time-saver. You can handle your pup’s trim and browse boots and work clothes at the same address.
Few stores in Pennsylvania mix footwear and fur this way. It sounds odd on paper, but it fits right in with the family’s animal-loving roots.
The Treat Aisle Turns You Into Your Pet’s Favorite Person
Pet food, treats, and everyday supplies take up a good chunk of the store. Chaar carries what dogs and cats need between grooming visits, too.
That makes it easy to restock while you shop for yourself. One stop can cover new work boots and a fresh bag of kibble.
The company also operates a location on Mill Creek Road in Trexlertown, specializing in pet supplies, grooming services, and wild bird products. It’s another example of how much the animal-care side of the business has grown.
Picking the right food can feel confusing with so many choices. Start with your pet’s age, size, and any health needs your vet has mentioned.
Switch foods slowly over about a week to avoid upset stomachs. Mixing a little new food with the old makes the change much easier.
Treats should stay small and occasional, even when those puppy eyes are working overtime. Many vets suggest keeping treats to a small slice of daily calories.
Staff members can help you compare options without pressure. That friendly guidance makes the pet aisle feel a lot less overwhelming.
For a business that started with horses, the animal focus feels natural. The species changed a little, but the care stayed the same.
Friendly Help Without The Hard Sell Feels Refreshing
Pushy salespeople can ruin a shopping trip faster than a wet sock. Chaar takes a different approach, with staff who ask questions before recommending anything.
The goal is to match products to how you’ll actually use them. That means fewer wasted dollars on features you’ll never need.
Many of the employees are young, yet they know their boots well. It’s clear the team takes product knowledge seriously.
Families shopping with kids get patience, too. Trying on boots while little ones wander can be tricky, and a calm team helps a lot.
The owners also respond to feedback, both glowing and critical. They thank happy shoppers and invite anyone with a problem to reach out directly.
That kind of follow-through is rare for a store of any size. It shows the people in charge still care about each shopper’s experience.
Good service is a big reason small shops survive against huge chains. Price matters, but trust is what keeps people loyal for years.
Next time you stop in, ask questions freely and don’t rush. You’ll likely leave smarter about your feet and happier with your purchase.
Plan Your Trip Around These Handy Late Hours
Finding the store is simple, since it sits along a busy stretch near the airport. Chaar is located at 1635 Airport Rd, Allentown, PA 18109.
Weekday hours run from 9 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday. That late closing time is a lifesaver for anyone working a full day shift.
Saturday hours run from 10 AM to 6 PM. Sunday is shorter, with doors open from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Calling ahead about grooming is a smart move before your visit. A little planning helps the day run smoothly for you and your pet.
Bring your work socks if you’re shopping for boots. Bring your pet’s grooming history too, if it’s their first visit.
The store sits close to major roads in the Lehigh Valley, so it’s easy to reach. Folks from Bethlehem, Whitehall, and nearby towns can get there without much hassle.
Pennsylvania winters are rough on feet, so fall is a great time to shop. You’ll have boots broken in before the first real snowfall arrives.
A family business lasting 25 years deserves a visit at least once. Stop by, grab some boots, and maybe bring the dog along for the ride.
