Where the Tener’s Legacy Began
Ray Tener opened his first store in 1930 on Exchange Avenue, in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Stockyards district. In those early days, he specialized in what were known as “men’s furnishings,” building his business on quality goods and honest service. Not long after, he moved just around the corner to Agnew Street, continuing to grow his reputation.
With a deep love for people and a life rooted in strength and character, Ray Tener laid the foundation for what would become the Tener’s tradition. That original store remained in the same location for 48 years, serving generations and becoming a cornerstone of the community.
From Sweeping Floors to Leading the Legacy
Ray Tener retired from running the store in 1971, the same year the business was officially incorporated. Leadership then passed to his son-in-law, Jack Gordy.
Jack Gordy’s story with Tener’s began years earlier in 1964, when he was still a junior in high school. At the time, the store was known as Tener’s Western Wear, and Gordy got his start the old-fashioned way—sweeping floors. While dating Tener’s daughter, he worked his way up from those humble beginnings, laying the groundwork for his future role in continuing the family legacy.
Growing with the Stockyards
Although Tener’s had long carried western wear, it wasn’t truly considered a western wear store until the late 1950s. During its years in the Stockyards, the store’s growth was steady and closely tied to the surrounding community.
As Jack Gordy put it, the business rose and fell with the fortunes of the cattlemen—thriving in good years and feeling the impact in tougher ones. Tener’s didn’t just serve the Stockyards; it grew alongside it.
Rooted in Tradition. Built to Grow.
In 1978, Jack Gordy found the perfect piece of land on Reno Avenue, just west of Meridian, in Oklahoma City. While still close to the Stockyards, the new location offered greater access to highways, hotels, and the nearby Oklahoma State Fairgrounds—positioning the business for continued growth.
They began with an 11,000-square-foot store, and within just two years, expanded to 28,000 square feet across two acres. Through it all, the western spirit established by Ray Tener has remained at the heart of Tener’s Western Outfitters. That commitment to quality and tradition continues to set Tener’s apart as one of Oklahoma’s true western wear legends.
Still Family-Owned. Still Oklahoma Proud.
Today, more than 90 years later, Tener’s remains family-owned and operated by families born and raised in Oklahoma. In recent years, the brand has continued to grow strengthening its reputation as one of the premier western wear destinations in the Southwest.
Customers now travel from across the United States to visit Tener's Western Outfitters, especially during Oklahoma’s major rodeos and western events. From everyday shoppers to professional rodeo athletes, country music artists, and sports figures, many choose Tener’s for authentic hats and western apparel.
What began generations ago continues today—rooted in tradition, family, and the enduring western spirit.