The Expansion
After nearly two decades of business at the corner of Midwest and Center, it became apparent that the store had outgrown its floorspace. An opportunity presented itself when a four story building on Second Street, merely a few blocks away from the old location, went up for sale.
After the move, it couldn't be more clear that this was meant to be. The store grew rapidly, quickly expanding through 4 floors in the main building, and aquiring the two buildings next door. The expansions allowed for an entire floor to be dedicated for tack, supplies, and veterinary equipment; a ladies sportswear department; a gift department; a children's department; and even a full service restaurant. The store had now grown from 250 sq. feet of space in a little corner shop to 55,000 sq. feet of spacious department-store shopping over 9 floors. In 1976, Lou received the Western Apparel Retailer of the Year Award from the Rocky Mountain Mens Apparel Association.
By this time Lou's children had grown up, and were an active part of the day-to-day operations of the store. All six of them had left home to go to college and pursue other paths, but every one of them returned to pick up the reigns of the family business, taking Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters into the next generation. Louis Jr., Frieda, and Robert, Anita, and Carlene all became partners in the Casper store.
