It isn’t often a new retail outfit opens in January in Sisters (or anywhere, for that matter). But for Open Range Western & Lodge Decor store owner Denelle Martin, the timing just seemed right. She had already missed out on two opportunities to nab the prime retail location in Sisters — in the heart of downtown, on Cascade Avenue — and figured it was now or never. Even if that meant commuting back and forth from Canby until her two teenage sons finish the school year.
Much of the stock here is hand-crafted, and many pieces are one-of-a-kind items. In fact, Martin produces quite a bit of the Western-themed items herself — everything from candles and horse shoe art to barbed-wire signage  and corrugated metal posters.
Martin’s two  sons, Kyle and Cody, are also contributors:  The KM Survival Kits (everything you need for a quick camping trip, medical emergency or survival situation) are Kyle’s brainchild; Cody contributes his woodworking skills.
Right now Martin has a list of 30 to 50 things she’d like to add to her inventory (she also fills a lot of custom orders). Her goal is for the majority of things sold in the shop to be built by her family.
It seems that building things was in her blood: “My dad did carpentry for the government,” she says, “and when all my siblings were playing outside, I’d be hanging out with my dad. There’s something so rewarding about building things with your hands.
“I love the outdoors,” she adds. And I embrace the West.”
Open Range is located at 220 W. Cascade Ave., Sisters. (541) 588-0202 or (503) 679-7747. The store is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (and sometimes is open beyond that). It’s located next-door to Three Ponies Saddlery, another welcome addition to the downtown Sisters scene.
Here are a few more photos of Open Range:
 

 

 
 


 
 

 
 

 
 
 

About the Author:
Lisa Broadwater, GRI, CDPE is a Central Oregon-based real estate professional who specializes in listing and selling homes, especially in Sisters, Tumalo, Redmond and Bend.