Olson’s Tack Shop, the longest-standing business in Downtown Bellevue, recently celebrated its 80th anniversary. Located at 11408 NE 2nd Place, the store has remained a cornerstone of the region’s equestrian community since opening its doors in 1944.
The business was founded by Carl Olson, a World War II veteran who started the shop after returning from service. Originally, the store operated from the ground floor of a two-story building, while the upstairs served as the Olson family’s living quarters.
In 1978, Olson sold the business to Joyce Gilpin, a passionate equestrian with a background in riding and competition. Under Gilpin’s leadership, Olson’s evolved into a destination for riders, expanding its offerings and reputation in the Pacific Northwest.
The shop changed hands again in 2003, when Mike Akers, then a store manager and inventory assistant, purchased the business.
Over the years, Olson’s Tack Shop has adapted to the evolving needs of its customers while maintaining a strong sense of tradition and community. “The sense of community and never forgetting that the customer is the entire reason we exist—those are the things we’ve always kept the same,” Akers said.
Since taking over, Akers has introduced several updates to modernize operations and better serve customers. One of the first changes was replacing hand-written receipts with a computerized point-of-sale system. He also expanded the product selection to include gear for dressage and eventing disciplines, while continuing to serve the hunter/jumper community—a vital part of the store’s history and clientele.
A significant interior refresh took place approximately five years ago, allowing more space for curated inventory and improving staff workflow. This spring, the store launched a fully integrated website, point-of-sale, and accounting system—a major technological upgrade from the software Akers implemented more than 20 years ago.
Olson’s remains a full-service tack shop, carrying saddles, bridles, riding apparel, and horse care supplies. The business has built a loyal following by offering expertise and services that are difficult to replicate online. “We focus on what can’t be replicated digitally—fitting specialty items like helmets and boots,” Akers said. “It’s a lot easier to go into a shop and have a selection of good quality items to try, with someone there to give you advice.”
Akers also attributes Olson’s longevity to its consistent presence in the community. The shop participates in up to 24 events annually, including horse shows and clinics. “It can be grueling,” Akers said, “but that’s the way you stay top of mind and let new customers get to know you.”
He advises other small business owners to stay engaged with their communities and remain agile with inventory. “Don’t get frustrated when events don’t yield big financial results immediately. If the right customer base is there, the payback will come. And don’t be married to inventory just because you love it—if it’s not moving, swap it out.”
With eight decades of service behind it, Olson’s Tack Shop continues to adapt while honoring its heritage—a balance that has helped it remain a trusted resource for riders across the region.
For more information, visit shop.olsonstack.com.
Congratulations!