Step into All Country Tack 'n More at 303 N. Olympic Avenue in the heart of Arlington and you'll feel like you've been transported to an earlier time, far away from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping at the mall.

From the comfy chairs grouped around a warming fire to the pleasant aroma of leather, horse lovers Tim and Jessica Krogstadt have crafted a welcoming ambience in their western-themed store. With new and gently used riding equipment and horse care accessories on consignment, the racks are filled with bargains that fill a real need.

"We rescued a horse named JJ earlier this year, and realized it was just too expensive for us to shop at the mainstream tack stores in the area," said Jessica Krogstadt. "After asking our friends and neighbors and others in the area, we discovered there was a real need for an affordable alternative, so we decided to take a leap and open All Country Tack 'n More."

The couple originally located the store at the south end of Olympic Avenue across from the Co-Op. After a couple of months there, the roof developed a leak and they decided they needed to move their leather goods to another location.

Toward the end of October, the current store location became available and they jumped at the chance to move to the center of town.

"Especially in this economy, people can't afford to buy new tack," explained Krogstadt. "We get a lot of 4H'ers in here, looking for riding outfits. Instead of paying $400 or $500 for new gear, they can find beautiful complete outfits here for maybe $100."

Many 4H students change their competition ensemble for each event, and by buying consigned items, "they can go show their horses and feel good doing it," said Krogstadt.

To make the sport even more affordable, 4H students get an extra 5 percent off items in the store when they show their current record book.

In addition to practical items that include saddles, bridles, bits and reins, the store also carries western-style artwork created by local artisans. From hand-painted glassware to branded mirrors and rope-inspired decorative items, the selection is impressive. One local craftsman creates handmade miniature saddles that are complete in every detail, and customers can also purchase gift cards for the horse lovers in their lives.

"We carry a lot of tack, but we have so much more than that," Krogstadt said. "Motorcycle riders come in for chaps and saddlebags, and collectors stop by for Breyer horses."

Tim Krogstadt is a lifelong Arlington resident, and Jessica has lived in the area since their marriage.

"I was in the technology industry for 17 years, and was laid off earlier this year," said Jessica, recounting a familiar tale. "I was ready to do something that was closer to my heart, and opening this store just seemed like the right thing to do."

Their 8-year-old son Lucas, who is homeschooled, is also a fixture in the store. Lucas is excited about starting to learn about animals through 4H, and is looking forward to owning his first pet, a rabbit.

Since most of the inventory in the store is on consignment, the Krogstadts welcome sellers who have surplus equipment. An appointment is generally not required to bring items in for appraisal, and sellers can earn from 50 percent to 80 percent of the sale price when items are purchased.

The Krogstadts are eager to celebrate the store's grand opening Friday, December 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. A ribbon-cutting is planned, with city officials set to attend along with many customers who have already become loyal fans.

On December 5, during the Arlington Hometown Holidays festivities, All Country Tack 'n More will offer old-fashioned western photos from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers can choose a historic outfit and accessories and receive a vintage-looking sepia print for as little as $7.

"JJ passed away on November 1, 2009," said Krogstadt of the horse that started it all. "However, his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all of us, as he is the reason we opened the store. We dedicate it to him."