Reffner's Receives Small Business Award

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is proud to award the April Small Business Award to Reffner’s.

Brian and Kathy Reffner opened Reffner’s in May of 2019. Reffner’s is a family-owned retail store that carries apparel and merchandise for the Chiefs, Jayhawks, Wildcats and our local high schools. Reffner’s also offers custom screen printing, embroidery, and tuxedo rentals.

Brian’s father, Dennis, started the first Reffner’s in the late 1960s at 3^rd and Main.  He eventually bought the Houston Whiteside building at the corner of 2^nd and Main and ran the family full line sporting goods store there. Reffner’s grew to 2 stores in Hutchinson, 2 stores in Wichita, and a store in the Westridge Mall in Topeka.

Brian’s inspiration to start a store in downtown Hutchinson would come from years of watching his father run the business and growing up in a time when downtown Hutchinson was the place to shop. Both Brian and Kathy felt the timing was right to open their store and be part of the resurgence in Downtown Hutch.

Brian and Kathy are joined by family members Kevin Reffner, who is the director of Corporate Accounts for the screen printing and embroidery division and Dennis Reffner handles outside sales for our corporate division.

Reffner’s wants to be the go-to place for people to shop for school and work apparel, for letter jackets, screen print shirts, and embroidery. They want to be an integral part of the community and continue to evolve from there.

Reffner’s differentiates themselves by offering excellent customer service and an environment with a hometown feel. They keep a lower quantity of selections to offer more styles. When you walk into Reffner’s, you’re dealing with an owner, a Reffner.

They give back to the community by giving to United Way, participating in many downtown events, donate to schools, booster clubs, host Chamber events and attend as many as possible. They also keep their prices as low as possible for their customers.

When asked what their advice would be to other small business owners looking to get involved and make an impact in their community, they say joining the Chamber is #1. They would also encourage business owners to have a plan on how you want to be involved – money, time, products, or a combination of all three.

Brian and Kathy want the community to know, they are here to serve Hutchinson, Reno County and beyond.  They want to grow relationships, stay relevant in their product offerings, and provide excellent customer service.  Their hometown shopping environment is meant to make customers feel at home.