FORT PAYNE, ALA - Fort Payne Footworks & Outdoors has been a Fort Payne

landmark since 2007, owner Jack Davidson has kept the store in operation

with his modern thinking and promotions. Davidson started his own clothing

brand Little River Hat and Clothing Company. His line of apparel is sold in

nearly 50 brick-and-mortar retail shops across the southeast.

One thing that prompted Davidson to brand his line "Little River" was to

draw attention to the area. "Whenever people go on vacation, they want to

bring back a souvenir from the area they visited," said Davidson. "People

who visit our area are no different, they want to remember one of the things

we are known for, such as Little River. I think it's important to promote

the area and have people wear apparel that says Little River on it

advertises our area." 

Davidson said one thing that has really helped to make his apparel line

popular is the fact that Walker Hayes was seen wearing a Little River hat in

an interview on ESPN. Walker Hayes is an American pop singer and songwriter.

Hayes has charted multiple singles on Billboard Hot Country Songs and

Country Airplay charts; his highest-peaking is "Fancy Like", which reached

number one on both charts in late 2021.

Davidson met Hayes at a songwriter's convention in Muscle Shoals about a

a year ago and the two have become friends and have been conducting business

together ever since. "We work well together," said Davidson. "We both

believe in paying it forward," Davidson said people should take a look at

Walker Hayes Be a Craig Fund.

The Be a Craig Fund was established by Walker Hayes as a tribute to a man

named Craig who gave the Hayes family a van when they were struggling. His

kindness meant that the family would have a vehicle big enough for all of

the Hayes children to have a seatbelt. Walker encourages others to seek out

opportunities to help others. Go online to: beacraig.org.

Davidson said he endeavors to keep the community in mind when it comes to

supporting the schools and other community events.

The family-owned business carries other brands that include; Ariat, Born,

Clarks, Costas, Areosoles, Sofft, Crocs, Merrell, Kavu, North Face,

Timberland, Birkenstocks, Keen, Willets, Keds, Teva, Chaco, New Balance,

Nike, Brooks, Patagonia, and more.

Located at 226 Gault Ave. N. Fort Payne. Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. -

5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Phone: 256-845-5680. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.