On any given morning in Shipshewana, Indiana, you might hear the steady clip-clop of horses on pavement, see bicycles coasting past handmade quilt shops, or catch the scent of fresh baked goods drifting from a local bakery. Amidst this peaceful charm is a retail destination that delights visitors with its variety and welcoming spirit: Country Roads Fabrics, Shoes, Boots & Apparel.
Owned by three brothers, Duane, Ken, and Jay Chupp, and two brothers-in-law, Larry and Merle, this family-run business has become a regional hub for both locals and tourists. With over 1,600 shoe styles, thousands of fabric varieties, and a good selection of plain apparel, toys, games, books, and more, it is more than just a store—it’s an experience. “We like to say we offer big-city variety with a small-town feel,” says Daryl, another Chupp brother, who, along with Laura Beechy, manages the business. “Whether you need a pair of Skechers or fabric for a new quilt, we are here to help.” The Chupps purchased the already-established business from founders Willie and Esther Christner in 2017 and kept the store’s original name.
The story of Country Roads begins with another cornerstone of the Chupp family: E&S Sales, a grocery store founded by Daryl’s father in 1983. What started with just two employees has grown into an enterprise with over 150 staff members, serving an average of 2,100 customers a day. It remains a thriving example of Amish-run business success grounded in faith, family, and community.
In 2017, the Chupps expanded their vision by opening Country Roads Fabrics & Shoes. “We acquired a nice building with an excellent location for retail, just up the road from E&S Sales, and for about a year, we contemplated what we would do with it. When Country Road Fabrics, a well-established Shipshewana business, came up for sale, we knew it would be the perfect fit,” says Jay, who is actively involved in the operation. Today, six of the ten Chupp siblings are involved in the business, with a growing number of sons and daughters marking the arrival of the third generation. Through it all, the mission remains the same: serving customers with care and building a legacy rooted in service.
The store’s massive shoe selection is what first catches many visitors’ attention. From rugged work boots and Western styles to sleek dress shoes and comfy sneakers, there is a fit for every walk of life. Top brands include Skechers, Saucony, Under Armour, Wolverine, Keen, Twisted X, Ariat, and more. “We have people who come in and buy shoes for the whole family—eight or ten pairs at a time,” Daryl says. “And our Skechers selection beats just about anyone.” While the impressive inventory draws people in, it’s the personal service that keeps them coming back. “We take the time to make sure customers walk out with the right fit for their needs,” Daryl adds. “That is what sets us apart.”
One department that has grown significantly is plain apparel. Geared toward the area’s large Amish population, Country Road offers a nice selection of men’s button-down shirts, as well as outerwear for men, women, and children. The fabric selection is equally compelling. Thousands of patterns—from elegant dress materials to soft cuddle cloths—line the shelves, attracting quilters and crafters from all over the region. Visitors also discover a sizable selection of toys, games, Christian books, and notions. Especially popular are the handcrafted wooden farm toys—barns, wagons, tractors—ideal for special gifts and beloved by children and collectors alike. “Although Shipshewana is a small town of just under 900 residents, we welcome around two million visitors per year for our popular summer flea market, year-round antique auctions, big-name music shows, and hundreds of quaint shops,” says Jay.
“Tourists love the small-town atmosphere, but they are genuinely amazed by the variety we offer. It is always fun to see their reactions,” adds Daryl. Despite their steady growth, the Chupp family stays grounded in their core values: fairness, humility, and service. “It is not about how much profit you make—it is about what you do with it,” Daryl reflects. “We try to treat everyone the way we would want to be treated.” That mindset extends to their approach to customer satisfaction. While refund policies vary by product, the Chupps strive to exceed expectations. “We do our best to stand behind what we sell,” Daryl says. “It is all about helping people, not just moving product.”
As Shipshewana continues to grow as a tourism destination—especially during its busy flea market season from May through early January—so too does the Chupps’ vision. E&S Sales is preparing for a massive expansion into a 120,000-square-foot building across the street, which will double their retail space. For Country Roads Fabrics & Shoes, that means eventually moving into the current grocery store building and expanding even further. A website and catalog are also on the horizon. “Our focus is on long-term sustainability,” says Daryl. “We want to keep serving our community and our customers with excellence, for generations to come.”
Make time to wander through the aisles of shoes—where comfort meets craftsmanship—and be sure to admire the lovingly made wooden farm toys, each one a quiet tribute to tradition. But perhaps the most memorable part of your visit will not be what you take home, but how you feel while you are there—greeted with a warm smile, a kind word, and the unmistakable sense that you are not just a customer, but part of something special. That is the Country Roads way.
Country Roads Fabrics, Shoes, Boots & Apparel is located at 1205 S Van Buren Street in Shipshewana. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday, 8 AM to 3:30 PM.
