Opening a Tack / Equestrian Shop

[Sjb1]

Hi all
Does anyone have any experience of opening an equestrian shop?
It's only ideas at the moment.
What sort of things would people most like to see in a tack shop.
I do live near a riding school with livery but i know the internet is a massive competition.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

 

[*hic*]

I assume from this that you mean a shop with a physical presence, rather than an online shop.

If you have another business that has premises and can share then it will (probably) work. Otherwise have a look at suitable premises, work out how much it would cost you to run it for a year (factor in all bills including your loss of wages from current job) and then work out what the mark up is compared to online sales and then work out what your turnover needs to be to service the cost and break even. That figure does not of course include the cost of the stock - which will be an additional cash sum upfront.

 

[cremedemonthe]

I have just PM'd you advice and links to suppliers to help get you going should you decide to do so, Oz

 

[Amy567]

Although the internet is your main competition, I find tack shops a lot like reading a book vs a kindle. I prefer to have the presence of the object. I love going to my local tack shops - they're my favourite shops! Things I like to see in there.... Hi Viz, bridles, bits, boots, rugs, grooming stuff, supplements. It's sometimes worth stocking something less popular as you'll get a loyal customer base if you stock something only a handful of people buy, or can order it in etc (obviously make sure there is a market for it, and possibly once you're established). Green tape! I couldn't find green tape anywhere, also red and blue tape, competition apparel (hair nets, jods, jackets, shirt/stocks etc).

But, I don't own my own so have no idea what sells the best, just what I buy from mine (usually feeds/supplements, boots, bits and rugs with the odd lead rope and head collar or whip). You could also set it up so you have an online shop running from your tack shop too? That way you could sell a lot more

 

[pansymouse]

I like to see niche/unusual things that I can't find easily elsewhere. Also I will always travel to a tack shop that has a café (especially one with homemade cake)

 

[canteron]

I like to see niche/unusual things that I can't find easily elsewhere. Also I will always travel to a tack shop that has a café (especially one with homemade cake)

Agree, it has to be a 'destination' not a shop to work. Things like a file where you can put adverts of horses for sale / lorries / livery / trainers / upcoming clinics & show is essential - thats the sort of thing that draws people in a sort of gossip shop as well as tack shop.

I would also specialise a bit, to hold a full range of rugs is the most outrageous amount of investment, same with saddles ….. maybe have a secondhand section where you sell other peoples things 'on commission' (i.e. you don't buy them, just pay the seller when they are sold) for say 20% commission would bring you in stock that you wouldn't have to have an outlay for.

Would especially see if you can have a business plan for second hand saddles. We all look at ebay and want a secondhand one, but are anxious in case it isn't as described. I think that would be a huge pull - there is a shop near us that does that and it is a real really draw. You should also invest in a 'port lewis impression pad' and hire that out as they are quite informative!

 

[Sjb1]

Thank you everyone - thats all great advise!!
I am just brain storming at the moment so going to print all your responses too!
x

 

[Sjb1]

Great email and advise - thank you so much x

 

[Lynsey&Smartie]

If you can also stock feed you have the regular footfall coming in who will then also pick up bits and bobs. I confess to internet shopping for the majority of my riding clothes and horse bits but will get fly sprays and the like from my local tack shop. Knowledgeable friendly staff are very important!

 

[cremedemonthe]

Welcome

 

[Alexart]

Def make it a destination type shop, a friend of mine set up a small equestrian shop a couple of years ago, it's booming, they sell mainly clothing like Joules, riding wear etc and a bit of horse stuff too. I sell greetings cards and prints to her, as I do funny horsey ones, and they sell really well there too, I sell to lots of tack shops come to think of it, so a good mix of practical and gift products is a must!

 

[MagicMelon]

If you can also stock feed you have the regular footfall coming in who will then also pick up bits and bobs. I confess to internet shopping for the majority of my riding clothes and horse bits but will get fly sprays and the like from my local tack shop. Knowledgeable friendly staff are very important!

This. Definately feed and supplements would be the best thing as generally people dont buy that online. I get my feed from my local store, and I do pick up the odd small thing like last time I was in I picked up a bottle of antiseptic spray and a pair of cheap gloves. But I wouldnt tend to buy anything very expensive in them as you can always find cheaper online.