Tack shop idea

[horseygal18]

I've had an idea which I think may work but would like some people's opinions! I was thinking of opening a little tack shop at my yard, there is already one there done by the owner however doesn't get much business because he doesn't keep it open! I think they'd let us take over if we paid them a bit of rent! We have about 80 stables at my yard so obviously a good range of potential customers (what's more ideal than a tack shop on your own yard!) also there is regularly run shows which often are very busy. I know of another yard which has a shop open on show days and they always seem to be busy. I would have reasonably priced stock, ranging from the essentials to the 'I wants', I would also offer the service of odering anything in that I didn't have either for next time or for delivery. What do you think? Anything in particular to stock?
Many thanks in advance!

 

[JillA]

I'm not in your area but I think it sounds like a great idea. If you could get a good client base for consumables, like supplements, tack cleaning stuff etc you will have repeat business to keep you going when no-one is buying new tack.

 

[Bigrob34]

Do you have a pony club or a young riders thing at your yard? You could sell a starter grooming kit, with brushes in a size for younger hands. And you could make it all pink and with ribbons.

You heard it here first

 

[suffolkmare]

If you have more time to make it work than your YO then I think it would be great for everyone. Consider having a second-hand area too, especially if there are children at the shows or as liveries, as they grow out of show jackets and boots far too quickly! Best of luck! BTW where-abouts are you?

 

[Simbad]

Sounds like a fab idea - if you get going we have some fun saddlecloths and t shirts you could stock - going cheap please inbox

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Where abouts are you?

 

[JenJ]

I think it sound a lovely idea - from the customer's perspective.

From your perspective, I would look very closely at the financials. It seems lots of 'bricks and mortar' tack shops are going out of business as they can't compete with the online retailers.

Maybe speak to the YO and see if you can 'volunteer' to staff the shop on the next show day, to see if there is much of a demand, then if that works, ask to rent it?

 

[JenJ]

Thinking back, when I was at a riding school over 20 years ago, there was a lady who had a mobile tack shop from her van - used to go to all the local stables and shows.

I'm not aware of any these days, but could be worth looking at - run from your shop as a base on yard show days and maybe certain other times, then book in slots at other yards outside of those times?

 

[keeperscottage]

Are you at Norton Heath? Just a guess!

 

[canteron]

The fianacial problem with tack shops is the amount investment you have tied up in stock Just think for example rugs, 10 sizes, 3 weights, plus fly and fleeces and waffles Then there are bits and bridle, numnahs, etc, etc Maybe better to specialize in a more limited range of products and maybe have a quick 'order in' service for local people, or at least think through your business model very carefully.