Visiting horsey megastores

Rache

Rache

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Im going tack shopping up to robinsons and derby house in the liverpool-ish area,
which ones best to start at, there a 3hr drive from me, (midlands.) and want to make of the day,
any other ones you rate and are they worth the journey?
 
plan to have your lunch at Derby House!!! It's LOVELY!!!!!!!

When I visit I go to robinsons first, then DH (as it's nicer there!)
 
They're both worth a visit - depends on what you want to buy. robinsons is much more "supermarket", and doesn't always have everything that you'd think they'd have, but its easy to spend hours there. DH is a lovely shop - seems (and is) much more expensive, with a greater range. DH is slightly further away from the midlands. Perhaps split the time you have in half - or decide what sort of things you're looking for, and let us know, so you know which shop would suit you better. They're about an hour from me and I usually visit both in each trip!
 
im not after anything specific, just to treat new horse, and we are moving to a new yard so thought why not. After some nice brushing boots, saddlecloths, girth, maybe a bridle if i can find one but may have to have one mage to measure as cant find what im looking for, but not a must yet. Some good riding boots for me to have lessons in, some tidy yard clothes, that dont cost the earth, joules are lovely but £40 for a top is a bit much. maybe a lightweight stable rug just to prepare for winter, and some tackroom fittings.
ok list started to get long there, lol
 
A common factor for both of them is that their stocking is terrible. They may have big shops, but they just seem to have spread the stock of a normal tack shop over a larger volume. DH staff at least seem to know what they have in stock.

Robinsons staff appear to be as confused as the customers. It was amusing the first time I went there and the checkout operator got out the catalogue to look the price of an item (no bar code). It wasn't funny on the third visit.
 
DH has bigger range of tack and boots etc, and higher priced clothes. Both have stable fittings, Robbies perhaps cheaper. Robbies do cheaper, and perfectly serviceable clothing if you're not wanting to walk round Burghley in the same top as 6000 other people (ie Joules!). Have a mooch. You'll enjoy it at both, and spend much more than you thought you would!
 
I too live in the midlands - have a derby house at Moreton in marsh 1/2 hr away, but from what I gather the main shops are LARGE !! - whichever shops you visit - have fun shopping for your new ned and new yard, sounds like an ideal sort of day !!!!
 
well i think ive got around £400ish to take, :) and all day, dont mind if back late as a mate is doing the horse in the eve, dont really have time to go to big comps so this is a real treat!
Glad for the advice on DH food, im defo a foodie!
 
I used to live near DH, and there was a pub about a mile away from DH that was fantastic - way better than the cafes. When are you going - mid week is best as nobody around - can get busy at weekends. They open quite late, and you miss the traffic back that way...lol!
 
Ooooh- sounds like a lovely day out! I live in the North West so both are about 45 mins away from me. Agree with others about Derby House being 'nicer' and better for lunch. Robinsons worth a look too though. Enjoy! :)
 
Robinsons IMO is for those starting out or stocking up. Lots of cheaper headcollars, ropes, brushes in all colours, basic bits, buckets, saddle soap etc. There isnt a great range of clothes, I recently went for some reasonably price polo shirts but found them quite expensive. They have recently got a small boutique bit which is selling Kentucky, gersemi and such. It is mainly there own brand requisite. The stable part is good for electric fencing bits and bobs. It is worth a visit but for things like bridles, riding boots I would go to Derby House
 
I wouldn't bother driving for 3 hours to get to either of them! Never ever have what I want so I've given up on them - local tackshop is far better!
 
Robinsons has a new boutique section, which is really nice. It has slightly more unusual ranges in there, so worth a visit I'd say. I'd also pay a visit to Crewe & Alsager saddlery. Junction 16 off M6, so you'll be passing it anyway. It's much smaller than Robbies and DH but has got twice as much stock - it's a proper aladdins cave of exciting finds!
 
I've done Robinsons in Cannock and I have to say it was an ordeal. The staff knew less than nothing, the customers were advising each other and stock was everywhere! It was ok for cheapy yard jods and the such like.
DH in Moreton was a bit depressing so I hope the bigger one is better.
Joules have a sale on at the moment.......just spent a small fortune of clobber for the Bubba!
 
Ali2 said:
I wouldn't bother driving for 3 hours to get to either of them! Never ever have what I want so I've given up on them - local tackshop is far better!
Click to expand...

Their standard response seems to be "We don't stock those, but you are the third person who asked for them this week." I am no expert on retail, but I think that I can spot a possible way to improve their sales...
 
Ahh, thanks all, i will bear in mind the lack of stock issues. We did really want to go up to ride away and the DH near york but its over 4hrs drive so that isnt poss in one day.
And will defo stop off at the one on way up!

Thanks all
 
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