…as we name the stores that are getting it right.
Britain’s best equestrian retailers – the finalists for British Equestrian Trade Awards (the BETAs) - have been revealed.
The Retailer of the Year award will be presented at a gala dinner hosted by BETA on 10 September.
Short-listed retailers (see below) were nominated by their customers, with the winners in three categories being decided by mystery shopping and judging by a panel of experts.
Keys to retail success
Meanwhile, the attributes vital to equestrian retail success were revealed by award sponsor Zebra Products’ managing director, Simon Middleton.
For stores, he says, a good product assortment, knowledgeable and friendly staff and a smart, well-merchandised store in which it’s easy to shop will win the day.
Online stores must have a navigable and user-friendly website, clear returns policy and helpful, knowledgeable support.
A new retailer, adds Simon, must have all the above while making a positive impact in the area in which they’ve launched, be it online or within physical premises.
The finalists for the 2023 Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Zebra Products, are:
Best New Retailer
This new award is open to companies that have been established 12 – 36 months prior to April 2023.
Ardenlea Feather & Fur – Keith, Aberdeenshire
Bolerolux Equestrian & Countrywear – Goxhill, Lincolnshire
The Feed and Tack Barn Ltd – Marden, Kent
Retailer of the Year
To be awarded in two categories of Retail Store and Online/Mail Order Retailer.
Retail Store:
Equisign Tack & Feed – Kirton Lindsey, North Lincolnshire
Jenkins Equine & Farm Feeds – Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan
Manor Equestrian – Annesley, Nottinghamshire
Millwheel Tack Shop – Warfield, Berkshire
Redpost Equestrian – Totnes, Devon
Romsey Saddlery – Romsey, Hampshire
Online/Mail Order Retailer:
Cavalor Direct – Albrighton, West Midlands
Equine Express – Colne, Lancashire
Epico Equestrian – Douglas, Isle of Man
GS Equestrian – Paignton, Devon
Supplement Solutions – Preston, Lancashire
Redpost Equestrian – Totnes, Devon
The Saddle Bank – Hampton, Cambridgeshire
Retailer of the Year is part of a series of British Equestrian Trade Awards (BETAs).
The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Gala Dinner takes place on Sunday, 10 September on the first evening of the BETA International trade show.
For more information and tickets, click here
