“We’re proud to be opening a physical store when the market for retailers is particularly tough.”
A new store specialising in equestrian, pet and rural lifestyle opened in Hampshire on Saturday (26 April).
Shedfeld Country Stores, with 650 sqm retail space, is in the village of Shedfield on a busy commuter route between Southampton and Portsmouth.
Councillor Russell Gordon-Smith, the Mayor of Winchester, was guest of honour at Saturday’s launch event.
Shedfield Country Stores has evolved from the former Shedfield Equestrian Tack Shop, run by Chris & Sandy Collins for 46 years.
Last year, their son Wayne Collins and his partner Aimee Cross – who already owned pet business Raw Pet Food Pantry - acquired the tack shop business.
They’ve now combined Shedfield Equestrian with Raw Pet Food Pantry to create a new retail outlet.
Shedfield Country Stores hosts a coffee shop, dog groomers and gift department featuring brands such as Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop produce.
Equestrian brands stocked include Baleno, Premier Equine, Hunter, Aigle, Weatherbeeta, Musto, Wauldhausen, Ariat, Jack Pike, Spillers, Omega Equine, NAF and Shires Equestrian.
“We’re incredibly proud to be opening a physical store at a time when the market for retailers is particularly tough,” said Aimee Cross, managing director.
“For us, it’s about creating a true destination – somewhere customers can browse, ask questions, and experience the quality of what they’re buying, all in a welcoming countryside setting.”
She describes combining the equestrian and pet businesses as “cross-pollinating two incredibly loyal customer bases and reaching new ones too.”
