“A great way to attract more footfall into the store.”
Shopping and show jumping have long been a match made in heaven for Speedgate’s saddlery shops.
Now the Kent retailer’s Fawkham branch has become an official British Showjumping (BS) venue for Category 1 and Club Shows.
With its large show field and three arenas, Speedgate’s farm-based branch sits on 600 acres which are also home to two livery yards and a riding club.
Over the years, the venue has hosted various equestrian competitions including a BD Summer Area Festival. BS affiliation brings it to a new audience.
“There’s a lack of BS venues in the south-east, so they were quite keen to take us on,” says Speedgate’s Nicola Preston.
She added that the higher-level competitions “always bring people in from further afield.
“They’re a great way to attract more footfall into the store - as riders often forget essentials like a whip or a pair of gloves - and family members and friends who come to watch all come [into the store] to have a browse.”
Nicola added that Charlotte Williams, who joined Speegate last September and enjoys showjumping, has worked hard to develop the business’s links with BS.
- Read Deborah Hayward’s full interview with Nicola Preston in ETN June issue.
