If you’re heading to Bramham Horse Trials, you’re bound to be browsing the trade stands. Equestrian sports luxe fashion brand, Eqcouture will showcase its stunning collection alongside exciting new seasonal drops. We spoke to Sophie Mercer, the Founder and Designer behind the brand, for her top tips for savvy shopping at shows.
Top tips for savvy shopping at shows
1. Plan Your Shopping
Check out the event’s retailers list to ensure you make a point to visit your favourite brands there. Plan your shopping in advance by creating a list accessible on your phone to remind yourself of the trade stands you would like to visit and stay on track! With so much on offer, it’s easy to forget those items you’d like to look at! Make a note of sizing if buying for your horse or a friend, as the likelihood is that your mobile reception will be poor, so ‘phone a friend’ to ask might be a challenging option.
2. See Products In The Flesh
As an online brand, we know it can be tricky sometimes to fully appreciate the quality and fit from a photo or video. This is why we have increased our event’s visibility this year to introduce the Eqcouture quality to even more equestrians! Make a point to visit and try on new brands. Even if you’re not taking advantage of show offers or buying at the show, you’ll know what size and colour to buy in the near future!
3. Beat The Crowds
Whilst you might be glued to the sporting action, taking some time out to do your shopping when the stands are quieter will ensure you can browse in relative peace and quiet and beat the rush to the limited changing room access.
4. Customer Service
We pride ourselves on excellent customer service across all aspects of our business, and we love doing the shows because it gives us a chance to meet you all face-to-face! Good customer service should be one of the key reasons you buy from a company. Use the shows as an opportunity to interact with the team and get personal recommendations in person.
5. Bulky Items
Some shows offer ‘drop and shop’ facilities, but some retailers may offer to hold your purchases, ready for you to pick up later if they are over a particular value or size. Planning your shopping trip will also help you arrange your purchases throughout the day.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.