WESA Happenings
A roundup of happenings at the recent WESA Denver Market.
Retailer Profile: Harris Western Center
Beyond Conventional Boots
Check Out Our Latest Issue
This is the place to catch recent issues of Tack 'n Togs online, just click on a thumbnail below and you'll get right into the magazine.
WESA Happenings
A roundup of happenings at the recent WESA Denver Market.
Retailer Profile: Harris Western Center
Beyond Conventional Boots
Western Fashion —Wear-Ever
Find the bridge between your traditional Western apparel customers and Urban Cowboy wannabes.
Salute to WESA
Business Travel Tax Tips
Winter Markets Preview
An unfamiliar calm not seen in recent years has settled over the equestrian industry’s trade show scene.
All Eyes on Lexington
Night Lights for Pets
Bells and Whistles
Discover some must-have add ons that can help make your web site one that customers love to visit..
Playful, Whimsical and Spontaneous—Kids!
Home Furnishings: Dining in Style
Tiny Treasures
Small, consumable items are a popular choice with gift-focused shoppers and those on a budget.
Retailer Profile: Dennards
Seven Winning Marketing Strategies
Spring 2010 Western Fashion
Fun, affordable apparel and accessories with a flair for style and prices for every budget.
Before it’s Too Late
Tack & Saddlery: Innovations in English Tack
2009 Holiday Gift Guide
Make the upcoming season the most wonderful time of the year for your business with these great gift ideas.
Cool-Weather Jackets
Retailer Profile: Nathalie & Nathalie Home
State of the Market Report
Results from our annual reader survey reveal that times are tough all over.
Belts & Buckles: The Season-less Accessories
Pet Products: Is There Kibble in Store for Your Customers?
Western Retailer: The Stagecoach West
New York retailers Jack and Mary Jo Peacock stay involved in their business at a store level, as well as out on the trail where they are avid trail riders.
English Retailer: Manhattan Saddlery
English and Western Manufacturer: Ariat International
Home Furnishings
Lifestyle rooms spur the imaginations of customers and help stimulate sales
Retailer Profile: Carol's Western Wear
Tack & Saddlery: Eco Tanning
Women’s Jeans
One thing you can count on as a retailer of products for the horse and rider is that jeans never go out of style.
Retailing: Mall Stores vs. Stand-Alones
Tack & Saddlery: Saddle Trends
Kickin’ It With Western Boots
Boot manufacturers kick it into high gear with plenty of new styles and features for 2009.
Product Sector Focus: Herbal Products Natural products for horses.
Retailer Profile: The Tackeria Seasoned retailer Tony Coppola continues to grow his store squarely in the middle of booming Florida horse country.
New Products Extravaganza!
New products for 2009.
Retail Profile: Welsh's Saddlery, Edmonton retailers Bob and Gary Welsh celebrate their store's 100th anniversery.
Regional Manufacturer Profile: Four companies that manufacture and distribute a variety of products in the heart of Ohio are part of the state's solid equestrian roots.
Winter Market Preview
A look at where to go with this year’s industry trade shows.
Hat Trends: Hat makers share their insights about trends in felts for 2009..
Product Sector Focus: Pet Products:Creating a place in your store for pet products can make it more of a one-stop shop and help you weather hard economic times.
Year in Review:A recap of ten events that shaped the equine trade industry over the past 12 months.
When I Grow Up
Scaled-down apparel, hats and boots instill an appreciation for the Western lifestyle in kids, and create life-long customers.
Retail Profile: Whiteside’s Whiteside’s Boots, Western & Work Wear stores adapt to meet shifting consumer demographics and remain competitive in an increasingly price-conscious market..
Automation Nation:Avoid some common pitfalls when making choices in electronic retail technology with this handy guide to companies and their product offerings.
Tack & Saddlery: Halter Know-How
Gifts & Accessories: Male Shoppers
Horse Health: Feeding Olympic Horses
Knowing What Matters
Former wild mustang Nevada Joe is applying his life experiences to his role as a therapy horse..
Grooming Products for the Stable and Stall: Innovative tools can help create an enjoyable, relaxing grooming routine for both horse and rider.
Hiring for the Holiday: Act soon and follow these simple steps to get the help you need during the busiest selling season of the year.
Apparel & Accessories: From Whence Fashion?
Gifts & Accessories: Holiday Gift Shoppers
Tack & Saddlery: Customizing Leather
Horse Health: A Tradition of Nutritional Excellence
Western Fashion for Spring 09
English Fashion for Spring 09
Plant the seeds now and watch your profits bloom.
Horse Health: The Pain-Relief Vet Connection
Partnering with a veterinarian in your area can help provide exceptional service for your customers.
Stable & Stall: Don’t Forget the Fun
Tack & Saddlery: Online vs. In-Store
Gifts & Accessories: Obtaining Licensing
Fashion Break: It's in the Bags!
Current styles are limitless, and a good-quality handbag can last for years.
Retail Profile: Tenney’s Custom Saddlery
These Florida retailers do a brisk business between their boutique-style store and two mobile units.
Holiday Gift Guide
If all you want for Chirstmas are some great products to sell,there’s where to start.
Horse Health: Conditioning the Coat.
Fashion Break: Belts, Belts, Belts!
Belts are a great way to show off a rider’s personal style, whether they’re riding Western or English.
State of the Market Report: The 2007 State of the Market Report reveals some surprising and not-so-surprising results.
Hispanic Marketing II: Retailers from three different areas help explain ways they’ve found to attract this demographic to their stores.
Horse Health Gallery A variety of different products to keep horses healthy and happy.
BEST OF THE BEST
Our annual awards to honor companies and individuals with the highest professional standards.Western Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Clothing Company
This company prides itself on its passion for the Western lifestyle..
English Manufacturer: Schleese Saddlery
Correct saddle fit is key for this Canadian saddle manufacturer.
Sales Representative: Ray Mayfield
This Southern California sales rep keeps a close connection with the accounts he serves.
Western Retailer: Nigro’s Western Store
Three generations help keep this Kansas City store profitable.
English Retailer: Equine Gatherings
This store in Michigan brings the community together in many ways.
Retailer Profile: Tri-County Feeds
Retailer Profile: Tri-County Feeds
Owners Bill and Jeri Jackson employ “green” practices in their brand new retail store in the hills of Northern Virginia..
Fashion Break: Casual English Apparel
A trend towards bright colors and patterns plus fun embroidered elements show that English casuals have come out to play.
Things That Make Up a Life
Providing lifestyle-affirming accessories can help create a bond with customers who live an equine or Western lifestyle.
Hitting the Trails
Hitting the Trails
A variety of trail saddles made with new technologies keep riders and their horses more comfortable.
Innovative Tack Products
The natural talent for innovation and the need to provide better products for companion animals has resulted in a growing pool of inventors with a stable full of clever new products.
Finding the Cultural Bridge
Rapid growth of Hispanic populations in the U.S. bring new challenges to retailers who want to sell to this demographic.
Western Boots
Fashion Break: Western Boots
With new technologies, color choices beyond imagination and the ability to customize the look, Western boots provide a great way to show off the wearer’s style.
RETAILER PROFILE: CW Tack & Western Wear
Charlie and Nancy Willis rely on the three “R’s” to keep their retail business going: Roping, Riding and Rodeo.
Horse Health
Studies by Texas A&M University researchers reveal answers to some commonly asked nutrition questions.
Western Fashion
Summer and fall styles that are sizzling with attitude.
RETAILER PROFILE: COWPOKE'S
This Indiana couple took inspiration from other successful stores.
ENGLISH FASHION
Easy-to-wear, fashionable English apparel for summer and fall.
101 NEW PRODUCTS EXTRAVAGANZA
A preview of the latest and greatest, brightest and best.
Pieces of the Market Puzzle
Splits, start-ups and off-shoots amongst industry trade show producers have created a plethora of choices for market goers.
DISTRIBUTOR PROFILE: J.T. INTERNATIONAL
Wholesaling giant J.T. International has found success distributing equine products for more than 30 years.
YEAR IN REVIEW
Our annual look at ten happenings that shaped the equine industry over the course of the last year.
FASHION BREAK: T-SHIRTS
T-shirts are hot, and the marketplace has exploded with new companies offering their own twist on the popular favorite.
CHILDREN'S APPAREL
Don't overlook the large number of small customers that exist in your marketplace.
TECHNOLOGY
Investing in management systems can boost profitability and efficiency when it comes to your business.
Find out how and why many companies in the equine trade industry
are jumping on the ecological bandwagon.
MANUFACTURING PROFILES: THE FRESHMAN CLASS
Five entrepreneurs share the stories of their roots as well as
tips on how they stay successful.
English and Western apparel makers strut their fabulous stuff for spring and summer 2008.
RETAILER PROFILE: SCHATZLEIN SADDLERY
German immigrant Emil Schatzlein's tradition of quality and service lives on through his grandchildren 100 years later.
The August 2007 cover story presents an array of must-have, hands down the best products to stock on your shelves for the upcoming holiday selling season.
The June 2007 cover story explores the barefoot movement. Pros and cons of traditional shoeing, natural hoof care and horse boots are brought to light.
The May 2007 cover story profiles those chosen as Tack 'n Togs annual Best of the Best in their fields. They include Western Retailer Alcala's Western Wear, Western Manufacturer Montana Silversmiths, Georgia Boot Sales Representative Jim Simpson, English Retailer Olson Mills and English Manufacturer Perri's Leather.
2006 STATE OF THE MARKET REPORT Our annual research report reveals how the industry did in the past year.
MAY ISSUE COMPANION On the road with Best of the Best sales rep Jim Simpson.
The April 2007 cover story gives tips for keeping horses cool and comfortable during the hottest days of the year, along with product suggestions for protecting them from the sun.
RETAILER PROFILE: Hooves Equestrian
These United Kingdom store owners profit from residents who want to ride the English range in Western saddles and gear.
TRADE SHOW CLASSROOMS
Learning opportunities abound, offering added value for retailers who choose to attend markets near or far.
Check out our What's New page online to get direct Web site links to all of the issue's featured products.
The March 2007 cover story tells how participating in this July celebration can put Western stores on the radar screen within the community.
RETAILER PROFILE: Champion Saddlery
There's no place like home for retailers Linda and Bruce Warner, who make thier home and their living in the rolling Virginia countryside.
GREAT RETAIL MAKEOVER UPDATE
Checking in with the progress of the year-long remodel at FarmGro in Newburg, Ore.
SADDLE PAD FRENZY
Saddle pads are being produced by scores of tack manufacturers, and it seems that each one has their specialty. This article explains the differences in materials, features and technologies.
Thinking of selling your business? The February 2007 cover story presents an almost limitless number of exit strategies for retailers, and each of them can be effective.
RETAILER PROFILE: Retailers Jeanie Jones and Gary Edblad, owners of Ace Tack, enjoy an almost Lake Woebegone existence in the small, close-knit town Minnesota town of Cambridge.
PROFIT BOOTERS: Taking Care of Your Muleish Customers
This is the kick-off of an occasional feature we will be presenting in 2007. Each will include a unique sector of the equine trade business that retailers might find helpful in serving their customers.
This small taste of the smorgasbord of clothing options available to retailers will help you get on your way toward an enticing selection that keeps customers coming back for more.
RETAILER PROFILE: Atlanta Saddlery--Busy retailer Beth Lee has found success by planting herself in the midst of Georgia horse country.
101 WHAT'S NEW: Our annual look at the industry's top new products provides you with a guide that you can refer back to all year long.
The December 2006 cover story explores the changing face of the trade show sector over the past 12 months. It was about 10 years ago that a similar upheaval changed the makeup of the industry's markets. It's happening again, and editor Paul Wahl attempts to make sense of what has happened to this point.
RETAILER PROFILE: Greeley Hat Works is a thriving retail and custom manufacturing operation that is brimming with success.
1006 YEAR IN REVIEW: Ten highlights of news, acquisitions and events that were on the forefront of happenings within the equine industry over the past year.
The November 2006 cover story shows how the face of retail changes more quickly today than ever before in history. See the latest collection of high-tech retailing gadgetry and read about how they work and can be incorporated into stores.
RETAILER PROFILE: Grand Champion Tack & Saddlery in Indianapolis, Indiana reflects the owners passion for gifts and home furnishings, while providing other English riding products and a knowledgeable to their clientele.
OUTERWEAR FOR IN BETWEEN: In just a few short months, consumers will be putting heavy winter outerwear away and looking for these lighter spring varieties.
GREAT RETAIL MAKEOVER UPDATE: We check in with FarmGro Supply to see how their remodeling project is taking shape.
The October 2006 cover story explains how retailers can capture the children's market, a billion-dollar segment of the equine industry. Turning your store into a place where kids from toddlers to teen like to shop can help cultivate them as future shoppers and add to your profit margins.
RETAILER PROFILE:
WHO KNEW? Manufacturers of tack and saddlery products lend us their expertise with ten unique insights.
The September 2006 cover story takes a look at the current trend in the world of English and Western apparel, including high-tech fabrics, toned-down bling, square-toed boots and popular new colors.
TACK 'N TOGS GREAT RETAILER MAKEOVER: The year-long remodeling project at Farm-Gro Supply in Newburg,
The August 2006 cover story presents an array of must-have, hands down the best products to stock on your shelves for the upcoming holiday selling season.
RETAILER PROFILE: HORSE EMPORIUM: This Waukesha, Wisconsin retail operation offers a little bit of everything and outstanding customer service, while making a habit of taking her show on the road.
The June 2006 cover story delves into the world of Western boots and tells how the mainstream fashion industry is grabbing for its piece of the hot Western pie.
COME TO YOUR SENSES: Part two in the series on fighting back against online shopping shows retailers how to use sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste to lure shoppers away from computers and into their stores.
RETAILER PROFILE:
The May 2006 cover story is all about the best the equestrian Industry has to offer. This year we profile English retailer Rick Wills of Rick's Saddlery, Western retailer Doug Lammle of Lammle's Western Wear & Tack, English & Western Manufacturers Pino and Anna Blangiforti of Leather Therapy and sales representative Peter Ottowitz of the Al Fares Dubai trade show.
2005 STATE OF
The March 2006 cover story features tips on how to take advantage of a business-boosting opportunity, while recognizing the worth and value of a true American icon.
ARE THEY OUT OF THEIR TREE? Growing popularity of treeless saddles is a challenge for retailers and saddlemakers.
RETAILER PROFILE: Let it Ride Tack & Apparel
The February 2006 cover story has English manufacturers taking a look into their collective crystal balls to predict directions for the new year.
LEATHER LEADERS: See bold new designs from the industry's leading leather manufacturers.
RETAILER PROFILE: Cowtown Cowboy Outfitters
The January 2006 cover story find out what apparel products are available to independent equine retailers in the coming year.
INDUSTRY INSIDER: Read the first installment of a new feature found in the issue that presents tidbits of information about ongoings of the equine industry.
The December 2005 cover story discusses how BETA International and SPOGA provide glimpses into another world of horses and riders.
MERCHANDISING: This issue's article, Driving Up Profits, talks about how the growing sport of driving offers retailers the chance to expand product lines and increase profit lines.
YEAR IN REVIEW: A recap of memorable events that helped shape the equine industry in 2005.
The November 2005 cover story tells how Western tradition is rekindled for new owners of Hamley & Co. in
IN STORE: Make your window of seasonal opportunity—and profits—open wider with eleventh hour holiday preparation tips.
TECHNOLOGY: Tradition Meets Progress: A mind-boggling array of technological advances are on the horizon for retail operations.
The October 2005 issue of Tack 'n Togs tells you how high tech garments help customers and their horses manage winter.
IN STORE: Attracting youngsters to your store with six areas that can boost your children's section.
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: Rival market emerges with announcement that Stanley KOP Market at
In the September 2005 issue of Tack 'n Togs, read about the abundant showcase of apparel and accessories for spring 2006, along with contact information for easy ordering.
IN-STORE: Retail 101 with retail expert Christine Nerad explains the hows and whys of displays and their impact on your customers.
TALK-BACK: Readers respond to June's "Does it matter to consumers? issue.
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: KOP bets on
The August 2005 cover features the 30 must-have products for your business this holiday season.
HORSE HEALTH: Industry news briefs covering the ever-changing world of horsecare. In addition, find the latest innovations and formulations in the horsecare product lines.
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: American Horse Council research reveals that
Retailers and manufactures share differing views on American-made products in a global economy in the cover story of the June 2005 issue.
HORSE HEALTH: Get the dirt about shampoos to help your customers pick the right potion to meet their sudsing needs.
BOOT RETAILING: Keep your core customers happy while attracting other visitors with a variety of footwear.
Tack n' Togs honors those manufacturers, retailers and sales reps who strive to make the industry better in the May 2005 issue.
HEARD ABOUT: Read the 2004 State of the Market Report. Our annual research reveals industry trends that can help retailers and manufacturers alike gain a competitive advantage.
INDUSTRY NEWS: Catch up on the latest happenings in the industry.
Help customers take control of those pesky pests. The April 2005 issue gives insight on how.
GALLERY: Pink, the new black. View pictures of products of all types and descriptions for both the horse and rider.
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: Tax reform or disaster? Editor Paul Wahl examines the new national retail tax proposal.
IN-STORE: Cavender's
How much do retailers need to know to sell successfully? We took that question to 10 retailers and we got 10 answers. Read all about it in the March 2005 issue.
DOING BUSINESS: Changing of the Rules: Keeping up with association rules makes you a better retailer.
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: Catch spotlights of the KOP Show.
The February 2005 issue features the battle over equine supplemental regulations and other hot horse health news.
DOING BUSINESS: Radio Frequency Identification promises revolution in inventory management.
APPAREL: Yes, you really can judge a shirt by its cover. Editor Paul Wahl shows you how.
Fashionable new styles that hold up to autumn’s crisp temperatures are here in the January 2005 issue.
MERCHANDISING: Riders who follow fashion, want better performance or ride several horses may need a different girth for each occasion.
INDUSTRY NEWS: When President Bush takes the oath of office this month, he may well be wearing a new Western hat. Read about that and other companies in the news.
The December issue outlines a simple strategy and some pre-event preparation to help turn tradeshow weekends into real moneymakers.
MARKET CALENDAR: This expanded version of our regular department presents a detailed docket of 2005 events.
INDUSTRY NEWS: Read the year in review with a recap of the events that shaped 2004 for the equine retailing industry.
The November 2004 issue explores why gloves make an important part of your outerwear lineup.
TRENDS: Nearly 80% of horse owners own dogs. Capitalize on pet products to bolster sales and profits.
MERCHANDISING: Line up for the "Bucket Brigade." This features focuses on creative ways to increase sales of buckets and the changing look of this tack store staple.
How to provide pint-sized riders with the right fit. Also featured is 10 ways to attract children to your store.
RETAIL ROUNDUP: If you want numbers, we've got them. Read about the August sales slump and how weather is to blame. Or what health insurance costs are expected to be.
HORSE HEALTH: Be proactive to keep home remedies from affecting horse health product profits.
Country style and leisure lead the list for spring. September's issue talks about how Western looks dominate the new spring lines.
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS: Tack 'n Togs brought you daily coverage of the KOP Market Show on the site. Read more about some of the hottest things coming out of the show.
MERCHANDISING: It's a blue world and there's an increasing number of retailers out to get shelf space.
How do the Olympics connect to your store? Can you profit from August's Olympics in
HORSE HEALTH: Brushing Up on Brushing - Brushing is a great opportunity to examine every inch of a horse for signs of injury or other medical malady.
RETAIL ROUNDUP: The Ruin of June - If you think you were the only one with a sales slump in June, think again. On the bright side, August and September should be better according to reports.
The June 2004 issue looks at improvements made in new footwear designs where comfort and performance dominate.
IN STORE: Selling at the Upper End- Reaching this market requires planning, education and execution.
HORSE HEALTH: Joint Supplements - A guide on which one you should choose to sell and what ingredients are used.
May kicks off with giving an in-depth look at the state of the industry for 2004. View charts looking at readers' gross sales, number of employees, wages, and more about how people do business.
SPECIAL AWARDS: Sales Rep, Retailer and Manufacturer of the Year - Read more about the winners and what has helped them succeed.
RETAIL ROUNDUP: The More You Know - Find out where Generation Y males are shopping, more about challenges facing E-sales and if now is the time to invest in new technology.
The April 2004 issue takes an in-depth look at a range of horse health topics and changes facing the industry.
SPECIAL SECTION: Horse Health - From treating injuries to rising regulation of supplements, our in-depth review of horse health topics offers retailers the information they need to succeed.
IN STORE: Surviving Competition - Finding niche, customer service are keys to American Boot's business.
The March 2004 cover story tells how a former Iams VP opened a large-scale tack & feed store..
HORSE FRIENDLY AND RIDER COMFORTABLE
New design materials are beneficial for both horses and their riders.
DOING BUSINESS: HIRING A STORE MANAGER
Handing over control of your store has risks as well as rewards.
GIFTWARE KNOWHOW
Identifying trends for 2004 can sharpen your gift merchandising skills.
The February 2004 cover story tells how decades of change have helped shape the straw hat industry.
RETAILER PROFILE: J.W. Cooper seeks a high-end niche, tailoring its
FASHIONABLE TO A T
The once-humble T-shirt has evolved from plain old underwear to a fashion statement.
The cover story for the January 2004 issue presents great new looks for fall that will satisfy customer cravings.
RETAILER PROFILE: Sheila Kirkpatrick and Jann Potter of
RETAIL 101: Your store’s outside appeal is key to attracting customers inside.
101 WHAT'S NEW: Our annual look at the industry's top new products provides you with a guide that you can refer back to all year long.