October has been a very busy and event packed month for Saddleworld. The Saddleworld Support Centre in Bendigo welcomed store owners and many of the group’s major suppliers to the annual conference and trade exhibition, which took place at the Bendigo All Seasons Hotel and Conference Centre. The event provided three days of business development and planning, assessing, learning and getting together to enjoy the opportunity to meet and greet people who are united in their quest to further Saddleworld’s branding and excellence in retailing.

 

This event is set up each year for the stores, suppliers and the Saddleworld Support Centre to get together to discuss and evaluate new products, to undertake product training and consider business strategies, which will see the group’s reputation for service, quality and leading products maintained.

 

The three days began on Sunday 12 October and after the meet and greet, kicked off with a  saddle information session and launch of the exciting new PDS Carl Hester Dressage collection due for release in early 2015. Also covered was the new Pessoa Jumping saddles and an insight into new saddles in the Prestige range. Dinner by the pool was a chance to unwind and catch up with friends.

 

Monday was a busy day in the spacious All Seasons Conference Centre, with Saddleworld’s preferred suppliers taking part in a Trade Village featuring their range of products and expert product support to ensure that Saddleworld’s product knowledge to the end user will remain second-to-none.  Store personnel and suppliers enjoyed dinner with a ‘Grand Quiz Mania’ theme.

 

Tuesday started at the All Seasons with the ‘Saddleworld Super SWOT’ analysis – a group discussion to promote the exchange of ideas to keep the group united and able to meet the changing demands of retailing. 

 

Late Tuesday morning, the group met up at the Saddleworld Support Centre in Epsom to engage with in-depth product familiarisation and training. The sessions were divided into four groups, including clothing and footwear, horse rugs, saddles and selected riding equipment. Thomas Tuytens flew in all the way from Belguim to represent Kentucky Horse boots. He gave a very informative and helpful demonstration covering the science and hi-tech materials that make his products unique. Saddleworld’s saddle range was given special attention to ensure that the stores have an excellent product knowledge and understanding of the manufacturing processes.

 

There is no doubting the value of bringing all Saddleworld stores together to brainstorm business development, product offerings and Saddleworld’s branding. Meeting the changing landscape for retailers and customer service is the combined number one priority for the group.