Fall Has Truly Arrived!
Before the temperature even started to drop, fall began arriving here at Big Dee’s! In our store we have been busy changing over displays and decor to match the fall season. Gone are the tank tops and bright colors of spring, they have been replaced by warm winter coats, cozy pullovers, and fashionable vests in a warm rich color pallet.
Have you ever wondered the process that brings all the fun fall styles into Big Dee’s? Well here is a firsthand account written by one of our buyers (Christie Ferrara) that will give you some insight into the process from the very beginning stages:
Most people don’t realize it, but while you’re thinking spring, we in the purchasing world have bypassed the tulips and blazing heat of summer and moved right into the blistering cold of Winter. If you have ever thought “Wow, I’d love to purchase at a place like Big Dee’s“, it may not be as easy as you think. First, you need to bypass your horse loving mentality and move into a practical mode. Let’s face it, when you own horses (like most of us do) you could literally drown in the sea of possibilities to clothe yourself and your horse and have lots of fun doing it. Going to trade shows and seeing the latest and greatest riding gear, clothes and boots is a shopper’s paradise! So let’s rein it in and talk about the great things we get to see and decide to purchase for our customers.
A trade show is one great place to see all of the latest innovations in riding gear, the latest trending colors and styles of clothing and footwear for a variety of disciplines. Vendors set up huge booths and talk to you one on one about what is so great about each of the products they carry. Now you as the buyer must first, think about this: they are in the business to sell “their” product, so what is it that YOU like about the product? Secondly, ask yourself these questions: Have your customers asked for something like this? Have you tried a product like this before? Would YOU use this product? What is trending in your industry? What are the “hot” colors? What are some of the features to you like? What is your customer willing to pay for this? Make some mental notes, jot them down and snap a picture if you can because you’re going to need them!
After a long day of viewing fabulous items the time for buyer collaboration begins. You must now dig out your notes, and catalogs and head to the round table. Luckily for us, we have a few different perspectives, owners, riders in a variety of disciplines, and industry professionals, which allows us the ability to whittle down the variety of choices and think outside of the box. This is just a small glimpse of what we do purchasing here at Big Dee’s. Hopefully, our staff and customers are just as excited as we are about the products we choose. When we get to read great reviews on some of the exciting new apparel for this season, we know we’ve done something right!
Our store staff, (who are horse lovers just like you) are always excited to see the seasons new styles as they arrive.
Here are some of their favorite picks:
The first pick was from Cathy Brogan, here is what she picked, and why – “Love at first sight for me is the NEW Brendana Coat from Schockemohle Sports. It’s very trendy and versatile. Some of the features I really like are the two way zipper, the zipper in the back, and the detachable hood with a stand up collar. The weight of this coat is fabulous, it will keep the rain and wind out without all the extra bulk. You will look good on and off your horse if you choose this style like I did!”
Next up our store manager Tabi Day had this to say about Noble Outfitters Elements Cowl Neck Sweatshirt. “I absolutely love this sweatshirt, the fit is perfect for any shape. It’s drawstring at the top of neckline allows you to adjust the fit comfortably around your neck. It will keep the wind off your neck without the bulk of a scarf. It is also fitted around the wrist to keep your arms warm and stop a breeze from creeping in. I own this sweatshirt in both colors! If you try it on you will buy one in a new color every fall like I do.”
Emily’s Pick “The Pikeur Evita Vest is the perfect style for the barn! It’s warm, comfortable, and has zippered pockets to keep valuables in. The Faux fur detachable hood adds style and keeps your face shielded from the chilly winter wind.”
Danielle’s Favorite “I love the Ariat Sophia Fleece Jacket! it’s perfect for cool fall weather. The fleece is super soft and warm. There are lots of pockets to keep track of your belongings the chest pocket is especially useful. It comes in two color choices the black and teal as well as brown and pink. The black and teal is my first choice, check it out and see which one you like best.”
Terri’s Choice “Fall is here and with it comes cool weather. The Goode Rider Military Jacket is my favorite new coat. It features a warm lining throughout the body and lightly lined sleeves that really allow you to move. The removable hood, zippered sleeves and drawstring waistline all help make this jacket look like a custom fit when you wear it. There are lots of convenient pockets to keep your keys phone and other necessities in. Oh, and there is a flap that snaps at the back so you can wear this coat easily in the saddle.”
Lauren’s Choice “The Ariat Ideal Down Jacket has to be the perfect piece of outerwear! It’s warm, lightweight and best of all packable. This cute jacket folds up small in its own baggie to be taken anywhere. I would pack it up for cold horse show mornings, or cool evening rides at the barn, and if you’re like me pack it in your backpack for misty morning rides.”
Peyton gave us the guys perspective “The Ariat SoftShell Mens Jacket is a great choice for a cool windy day. It’s internal fleece lining keeps it insulated and comfortable for all day wear. The outside shell is very flexible and keeps me dry I use it mostly at school walking from one class to the next at KSU.”
Mariah’s favorite “I recently purchased the Ariat Conquest Quarter Zip, and I absolutely love it! It’s perfect for fall weather because it’s super warm but not too heavy. I have had so many compliments on it at the barn as well as other places. I am very pleased with my purchase and am looking for my next one in another color.”
Ashley K’s pick “I like the Noble Outfitters Canvas Girl Tough Vest. It is great for layering to keep you warm when it starts getting chilly all the way to when it’s cold. It is made of a tough material to stand up to daily barn chores. It has a fluffy collar and a very soft inner lining as well!”
Jen’s favorite “My choice for winter outerwear was Ariat Ideal Down Vest. This vest is packable and easy to take on the go. The vest is not too puffy or overwhelming. It fits perfectly and is the right weight. I chose this vest because it’s not too thick and actually flattered me.”
Ashley R’s pick “My choice was easy with the Kerrits Tailor Made Trench Coat. The mid length cut is flattering and the angled pockets make it easier to access them. Normally mid length cut would be more difficult to move around at times, but this coat has a gusset at the back which help prevent that problem. With it being wind and water resistant, it’s perfect for Fall; whether at the barn or out on a date. Fleece interior makes it cozy for those cooler nights and the zipper allows you to open the bottom or top of the jacket to cool down.”
Click here to shop our full selection of jackets, vests and casual wear!
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