Dover Saddlery to Open Store in Libertyville

Dover Saddlery Retail Inc., an equestrian product retailer, will be opening its doors in the former Libertyville Saddle Shop location in fall.

The company has taken over the lease at 306 Peterson Road, and is currently renovating the space for the grand opening, scheduled to take place sometime between mid October and mid November, according to a company spokeswoman.

“We identified over 30 locations and Libertyville was one of the highest on the list (of possible retail stores),” said Janet Nittmann, a representative for Dover Saddlery. “We chose Libertyville because it is a good location and has high equestrian activity.”

The store will offer riding apparel and horse care supplies from a large selection of brands, such as Alessandro Albanese, Stubben and more.

Nittmann says the company already receives many mail-orders from Libertyville so it made sense to open up in the area.

“We have Dover Saddlery mail-order customers that have never had the luxury of being in the store to try on the saddle or smell the leather,” Nittmann said. “We will also be gaining new customer who don’t like mail-order but prefer retail.”

The store in Libertyville marks the company’s 15th retail location and the company is looking at more. Nittmann says the company is not concerned about opening a new location amidst a down economy because it believes its customers are loyal and passionate.

“We are very fortunate in that equestrian — more so than other sporting customers where it may be a little easier to hang up the golf club — are passionate about their horses and horses need to be looked after,” Nittmann said.