Dover Saddlery Closes Wellesley Store, Announces Over 100 Layoffs in Corporate Restructuring
Wellesley, MA — Dover Saddlery, the nation’s leading retailer of equestrian apparel and equipment, has announced the closure of its flagship Wellesley, Massachusetts store and plans to eliminate over 100 corporate jobs as part of a strategic restructuring. The move, which follows a period of declining foot traffic and shifting consumer behavior in the equestrian market, marks a significant shift for the 50-year-old brand.
What’s Happening: Store Closure and Workforce Reductions
In a statement released today, Dover Saddlery confirmed that its Wellesley store, located at 1000 Washington Street, will permanently close by the end of June 2026. The company is also implementing a corporate-wide restructuring that will result in the elimination of over 100 positions, primarily in administrative, logistics, and customer service roles.
Key Timelines and Impact
- Store Closure: Wellesley location to close by June 30, 2026.
- Layoffs: Over 100 corporate jobs affected; details on severance packages are under review.
- Customer Impact: Online operations and other retail locations (including a new 12,000 sq. Ft. Flagship store in Ocala, Florida, opening in 2026) will remain open.
- Employee Transitions: Affected employees will receive support for outplacement services and career counseling.
Why This Matters: The Equestrian Retail Landscape in 2026
Dover Saddlery’s decision reflects broader challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers in the equestrian industry. Over the past two years, the company has faced:
- Declining Foot Traffic: A 15% drop in in-store sales at Wellesley since 2024, according to internal company data, as consumers increasingly shift to online shopping for equestrian gear.
- Rising Operational Costs: Escalating rent and labor expenses in high-cost markets like Massachusetts, coupled with supply chain disruptions in key equestrian product categories.
- Competitive Pressure: Growth of direct-to-consumer brands and marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, Equine Direct) that offer lower prices and faster shipping.
- Strategic Pivot: Dover Saddlery’s focus on expanding its digital presence, including a recent $20 million investment in e-commerce infrastructure announced in February 2026.
“The Wellesley store has been a cornerstone of our brand for decades, but the reality is that our customers are changing how they shop. This decision allows us to reallocate resources to areas where we can best serve riders—both online and in emerging markets like the Southeast.”
Support for Affected Employees
Dover Saddlery has outlined a transition plan for employees impacted by the layoffs, including:
- Severance Packages: Eligible employees will receive up to 16 weeks of severance pay, calculated based on tenure.
- Outplacement Services: Access to career coaching and resume support through a third-party provider.
- Health Benefits: Extended coverage under the company’s health plan for a transitional period.
- Retraining Programs: Partnerships with local equestrian training programs for employees interested in roles in the industry.
The company has also committed to maintaining open communication with affected employees through dedicated town halls and one-on-one meetings.
What This Means for Customers
While the Wellesley store will close, Dover Saddlery customers will still have access to:
- Online Shopping: The company’s e-commerce platform, which saw a 40% increase in online sales in 2025.
- Other Retail Locations:
- Ocala, Florida (new flagship store, opening 2026)
- Midland, Texas
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Multiple pop-up shops at major equestrian events
- Local Delivery: Expanded same-day delivery options in the Boston area through partnerships with local couriers.
- Trade-In Program: Customers can trade in eligible gear for store credit, even after the Wellesley closure.
For those who frequently shopped at the Wellesley location, the company recommends visiting the Ocala flagship store or utilizing the online platform for continued access to products.
Broader Implications for the Equestrian Industry
The closure of Dover Saddlery’s Wellesley store is part of a larger trend in the equestrian retail sector, where traditional brick-and-mortar stores are adapting to digital-first consumer habits. Industry analysts note:
- Shift to Digital: Over 60% of equestrian retailers reported increased investment in online platforms in 2025 (Horse Industry Association).
- Consolidation: Smaller equestrian retailers are facing pressure to merge or pivot to e-commerce to survive.
- Regional Growth: Markets in the Southeast and Southwest (e.g., Ocala, Texas) are seeing renewed investment as hubs for equestrian retail.
“This is a tough but necessary step for Dover Saddlery,” said Sarah Thompson, an equestrian retail analyst at Equine Business Today. “The company is making a calculated move to focus on high-growth areas while maintaining its brand leadership in a changing market.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Dover Saddlery account or rewards points be affected?
No. All existing accounts, rewards points, and order histories will remain active and transferable across all sales channels, including the new Ocala store and online platform.
What happens to my orders placed before the closure?
Orders placed before June 30, 2026, will be fulfilled as usual. Shipping times may be slightly extended due to the transition, but there will be no disruption in service.
Are there plans to reopen the Wellesley store in the future?
As of now, Dover Saddlery has not announced plans to reopen the Wellesley location. The company is focusing on its Ocala flagship and digital expansion.
How can I get involved in the equestrian community in Wellesley?
Local equestrian organizations such as the Wellesley Riding Club and Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council continue to offer clinics, events, and community support for riders.
What should employees do if they’ve been laid off?
Employees should contact Dover Saddlery’s HR department at hr@doversaddlery.com or call 1-800-DOVER-4U (1-800-368-3748) to discuss severance packages, benefits, and outplacement resources.
The Road Ahead for Dover Saddlery
While the closure of the Wellesley store and corporate layoffs mark a challenging chapter for Dover Saddlery, the company’s strategic shift toward digital growth and regional expansion signals its commitment to the future of equestrian retail. For customers, the transition offers new opportunities to engage with the brand online and at emerging retail hubs like Ocala.
As the equestrian industry continues to evolve, Dover Saddlery’s move underscores the importance of adaptability—a lesson for retailers and riders alike in an era where tradition meets innovation.