Sportsister recommends Sheactive the women’s sports retailer with two stores, a mail order catalogue and an extensive online offer.
There is no doubt that women’s sportswear design has improved enormously over the past few years, but it is still surprisingly difficult in many parts of the country to find good retailers, especially if you want something other than a gym outfit. Our Sportsister recommends features aim to showcase the best, based on a strict criteria that includes a good proportion of female specific kit, great service, friendly and welcoming environment and informed advice.
Our first recommended retailer is Sheactive, who has one of the most comprehensive selections of sportswear for women that we have seen. The stores present the product in a female friendly environment and the knowledgeable staff (all women) are on hand to give specialist advice on all the products as well as help out in more specific areas such as bra fittings and footwear.
Sports catered for include running, cycling, tennis, yoga and outdoor and it is this in-depth offering that shows a genuine commitment to women’s sport; so it is no surprise to learn that Sheactive was set up by Julie Fawcett, herself a keen sailor and mountain biker.
The first store in London’s Covent Garden was quickly followed with another in Brighton, but for those not living in the Southeast it is the mail order catalogue and website that are of most interest – the selection is vast and alongside the mainstream brands they also stock many specialist and hard-to-find brands like Pearl Izumi and Craft.
You can also find Sheactive at various events, most recently at the Vitality Show in Olympia (London) and at the London Marathon exhibition, where they provided a specialist Bra Fitting service in association with Shock Absorber.
To keep up-to-date with sheactive events and offers check-out their website www.sheactive.co.uk where you can sign-up for their newsletters and order a mail-order catalogue or get shopping straight away.
Factfile:
Stores
Sheactive London, 21-22 New Row, Covent Garden, London. WC2N 4LA. Tel: 0207 836 6222
Sheactive Brighton, 5 North Street, Brighton, East Sussex. BN1 1EB Tel: 01273 205 006
Mail Order
The extensive mail order catalogue comes out four times a year
Call 0870 766 3227 or go online at www.sheactive.co.uk to order.
Online
The most extensive selection of product can be found online, however the sheer volume of product can make navigation a bit frustrating, but persevere as it is worth it. Try the ‘all site items’ button in search if you are looking for a specific item. And don’t forget to take a look at the sale section for some great bargains.
www.sheactive.co.uk
Sports and activities catered for:
Running, cycling, fitness, yoga & pilates, swim, triathlon, skiing, snowboarding, racquet sports, outdoors, beach.
Strong on:
Sportsbras, sheactive have an amazing selection of bras from an array of brands including Shock Absorber, Pure Lime, Nike and Casall. They also offer a specialist advice service.
Special features:
If you want something a little more individual, then check out the Stella McCartney range for adidas, sheactive is one of only a small number of retailers stocking the range.
Don’t forget, it’s free to be a member of Sportsister and if you sign up before the end of April you could win a £100 voucher to spend at Sheactive
Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister.
The Women’s Sports Magazine
