Over the course of the last 40 years, Essex Classics has set the standard when it comes to show shirts.
Even as the brand enters its fourth decade, the company continues to grow—both in the market and internally.
In a milestone year, Essex Classics has proudly welcomed Melissa Hubbard as its Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer. A lifelong equestrian, Hubbard has spent more than 20 years working for some of the best-known and well-respected brands in the equine industry. She previously served as the Vice President of Merchandising at SmartPak, the Director of Sales & Marketing at EquiFit, and the CEO at Kerrits.
“Having this opportunity with Essex feels a little bit like coming home. I train and compete in the hunters and equitation, so Essex has been a part of my riding wardrobe for more than 20 years," Hubbard said. "It is an absolute honor and privilege to be working alongside Essex Founder Cathy Sacher in this role. Essex was one of the brands I worked with when I was VP of Merchandising at SmartPak, so I’ve known Cathy for a very long time."
A passionate leader, Hubbard brings a wealth of knowledge to her role and is well versed in many aspects of business, particularly in merchandising and assortment planning, product development, marketing, branding, and business development strategy.
"Melissa brings a high level of expertise, a fresh perspective and energy to Essex. She has vast experience in the equestrian industry: She’s seen the things that work, she’s seen the industry change, and she understands the challenges," Sacher said. "She is a forward thinker who will expand our brand offering and identify growth opportunities. She knows Essex Classics well and the essence of our brand."
There's no questioning the fact that Essex has paved the way in horse show apparel, and its products have stood the test of time. Since introducing the revolutionary wrap collar, Essex has focused on developing show shirts and sweaters with cutting-edge technical fabrics. But in 2025, its product line will begin to grow beyond its traditional offerings.
"As Essex celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is a very exciting time to be joining this team, honoring the tradition of what Essex has always been and helping to craft the future and path forward," Hubbard said. "We’ll be continuing with the show shirts and sweaters that our customers know and love while expanding the product assortment in a way that respects the brand and our sport while helping equestrian athletes perform at their best."
Essex's longevity is a reflection of its brand strength and its versatility. Their show shirts have been able to modernize in parallel with equestrian sport, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the time-honored tradition associated with the industry. While such classic styling will always remain a pillar of the Essex brand, Sacher has assembled a team at Essex that will ensure the brand's continued innovation.
"There are not many brands in the equestrian industry who have held onto their lifelong customers and retained their status as a top brand for this length of time, Sacher said. "With the Essex team in place, I know we will remain the leading show shirt in the U.S. for at least another 40 years!"
About Essex Classics
For 40 years, Essex Classics has led the way in show shirts, setting a standard that all others would follow. Always on the cutting edge, Essex invented the wrap collar and introduced state-of-the-art innovative performance fabrics. Today, Essex continues to raise the bar, tailoring the smartest show shirts for a competitive edge in the ring. Learn more about Essex Classics.
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