Withers Sports is a long-standing tennis equipment retailer in the UK, operating both in-store and online. As the business expanded, they needed a way to offer exclusive products to select customer groups while improving how shoppers browsed high-detail product information. Using two key Barn2 plugins – WooCommerce Protected Categories and WooCommerce Product Table – they achieved both goals.
Setting up private discounts with WooCommerce Protected Categories
One of the most exciting new opportunities for Withers came through a partnership with a major UK-wide tennis coaching company. The team wanted to offer exclusive, discounted products to over 100 affiliated coaches, but needed a secure and private solution that felt tailored to that group.
The solution was WooCommerce Protected Categories, which allowed Withers to set up a password-protected section of their online store just for the coaching company. This private store area was branded with the client’s identity and allowed coaches to browse and purchase with confidence.
Providing a range of discounted products to the 100+ coaches within the client company, in a secure environment branded specifically to their needs, was a significant step forward in the business to business relationship. A great step forward for a sports equipment retailer.
James Spence, Director of Withers Sports Ltd.
Encouraged by the results, Withers is now planning a second B2B project using the same plugin to create another private area for a different customer group.
Helping customers choose the perfect demo racket with WooCommerce Product Table
While the protected categories opened new B2B channels, Withers also wanted to improve the experience for individual shoppers - especially those looking to trial demonstration rackets. For this, they turned to WooCommerce Product Table.
The plugin allowed Withers to list demo rackets in an easy-to-browse table with filtering and sorting options. Initially launched with simple brand filters, the table will soon expand to include more advanced filters based on player type and racket characteristics.
“The plugin fulfils a need to more readily present information about Demonstration Rackets,” said James. “It allows people considering a purchase to more easily select and 'buy' a demo racket - even when they can't talk to one of our expert advisors in person.”
Why Barn2 was the right fit
Withers chose Barn2 based on the quality of pre-sales support and plugin demos. “Post-sales support has been great, although not used significantly due to the documentation and ease of use,” James shared.
This case study shows how smart plugin choices can help retailers grow beyond standard ecommerce - creating personalized B2B experiences and smarter product discovery.