Opening a pet store is grand idea for entrepreneurial animal lovers. The ins-and-outs of running such a store, though, pose more than a fair bit of challenge.
From attracting customers to hiring great staff and beyond, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Growing your pet store is possible, though, and these tips should help set you down the path to success.
Set Your Pet Store Apart From the Rest
As with any business, you need to ensure that your “brand” is unique enough to rise above the competition.
If your pet store seems generic, potential customers won’t be able to distinguish you from a sea of similar options.
If you present your store in a unique fashion, however, it will stand out in customers’ minds as a first choice.
Cater to Cats and Dogs
There are whole hosts of unusual animals you might use your pet store to focus on. Resist the urge, and concentrate on the two most popular pets: cats and dogs.
Among pet owners, 73% own dogs and 49% own cats. Narrowing your focus will make it easier to bring the best in quality goods to dog and cat owners, increasing your potential for repeat business.
Hire the Best
“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” the saying goes. Adapted to your pet store, it means you need to attract the best employees to stay competitive.
Start by defining the “mold” for your model employee. They’re likely passionate animal lovers who care about finding quality products for customers’ pets.
When such candidates come your way, provide them with extensive training and incentives. The more they can get out of working with you, the more likely they are to stay.
Host Pet-Friendly Events
Hosting pet-oriented events can spread your name throughout the community. As your name spreads, your potential for business grows. Event ideas that fit the bill include:
- Customer appreciation events
- Charity fundraisers/adoption drives
- Holiday festivities (like the 4th of July)
- New product launches
- A significant business anniversary
Remember to include a promotional angle to your events, informing customers why they should shop with you.
Add Pet-Friendly Services
Including pet-friendly services increases the likelihood customers will keep coming to your store. For instance, if you add some grooming equipment, like an Evolution Dog Wash. Customers who have a great experience will return to wash their pet again and again.
You’ll have generated a new source of income with little in the way of effort. You’ll also reap the other benefits of adding the service to your business model. Here are a few more grooming ideas to include:
- Providing hair and nail care for pets
- Teeth brushing services
- De-shedding treatments
- Etc.
Do some research to find out what your customers want, then add popular services to attract clients.
Post Pet Pictures on Social Media
You likely have a marketing plan for your business, and it probably includes social media. Make sure your strategy involves posting customer photos as well.
You can ask customers to post photos of their pets with merchandise from your store. The photos will serve as promotion for your store and products, all while building your online reputation — who can resist looking at photos of happy animals?
There are a number of intricacies when it comes to growing a pet store. With just a few adjustments to your business strategy, though, you can make it work. Be sure to contact us to learn more about the Evolution Dog Wash and what it can do for your business.
