MARKETING Pitch a “Top 10 Gifts for Your Furry Valentine” story to local TV stations. For best results, find on social media the reporters who most often do these types of live remotes, then scroll back for a mention of their pets. Put together a gift bag for each with the list and one of the items, with a card addressed to the reporter and their pet. That will get their attention! As will a mention of your Kissing Booth photo set if you have one.

BUYING Have you registered for Global Pet Expo yet? Booked your travel? Get on it! The show happens March 26-28 in Orlando, FL.

Feb. 9-15

FINANCES Focus on your finances in February, advises Victor Santucci of Garden State Pet Center in Audubon, NJ: “Review your financial statements from the previous year (income, expenses and profit margins), identify any areas where you can reduce costs, and get your tax documents ready.”

OPERATIONS If you offer boarding, send reservation and policy reminders to those booked for Spring Break weeks with the goal of streamlining check-in. Still have spots available? Blast those to your client base to ensure a full facility during this highly profitable season.

Feb. 16-22

EVENTS Jeffrey Jensen of Four Muddy Paws in St. Louis, MO, points out that Easter will be much later this year, on April 20 — compared to March 31 in 2024. “You’ll want to add activities and events in March to offset last year’s pre-Easter sales” in March. Speaking of the holiday, Kaye Busse-Kleber of Bark On Mulford in Rockford, IL, reminds you to book your Easter Bunny and photographer early so you’ll be all set for in-store sessions, like the one shown above at the former Natural Pawz in Houston, TX, starring Spot the PETS+ Boston Terrier.

Feb. 23-Mar. 1

INVENTORY Combine two important tasks, like Dana Julian of Furbaby Boutique in Holly, MI: “I do a full inventory and deep clean in February. While we spot-check inventory counts throughout the year, I like doing one complete count, put hands on every item and clean while we go. It also gives us a chance to look for damage, rodents and bugs.”

SECURITY While we’re on the topic of spring cleaning, plan yours around a community shredding event. Government agencies offer free document shredding several times a year. Take advantage to reduce your identity theft risk.

Mar. 2-8

EDUCATION If you offer such services, be sure to log on for Pet Sitters International’s 2025 FOCUS One-Day Online Summit for Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers. It’s an affordable, convenient opportunity to learn from industry experts and network with fellow pet-care professionals. Register at petsit.com.

MANAGEMENT Employee Appreciation Day falls on March 7 this year. Go above and beyond a shout-out on social media and plan something extra-special. What exactly? Ask your team! They’ll appreciate having a say in how you thank them.

Mar. 9-15

STAFF Do you have guidelines for handling complaints? If not, get busy. As much as possible, empower your team to make decisions without you based on previously discussed scenarios.

Mar. 16-22

PRODUCTIVITY Take inventory of your apps and evaluate each for its usefulness, working on the assumption that if something can’t justify itself, it’s out. Yep, that means some may have to go.

Mar. 23-29

BUYING We’ll see you at Global Pet Expo! Not attending? Follow the lead of Katherine Ostiguy of Crossbones in Providence, RI. “I have a date conflict nearly every year with Global, so I’ve never been able to attend, but I follow our favorite brands, distributors and PETS+ so I can still be ‘in the know.’” Per usual, the PETS+ team will be reporting live from the show floor, doing as many booth interviews as physically possible. Like us at facebook.com/petsplusmag, join us at facebook.com/groups/petsplusmagcommunity, and sign up at petsplusmag.com/bulletin to get daily video roundups in your inbox.

The post Easter Falls 20 Days Later in 2025 — Plan for That Revenue Shift! appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

1 Increase National Pet Dental Health Month sales with a “Best Smile” photo contest on your socials, a front-and-center product display in-store and/or a special on any related services such as teeth brushing. And don’t forget fun signage for out front. We love the “Dirty mouth? Clean it up!” message Bend Pet Express in Bend, OR, put on its exterior sign in 2024. That sure grabbed the attention of passersby!

1 February offers multiple opportunities to celebrate the love your customers feel for their pets. On Doggie Date Night, Feb. 3, host an in-store event to launch your Valentine’s Day photo set, wrapping things up for the holiday on Love Your Pet Day, Feb. 20. Some fun 2024 Valentine-themed ideas from your fellow indies: Wet Nose in Geneva, IL, hand-dipped strawberries in creamy carob and yogurt, then added dog-safe sprinkles and edible glitter. Mutts & Co. stores in Ohio hosted a Valentine’s Day Lick Painting event with a nod to Bob Ross. And Doggie Sweets in Long Branch, NJ, boosted in-store visits with a Kissing Booth (shown above) complete with a chalkboard to customize with each pet’s name. Groomers, want to make your Valentine’s Day package even more special to clients? Offer a heart-shaped acrylic frame featuring a photo of their freshly groomed pup like Fluffy Mutt Grooming Spa & Boutique in Port Lavaca, TX, did last year.

9 With it being Super Bowl LIX in 2025, how could you not come up with a super-fun promotion tied to the big game? We suggest a lick mat bundle with a spreadable treat to help keep pets occupied amid all the fanfare. Bonus points if it’s a calming treat!

14 On National Pet Theft Awareness Day, use your socials and emails to offer safety tips. They may seem like common sense to you, but remember that every pet parent was “new” at one point and might be too trusting for their own good. Help educate your customers.

MARCH

2-8 Kick off referral relationships with trusted pet sitters in your area during Pet Sitters International’s 31st Annual Professional Pet Sitters Week. Partner on a small welcome bag they can give to new clients, complete with a treat sample from one of your brand partners plus a $5 gift card redeemable at your store. It’s a win-win for both businesses!

4 Laissez les bons temps rouler! Need a fresh idea for Mardi Gras? We spotted several businesses last year with Mardi Gras-themed photo sets and decorated cookies. But Fur Babies Boutique & Nutrition in Kingwood, TX, really celebrated. Store staff popped up a booth at the local Mardi Gras festival and walked in its parade. There were even pet-friendly king cakes for sale! (Minus the baked-in-baby choking hazard, of course.)

13 Recognize and honor the service of military and working dogs on K9 Veterans Day. How about a free self-wash session with a special treat for these pups who protect? Be sure to capture the wet vets for your socials and emails.

Fetching Dog in Scottsdale, AZ, ran a Pot of Gold promotion for St. Patrick’s Day weekend in 2024.

17 We love the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day promo at Fetching Dog in Scottsdale, AZ: The first 20 customers each day of the holiday weekend blindly pulled a special brand partner discount or prize from the store’s Pot of Gold, with the biggest prize being a free bulk box of raw food. It did double-duty as customer appreciation and promotion of new and new-to-them products.

18 In a big college basketball area? Tie into March Madness with a Bark Madness tourney like Lizzi & Rocco’s Natural Pet Market in Columbia, MO. In 2024, customer pets went head to head in match-up polls on the store’s website, with the top winner receiving a photoshoot, gift basket of products from contest sponsor Stella & Chewy, $100 gift card to the store, and their picture on the wall of a Lizzi & Rocco’s location. What a great way to drive traffic to the store’s website and strengthen relationships with customers.

28 On Respect Your Cat Day, share with customers how to do exactly that, from giving them species-appropriate food and treats to providing toys that enrich their mental and physical health. (See our roundup of cat and dog enrichment products.)

The post Boost Sales at Your Pet Business With Kissing Booth and Pot of Gold Promotions appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

OPERATIONS If you haven’t had to already, refresh your procedures for this season’s freezing weather. Molly Lewis of Dog River Pet Supplies in Hood River, OR, says, “We brace ourselves for winter. January weather is awful. Getting to the store and keeping it open is our biggest task.” In December, “We check in with employees and talk about who can safely get to the store when roads are icy.”

INVENTORY Looking for a way to move product nearing its sell-by date? “I use products going out soon to make holiday packages, like stuffed stockings,” Taylor England of EarthWise Pet Lake Nona in Orlando, FL, shares. Jennifer Hall of All Things Pawssible in Charlottesville, VA, also bundles these items during the holidays. “It’s a great way to clear out inventory!”

Dec. 8-14

PRICING Service price increases for the following year are best introduced well before January, and reminders should go out in December. This helps ensure that customers budget accordingly for the next month and next year.

Dec. 15-21

MANAGEMENT Keep your team fueled and festive! One way: Follow the lead of Krista Schmidt of St PetersBARK! in St. Petersburg, FL, who advises, “Provide lunch the entire week before Christmas. And rotate team members on the register.”

Dec. 22-28

INVENTORY Theresa Sexton of For Healthy Pets in Wetumpka, AL, has the right idea when it comes to closing out the year: “We will have our annual ‘We Don’t Want to Count It Sale’ at the end of December.” For products that don’t sell or you’re discontinuing, do like Morgan Monty of The Cheshire Horse in Swanzey, NH, “We do several large donations, as well, to help clean out the slower-moving or closer-to-date inventory. We have several organizations near us that love getting those items. This makes year-end inventory simpler and provides a fresh start to the new year!”

Dec. 29-Jan. 4

FINANCES Take stock of your subscriptions as the new year begins. Certain credit card companies and budgeting tools help you find recurring charges and cancel those you no longer need.

STRATEGY If you’ve typically set long-term business goals quarterly or monthly, try something different this year: six-week project goals. You might find that having more or less time to achieve these goals makes them feel more attainable and keeps you on track.

Jan. 5-11

SOCIAL MEDIA Influencers can be a helpful bunch. While most target consumers with their content, they also can alert you to new products, ones your customers might come in asking about. Even if a product doesn’t meet your high standards, it gives you an opportunity to explain why and offer an alternative that does. “I follow lots of Instagram and TikTok trends and order some products promoted there,” Natalya Schilling of Pets on Brady in Milwaukee, WI, says.

Jan. 12-18

OPERATIONS Do you play music for customers on hold? Switch to a customized message just for your customers, one that promotes your current specials and upcoming events. Throw in a bark or meow from your store pet to make it even more fun.

STORE DESIGN Review your business’s decompression zone, those first few feet inside the front door. Customers here are prone to distractions, which is why you should try to keep the area simple and uncluttered. In addition, greeting customers makes them more aware of their surroundings and helps them focus.

Jan. 19-25

CRM Offer mini bonuses tied to enrolling customers in your loyalty program. After the holidays, team members will appreciate the opportunity to earn $1 or $2 for every sign-up that puts a customer’s name, email address and pet’s birthday or gotcha day into your system.

Photo courtesy of Treats on a Leash.

Jan. 26-Feb. 1

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE How do you wish customer pets a happy birthday? Follow the lead of Treats on a Leash in Ames, IA, which combines a happy birthday message with a gift and incentive to shop at the store. While emails don’t require a stamp, who doesn’t love the more personal touch of getting a hand-written card, like the one above, in the mail.

The post Treat Your Team to Lunch, Prep for Icy Roads and More To-Do’s for December and January appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

1 Mobile service providers: Offer fast and easy HOLIDAY PICS to your clients like Lucky Dogs in Skaneateles, NY, does. The store’s Bubble Bus groomers take pics of freshly groomed pups and use the Photoroom app to swap the background for a holiday one, like the one shown above. The app costs $97 a year, which easily pays for itself in goodwill and marketing. Stores can do this, too, expanding their photos with holiday offerings outside of in-store events.

2 It’s CYBER MONDAY, the perfect day to host flash sales on your social media and website. Consider “discounting” sales of services in addition to products, such as offering five free days for clients who purchase 30 days. Natalie Kramer of Albany Pet Hotel in Albany, OR, has done this and seen a big boost to revenue that day and overall for the month.

4 & 15 This month brings multiple opportunities to push your holiday baked goods. In particular, NATIONAL COOKIE DAY falls on Dec. 4 and NATIONAL CUPCAKE DAY on the 15th. Whatever you do, score extra points with the humans by having people-friendly treats as well.

13 Kick off your 12 DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS promotions on this day to end on Christmas Eve. Partner with a favorite brand like Four Muddy Paws in St. Louis, MO, did last year during its 12 Days of Delights, offering Primal Goat Milk quarts for $3 each. Both locations sold out and saw a nice surge in shoppers looking for great deals in addition to holiday gifts.

18 It’s ANSWER THE TELEPHONE LIKE BUDDY THE ELF DAY! Take the traditional route and say, “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” Or opt for a favorite quote from the movie. We like, “I’m singing! I’m in a store, and I’m singing!” and “So good news, I saw a dog today.” Be prepared to explain yourself quickly to those without your excellent taste in Christmas movies.

20 Celebrate NATIONAL UNDERDOG DAY all month with a charitable effort that helps disadvantaged pets. Your fellow indies are full of great ideas in this area: Sweet Paws Bakery in Gainesville, FL, puts up an Angel Tree decorated with cards featuring a homeless pet and their wish list; customers who purchase a product for donation get a 10% discount as a thank you. Many businesses also donate proceeds from their holiday photo shoots to local rescues.

25 Kick off eight days of HANUKKAH gifting with suggestions on your socials and in an eblast. They need not all be Hanukkah themed, but there are certainly enough options between toys, treats and accessories to be inclusive of your Jewish customers on this first day of the celebration.

JANUARY

1 Forget WALK YOUR DOG MONTH. Instead, hype up WALK YOUR PET MONTH! Doing so will allow you to celebrate all animals who like to go on adventures with their people. Not a full-line store? Bring in cat harnesses, at the minimum, and offer to special order gear for other species. Birds and reptiles love to take a stroll! If any of you host a meetup or group walk, pretty please take photos to share with PETS+.

2 & 28 Educate your customers and outfit the dogs, cats and other animals who vacation with them on NATIONAL PET TRAVEL SAFETY DAY Jan. 2 and on PLAN A VACATION DAY Jan. 28. A display could include a variety of products, among them shelf-stable food, treats, and helpful supplements (think: pumpkin pouches and CBD) in convenient packaging and sizes; a first-aid kit with recommended supplies; carriers, crates and travel beds; harnesses and leashes; travel bowls and bottles; plus anything else a pet might need when away from home.

26 It’s NATIONAL FUN AT WORK DAY, so have exactly that! Brainstorm with your team what they would enjoy most, but make sure whatever you do happens in full view of your current and potential customers in person and on social media. How could a pet parent not want to do business with an employer who values joy in the workplace?

The post How Buddy the Elf and Having Fun Can Boost Sales This Holiday Season and Beyond appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

INVENTORY With the holidays approaching, follow this advice from Katherine Ostiguy of Crossbones in Providence, RI: “Check expiration dates on perishable items and put anything short-dated on clearance a little earlier than usual. Normally I wait until a product is down to two months, but with the crazy holiday season, I don’t want to have expired product, so in October I put anything on sale that will expire before the following February.”

LEADERSHIP Speaking of the holidays, celebrate your team now. The fourth quarter will be exhausting, and unfortunately many retail and service workers get burned out and lose their enthusiasm. It’s time to turn up your communication! Engage positively, listen and ask questions to help your staff feel heard, confident and part of the team. Determine bonuses, holiday pay and gift exchanges early to get them excited. Purchase restaurant or other gift cards to immediately reward above-and-beyond efforts and positive attitudes.

Oct. 13-19

OPERATIONS If you will need ice melt and haven’t yet ordered it, do that ASAP. Jennifer Hall of All Things Pawssible in Charlottesville, VA, offers this winter-prep tip: “We never know if we’re going to have lots of snow or no snow at all, but I always make sure I’m lined up with a plowing company and preorder any ice melt or other products I may need, so I don’t have to cope with the rush as a storm approaches.”

Oct. 20-26

MERCHANDISING Get ready to create your first Christmas display, says Rachel McGinnis of Leo & Lucky’s in Parrish, FL. “As soon as Nov. 1 comes around, you MUST put up Christmas. I know, I don’t like it either, but the stuff sells. Put up leftovers from last year first. Save new fresh displays for December.” Mary Owens of Delchester Feed and Pet Supply in Holmes, PA, agrees: “Customers may not buy when they first see your display, but they’ll remember you have Christmas stock and be back for those gifts.” And be sure to start incorporating Hanukkah items by Dec. 1, like Noe Valley Pet Company in San Francisco, CA, did with the above display last year. The holiday happens later in 2024, starting on Dec. 25.

MANAGEMENT Grooming salons and departments, look at 2025 now. Erin Paitrick of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Summerville, SC, shares: “October is when we plan the next year’s grooming schedule. I open up the floor for discussion to make sure what groomers are doing is still working and to discuss potential changes. By the end of October, we open up the full calendar for the following year — many of our clients are trained to schedule for a full year so they can keep their pups on a good schedule and one that works best for them.”

Oct. 27-Nov. 2

STAFF Approve any time-off requests and finalize work schedules — for the next 10 weeks if possible.

Nov. 3-9

INVENTORY Look ahead to 2025 again with this tip from Elysa Cooper of Junebug’s Beach House in Kennebunkport, ME: “We decide what we are no longer going to carry the following year and have a sale section in the back of our shop of 50%-off items.” Doing this opens up space for seasonal products and proven sellers.

MANAGEMENT Cold and flu season hits its peak around now. “Keep your staff healthy,” Johnna Devereaux of Fetch Ri, Richmond, RI, advises. “We often think about dog and cat health, but focusing on teaching your staff simple ways they can support their immune system to help them stay healthy throughout the winter (and holiday) season is vitally important!” An experienced herbalist, Devereaux makes elderberry syrup for her team.

Nov. 10-16

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Heading toward Thanksgiving, think about your customers. They love receiving surprise gifts, especially ones related to their pets. Buy branded merchandise and add pet names after (like with a paint pen, vinyl stickers, labels). During November and December, hand out bounce-back gift certificates with all purchases valid during the first quarter of 2025.

Nov. 17-23

MARKETING Add this item to your to-do list for the next seven weeks: Take photos of all holiday displays, window and in-store. Not only will it help you when planning in 2025, but you can add them to your PETS+ America’s Coolest contest entry. The contest will reopen before you know it! And you can’t go back in time to take photos of your best displays.

Nov. 24-30

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Don’t forget the humans when planning refreshments for Small Business Saturday. Diane Marcin of Benny’s Pet Depot in Mechanicsburg, PA, shares, “We send customers home with all kinds of samples for their dogs and cats on SBS, but when they walk in the store and are offered a free mimosa and cookie, you really made their morning/day. Our customers look forward to the free drink and snack while they shop for their pets. Some even come back for seconds!”

The post To-Do List: Prep for the Busy Holiday Season and Beyond appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

1 Whether as station mascots or arson investigators, celebrate the dogs who serve alongside firefighters on NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY. Bring a gift basket to your local station, offer them free self-washes or treats, and/or simply praise these hard-working dogs on your socials. They are very good boys and girls!

1 ADOPT-A-SHELTER-DOG MONTH is a great time to revisit how you partner with local animal shelters. Do you offer a goodie bag or other incentives that adopters receive? Are your efforts bringing in new customers? Astro Loyalty’s Sharing the Love program provides free product bundles for adopters to pick up at your store, at no cost to you. More than 50% of adopters who redeem these rewards are new customers, Astro reports. Bonus: Only indies have access to the program.

9 Firehouse Pet Shop in Wenatchee, WA, builds on the success of its free-to-use pet scale by adding weight-tracking cards that come with reward coupons for when pets meet their goals. On NATIONAL PET OBESITY AWARENESS DAY, follow the store’s lead. Jennifer and Allen Larsen recommend customers consult their veterinarian to determine the ideal weight for an individual pet, but stand ready to provide food, treat and other recommendations. In January, they even invited a mobile dog gym to set up outside the store to provide live demonstrations and exercise advice.

15 On NATIONAL MUSHROOM DAY, promote the ingredient’s health benefits for pets with educational posts on your socials and product samples in your store — Michele Saharic of Barkley’s Marketplace in Flemington, NJ, serves mushroom and goat milk lattes to pups with regular lattes for their people.

31 Photos with Santa are always a big hit with customers, so why not add a character to your HALLOWEEN sessions? Debra Sullivan of Jackson’s Place Unleashed Pet Resort in Houston, TX, does exactly that. In 2023, team member Abraham Razo dressed as the Bride of Frankenstein and posed with pets in front of a spooky castle-inspired backdrop. Sullivan designs the sets, directs Razo and takes the photos herself, creating a nice revenue stream at $55 a 15-minute session over two full days. And the photos turn out amazing! This year, the Halloween theme will be Mad Hatter. We can’t wait to see those pics!

NOVEMBER

1 During NATIONAL SENIOR PET MONTH and ADOPT A SENIOR PET MONTH, celebrate these special dogs, cats, birds, reptiles … you name it! The opportunities are endless. Last year, Dogs by Design in Irwin, PA, raised funds and collected products for Gray Paws Sanctuary. Nature’s Feed in Spring Grove, IL, offered 15% off select items for senior pets. And Premium Pets in Jefferson City, MO, held a Senior Dog meetup. Share tips, recommend senior products, ask customers to share photos on your socials, do anything that helps pets in this life stage.

6 On NATIONAL ADVENT CALENDAR DAY, do a hard push on these seasonal products to ensure they don’t linger well into December. A Barkery Unleashed in Marysville, WA, shares this add-on tip: Bundle with additional treats for multi-dog customers who don’t want to buy more than one calendar. The bakery offers up its bags of broken cookies, offering a solution for these pet parents and the store.

28 Want to offer a THANKSGIVING DAY meal for your customers without having to cook? Follow the lead of The Hipster Hound in Savannah, GA. In 2023, Kristen Watson and her team set a table featuring an array of foods and treats that pet parents could put into a branded Thanksgiving Bowl and take home. Among the goodies were Primal’s Turkey & Sardine Freeze Dried Nuggets, Gaines Family Farmstead’s Sweet Potato Bones and K9 Granola Factory’s Green Bean Chips, with Primal’s Cranberry Blast Goat Milk as one of the hydration options in separate containers. Customers could create a bowl for their dog or cat during Thanksgiving week for free thanks to brand support. Watson reports that the bowls led to additional sales of products included!

30 This year brings double the opportunity on SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, as November has five Saturdays. Go all out by combining your Fifth Saturday Sale offerings with those for the national marketing initiative. And to create even further FOMO with your customers, let them know there won’t be another fifth Saturday until March 2025!

The post Fresh Promos for Halloween, Small Business Saturday and More in October and November appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

1 BACK TO SCHOOL season begins this month, providing a multitude of marketing opportunities. “Back to Boredom” sales of lick mats, chews and toys. “First Day Fresh Coat” promotions of your self-wash stations. You can even go all out and throw a “Bark to School Pawty” like Wagging Tails Pet Resort & Spaw in West Hartford, CT. The annual day-care package includes adorable class photos (above), educational activities, and awards for Class Clown, Most Likely to Succeed and Teacher’s Pet among others.

1 & 10 Not only does this month serve as RAWGUST, it also includes DURAN DURAN APPRECIATION DAY. In addition to your regularly scheduled raw promotions, hold a “Hungry Like the Wolf (& the Wildcat)” sale on Aug. 10. Your Gen-X customers won’t be able to resist their beloved ‘80s music getting a nod, and with all the intergenerational bickering on TikTok these days, even younger customers will get the reference and chuckle at their elders while they also save.

5 On WORK LIKE A DOG DAY, give your store pup some time in the social media spotlight. Share their backstory, as many of your customers may not know how this greeter, treat and toy tester, and employee of the month (every month) came to be a part of your life and business. If you adopted locally, it’s also an opportunity to promote the rescue or shelter.

6 Because no one wants kisses from their pet to be stinky, use NATIONAL FRESH BREATH DAY to tout the many dental products and services you sell, from toothpaste and additives to teeth brushing during grooming. And don’t forget to tie into RAWGUST again by including raw bones in your promotions!

28 On RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY, follow the lead of Dogs by Design in Irwin, PA, and create space on your socials for customers to share a photo and the story of their passed pets. Respectfully pair it with information about any products and services you offer in this area, such as bereavement gifts and/or pet grief support. Don’t have time for this promotion in August? Aim for National Pet Memorial Day on Sept. 8 instead.

SEPTEMBER

1 It’s HAPPY HEALTHY CAT MONTH! Use this “holiday” to show customers and potential customers how cat savvy you are. Healthy Pets Mountain West in Salt Lake City, UT, posts social media tips each September, among them advice on how to best serve up a cat’s meals to avoid whisker stress. Offer Caturday sales or other specials to grow this customer base.

1-7 NATIONAL WAFFLE WEEK has a Saturday and a Sunday on which to hold an event. Break out your waffle maker and serve up store-made pet-friendly versions and/or promote your waffle-themed treats for dogs. Offer coffee for the humans in tow so they can sip a breakfast beverage while they watch their pup enjoy the treat.

8 With many young people putting off or even deciding not to have kids, their parents find themselves petsitting instead of babysitting. Put a spin on GRANDPARENTS’ DAY with a GrandPAWrents event. Add GrandPAWrents Day signage to your selfie station and share the many ways they can spoil their grandpets.

17 Looking for NATIONAL PET BIRD DAY ideas? Go to myrightbird.com and download the National Pet Bird Day toolkit, which includes free graphics and social media posts to help with promotions. Pair with flash sales in store and online to reward your avian customers.

28 IndiePet’s inaugural NEIGHBORHOOD PET STORE DAY was a huge success in 2023! More than 650 independent pet retailers took part, with Astro Loyalty noting a 350% increase in Astro Offer sales on that day versus an average Saturday. Go to neighborhood petstoreday.com to download free marketing materials available to all, with IndiePet members getting access to bonus materials in the Neighborhood Pet Store Day Promotional Package.

The post Put Back to School, RAWGUST and Neighborhood Pet Store Day on Your Promotional Calendar for August and September appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

BUYING Complete any last-minute tasks for SUPERZOO, Aug. 14-16, in Las Vegas, NV. You already have your booth visits scheduled and mapped. Order forms for brands you plan to buy from are started, with lines left for add-ons. But have you broken in your new trade-show shoes? Get on it! You don’t want to develop a blister only 5,000 steps in.

INVENTORY Many stores do a full count this month. Paul Lewis of The Green K9 in Eustis, FL, shares, “August is a great time for us to do a store inventory. It helps with the end-of-year count we do for the accountant.” If you don’t have them already, Dorothy Vetrovec of Nature’s Feed in Spring Grove, IL, recommends getting barcode scanners. ”They run about $300 each and are so worth it!”

Aug 11-17

MANAGEMENT You keep plenty of frozen treats for pets on hand during the summer months, but what about for your team? Shane Somerville of Paddywack in Mill Creek, WA, says, “Have frozen treats in your back freezer for staff! It is so nice on a hot day.” Ask team members to add their favorites to your shopping list and rotate varieties throughout the summer.

NETWORKING We’re offering two opportunities for you to mix and mingle with your fellow indies at SUPERZOO. On Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 3 p.m., we’ll present the 2024 winners of the PETS+ America’s Coolest contest with their awards during a ceremony on the Show Floor Talks Stage. At 4 p.m., we’ll gather again at the PETS+ booth (#5019) to toast the winners — past, present and future because as you know we like to say to businesses, you just haven’t won yet. Stop by to enjoy a refreshment, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, on PETS+ and contest sponsor SUPERZOO.

Aug 18-24

OPERATIONS If you carry and/or board live animals, the warm weather provides the perfect opportunity for a deep clean. Amber Hudson of The Aquarium Pet Store in Weatherford, OK, says, “I roll my animal-cage holding shelves outside for a good hose, soap and scrub down, and then bake them in the sun to dry. I love doing this for my own allergies and the bedding dust.”

Aug 25-31

HOLIDAY PREP Natalie Kramer of Albany Pet Hotel in Albany, OR, also has a recommendation for day-care and boarding facilities: Share with clients now your 2024 peak holiday pricing and deposit requirements. Look at November and December of 2023 and adjust accordingly for your business. Kristina Robertson of The Pet Spa at Barkley Square in Falls Church, VA, adds this tip for grooming salons: “Offer a ‘Schedule early’ discount or offer a free luxury product upgrade” to clients who book well in advance.

MORE HOLIDAY PREP Product pre-orders done! Reminders sent! But have you scheduled the photographers for your holiday photo shoots in October, November and especially December? The best photographers will be busy this time of year, so reach out and book your preferred dates ASAP.

Sep 1-7

MANAGEMENT If you offer grooming, how regularly do you meet with your groomers to assess the health of the department? Erin Paitrick of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Summerville, SC, does twice a year. “September is our second groomer meeting to prepare for the holidays right around the corner. We also discuss any needed changes for grooming schedules for the following year as we typically open the next calendar year’s schedule in October.” Follow her lead so you won’t miss the window of opportunity for change.

Sep 8-14

NETWORKING Spend some time reviewing the competition. What are their strengths and weaknesses compared to your store’s and does potential exist for collaboration? Keith Henline of Asheville Pet Supply in Asheville, NC, conducts regular such reviews. “I’ll recommend you for bird, fish, etc., if you’ll recommend me for dog, cat, etc. Building connections is a key to our success,” he says.

SELF-CARE Ann Somers of Chipper & Coco in Jackson, MS, says of September, “It’s a slow time of year for us, so we take time off.” If that happens at your business, do the same and book a vacation. The busy fall and holiday seasons will be here before you know it. Recharge!

Sep 15-21

OPERATIONS Patti Carney of Hollywood Houndz in Lake Mary, FL, does a September cleaning of client files each year. “I pull activity reports for any client meeting specific criteria, moving them to inactive and deleting paper or digital file agreements and records to make space.” Do this to free up physical and digital space.

Sep 22-28

MANAGEMENT To prepare for the fourth quarter, “kill” something. “The first step in a growth policy is not to decide where and how to grow. It is to decide what to abandon,” business management expert Peter Drucker says. “In order to grow, a business must have a systematic policy to get rid of the outgrown, the obsolete, the unproductive.” Make a list of projects, policies or products you should consider getting rid of, and then “kill” one.

The post What Do Comfortable Shoes and Ice Pops Have in Common for Your Pet Business? appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

MARKETING If you have yet to launch Fifth Saturday Sales at your store, what are you waiting for? They not only help you achieve higher revenue on those days, but the program builds loyalty with your customers. A few tips on how to make the most of such a program: 1. Have customers “earn” their bag by reaching a certain level in your loyalty program. 2. Include on the bag a tag that lists all of the fifth Saturdays for the year and beyond. The tag helps customers see the value of spending to reach that loyalty level, in that it shows the many opportunities they will have to save. Both of these tips come courtesy of Pet Bistro in Warren, MI. How cool is this store’s bag?! (See above.) FYI, the next fifth Saturday is coming up on June 29.

SEASONAL PREP Hurricane season started on Jun. 1 and will run through Nov. 30. If you’re in an area affected by such storms, review your hurricane preparedness and procedures and make any updates needed. Among the many items you should check each year are whether your signage and exterior supports are secure, your shut-off valves on sewer and other drainage lines are in good working order, and your protected parking spots for company vehicles are still available. You don’t want to learn otherwise as a storm rolls in and help is limited. Starting from scratch on your plan? Reach out to your insurer, which likely has plenty of resources for you to use.

Jun 9-15

TRAINING Hold an impromptu training session that will improve your staff’s question-asking skills. Have your team members stand in a line, facing you or your manager, who kicks things off with the statement, “I’ve been looking for something for (insert health condition, behavioral challenge, etc.).” The first salesperson must ask a probing question about the customer’s needs and wants. Fail to come up with one, they must sit down. Probing questions must be open-ended (who, what, when, where, how, why or tell me about your pet …). Yes/no questions result in immediate expulsion. The last team member standing wins! Gift them paid time off or some other prize they will appreciate.

Jun 16-22

INSURANCE Are you fully covered for any adoption events held by rescues or other organizations at your business? Call your agent to find out local requirements. If you rent, consult your landlord as well. Melissa Sturm shares how she handles this for Agri-Feed Pet Supply stores in Tennessee. “We will only work with groups with liability insurance that list us as additionally insured. They will then provide an ACORD certificate proving that we are covered. We started requiring this after a customer approached a dog with the rescue group the wrong way, which then bit her. My insurance threatened to drop me, and I was very concerned it would be a problem going forward. We definitely want to be a good partner with the community, but not at the expense of losing our business. It is really smart for the rescue to have this anyway to protect their volunteers’ assets.”

MANAGEMENT Start a “sunshine file” in an old-fashioned box or on your computer/phone. There you’ll save all expressions of gratitude — thank-you notes, photos, awards — you receive from customers, your team and the community. Being a small-business owner can be challenging, and you’ll be grateful to have this to open during those times.

Jun 23-29

COMMUNICATION While some people prefer a fist bump post-Covid, plenty still put out their hand for a shake. Evaluate your grip and that of your employees on National Handshake Day, Jun. 27. Are they gravel crushers or damp squids? Your goal is a firm, friendly, double pump that lasts no longer than three seconds.

Jun 30-Jul 6

OPERATIONS Organize your inbox the Dave Allen way. From now on, make your inbox a place for “Active” tasks only, meaning things that require action from you. All else can be deleted or filed and archived in a “Reference” folder. Do this to lower your stress and get more done.

GOALS On Jul. 2 at noon, 2024 will be officially half over. It’s an excellent time to take stock. Go back and look at the goals and resolutions you set for yourself at the start of the year, and then make the necessary adjustments if you’re off track. Check, too, any notes you made back then or even emails you sent to friends. The ups and downs of small-business life can be evened out with a little long-term perspective.

Jul 7-13

HOLIDAY PREP You’ve looked back, now look forward. Jeff Jensen of Four Muddy Paws in St. Louis, MO, offers this advice: “Having a calendar all laid out for the December/January time period is critical. We work on ours with our store teams in July so we’ll have plenty of time to plan, tweak and execute. It really helps the store teams to know what’s coming up, and we can be better prepared for any unexpected changes to the calendar. Communication is key to making sure all of the plans are properly executed during the busy holidays. And it’s important to have a plan in place for what the stores will look like in January, when they are over.”

Jul 14-20

BUYING As of this week, you have about a month before Superzoo kicks off. Are you registered? Did you reserve your hotel room? Surely, yes! But have you booked your flight? Get on that before all of the good departure and arrival times and seats are gone. We’ll see you Aug. 14 through 17 in Vegas! PETS+ will serve as media partner for the annual trade show.

DIGITAL Do you have a robust FAQ page on your website? If not, think of the emails and calls you regularly receive and poll your team to find out what questions customers most often ask. Then write up the answers and post. Also consider creating an auto-reply with your new FAQ, ending it with “If you have any more questions for us, please reply and let us know so we can get you the answers you need. Thank you.”

Jul 21-27

OPERATIONS Write a letter to someone you admire professionally. Somewhere down the road, it could result in a valuable new relationship. Or it might just be a way of making a person who inspires you feel good. Either way, you win.

The post Launch Fifth Saturday Sales, Plus More Smart Management Tasks for Your Pet Business appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

1 Indies love a good PRIDE celebration. Not sure what to do? A few favorites from 2023: Paws on Chicon in Austin, TX, held its annual Drag Show, complete with queens of the dog, cat and human variety. In addition to a colorful display of Pride toys, cookies and accessories, Four Muddy Paws in St. Louis, MO, gave its store logo a rainbow treatment. And Toiffer Pet Outfitter in Missoula, MT, hosted a Pride photoshoot (above) that benefitted The Western Montana Community Center.

1 For NATIONAL MICROCHIP MONTH, buy a scanner if you don’t already have one and promote free microchip scanning. Woof Gang Bakery in Fleming Island, FL, does exactly that, building good will in the community and giving team members an additional sense of fulfillment. “We get lost pets in every week and have reunited over 100 pets with their family. If you find a stray animal, everyone knows to bring it to Woof Gang for a microchip scan. Our staff loves being able to reunite pets who have made their way to our pet bakery,” Mary Hardin says.

14 On INTERNATIONAL BATH DAY, host Bathapalooza in your grooming department or self-wash stations. Offer a discount, throw in a nail trim, and hype it up. Full credit for this idea goes to Bath & Biscuits in Granville, OH, which requires appointments for its annual event. Danielle Wilson adds, “We call out the dog’s name like ‘Norm’ on Cheers, and the owners love it.”

15-16 NATIONAL DOG DAD DAY and FATHER’S DAY fall on a Saturday and Sunday this year, presenting you with the perfect opportunity to celebrate these pet parents. Standout promotional events from 2023 from your fellow indies: Two Bostons Pet Boutique in Illinois hosted “Father’s Day Paw Painting,” with cork coasters as the canvas. Yarn & Bone Pet Supply in Milford, DE, held “Donuts with Dad,” a shopping event featuring, you guessed it, donuts. And Mississippi Mutts in Cape Girardeau, MO, offered “Dudes & Dogs” photo sessions complete with snacks and beer. Have at the ready a display of “Dog Dad” merch and toys to go with it.

17-21 Create kits for customers taking part in Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Pet to Work Week, Take Your Cat to Work Day (17) and/or Take Your Dog to Work Day (21). Include a fancy new bandana or bow-tie so pets can adhere to the company dress code, treats for being very good boys and girls, and perhaps a lick mat with a calming spreadable for when they need to be extra-quiet during meetings. Visit petsit.com for more information.

JULY

1 & 21 It’s NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH, and NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY (21) also happens in July. Odds are you have an ice cream social on your events calendar. Don’t miss the opportunity to build your brand with a custom cup featuring your logo. Bonus tip: Offer a small discount to customers who show it in a photo shared on their socials. Here’s a cute one from Cafe BoneJour in Bay St Louis, MS, for inspiration.

4 Leading up to INDEPENDENCE DAY, promote the Made in the U.S.A. products you carry. Looking for new options? Check out our special Made in the U.S.A. advertising section on p. 35-39.

10 On NATIONAL KITTEN DAY, create a post and ask your social media followers to share photos of their cats as kittens — or of their kittens as kittens! — in the comments. Also sprinkle in some of the adoptable kittens currently available through a parter rescue — you may help make a match, plus gain a new customer!

16 Tie into the 2024 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL-STAR GAME with a sale on all sports gear and toys, especially those with a baseball theme as the game marks the halfway point of the season.

31 Purebred pups get meetups and magnets and other breed-specific events and products, so even out the options for the many mutts in your community with a special promotion on NATIONAL MUTT DAY. Bend Pet Express in Bend, OR, does a National Mutt Day Giveaway each year. Customers simply share a photo on the store’s socials with a comment about how they came up with their pup’s name to enter a drawing for a prize pack. Another fun idea: Have customers share a photo of their mutt, then ask your followers to guess the breeds!

The post Pride Month, National Mutt Day, Plus More Promotional Opportunities for Your Pet Business in June and July appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

1 Put an educational spin on APRIL FOOLS’ DAY by following this example from Mutts & Co. stores in Ohio. During April Fools’ week last year, social media posts highlighted “the facts versus the fools (or myths)” that customers may hear and believe. Among those debunked were that cats who go outside the litterbox hate their humans and that prescription pet foods contain medicine. See the full campaign at facebook.com/muttsandco.

1 During PET FIRST AID AWARENESS MONTH, help your customers prepare for minor mishaps with their pets. Create a display featuring a well-stocked first aid kit, plus supportive products such as your favorite wound-care ointment, sterile eye wash and even a soft muzzle for pets who may bite. You could also include a skunk odor remover, as we all know that qualifies as the stinkiest of mishaps. If you have the space to do so, consider hosting a Pet First Aid class at your business.

16 Celebrate WEAR YOUR PAJAMAS TO WORK DAY with your team! Not only will doing so show your fun side to customers, but it will promote those adorable PJs for pets you picked up at Global Pet Expo — even more so if you have store dogs and cats to model them for the day.

18 Shine a spotlight on your customers this NATIONAL HIGH-FIVE DAY. Give virtual high-fives on your socials every time a customer purchases a product that will improve the health of their pet. A topper or broth? High-five! Healing spa treatment? High-five! Even a sweet treat qualifies as it sure will improve a pet and person’s mental health in the moment.

22 Is there an EARTH DAY event you can pop up at this year? Lizzi & Rocco’s Natural Pet Market in Columbia, MO, attended the CoMo Earth Day Festival last year and filled its booth with sustainably minded brands such as West Paw, Jiminy’s and Wondercide, among others.

MAY

1 Use the start of SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH to kick off promotions of warm weather safety products and services. Sunscreen for pets — both topical and in the form of UV-blocking clothes — can go into a display with life jackets, cooling bandanas and travel harnesses, as well as natural flea and tick preventatives and treatments. For businesses that offer grooming, launch an educational campaign on appropriate cuts for summer, ones that help keep pets cool while not overexposing skin to the sun.

4 To celebrate STAR WARS DAY last year, Reeses Barkery & Pawtique in McHenry, IL, invited Chewbacca to host an hour-long chew giveaway at the store. Twenty dogs came in to claim their treat and have a photo taken with the beloved character, portrayed by a staff member in costume. What a great way to drive up foot traffic and celebrate the movies!

11 & 12 DOG MOM DAY and MOTHER’S DAY offer endless opportunities to promote your business and show love to customers. A couple of ideas: Roxie’s Barkery in North Adams, MA, hosted a “Pawnt & Sip” event last year. For $25, customers could choose a “#1 Dog Mom” or “I Love My Mom” stencil or pick one with their pet’s name, with the dog then creating a “lick painting” to take home. Each pup also got a dog-safe beverage to sip. And Nature’s Feed in Spring Grove, IL, partnered with a local florist to give a free flower to every dog mom who made a purchase during Mother’s Day weekend — while supplies lasted, of course.

14 Let’s be real: Chihuahuas get a lot of flack. For being tiny terrors. Yappy dogs. And escape artists, thanks to their small size. But according to Rover, they are also the sixth most popular dog in the U.S. On INTERNATIONAL CHIHUAHUA APPRECIATION DAY, celebrate these pups with a photo contest on your socials, with the dog who brings in the most new followers getting a prize pack put together specifically for a Chihuahua (tiny harness, tiny treats). You’ll grow your followers and show that your store knows the breed.

The post How Dog Moms, PJs and Star Wars Can Boost Sales at Your Pet Store appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

MARKETING Do potential customers in your area just assume Chewy offers lower prices on pet food? Show them the math like Three Tails Parlor and Pantry in Waterloo, IL, does with this social media graphic. It not only shows that the local store beats the online retailer on price, but the post also points out that a local family owns the business and offers two more things Chewy doesn’t: a rewards program and curbside pickup.

CLEANING Stop putting off spring cleaning and maintenance. Katherine Ostiguy of Crossbones in Providence, RI, has the usual items on this seasonal to-do list, but also includes “Notify the city about potholes on our street.” By considering the last leg in a drive to her business, she has the opportunity to improve the customer experience overall.

Apr 7-13

BUYING Get your holiday pre-orders in! Amy Kenkel of Leaps & Bones in South Windsor, CT, says, “We make sure all of our holiday purchases are in during April. Most distributors fill orders by ‘first orders in, first orders out.’ I want to get all of the holiday toys and items that we want and need.” Susanna Furlone of The Wishbone Pet Company in Freedom, CA, agrees, “Set aside time to put in those pre-orders for Halloween and Christmas items now. Your future self will thank you!”

Apr 14-20

MARKETING Attract new clients with a “Meet the Groomers” event. Phyllis Kupfer of All Pet & Equine Supply in West Plains, MO, hosts one each spring. “We offer free nail trims and give people a chance to come talk to our groomers and get a discount on their first appointment.” Such an event can help groomers and pet parents alike see if it’s a good fit.

BOOKKEEPING If you don’t stick to a regular schedule for certain financial tasks, start doing so this month. Alison Chandler of Noble Beast in Phoenix, AZ, offers this advice: “Keep up with the bookkeeping! It can get away from you, and then it’s overwhelming to keep up. Designate one day a week to work on these essential chores.” Great advice!

Apr 21-27

DISPLAYS Don’t forget the more practical items pet parents need when putting together spring displays and promotions. “It’s time to boost grass savers,” Jennifer Larsen of Firehouse Pet Shop in Wenatchee, WA, reminds. And Johnna Devereaux of Fetch RI in Richmond, RI, points out, “April is a perfect time to put pet entry carpets on promo, as April showers here!”

REMINDERS If you offer grooming, add an extra reminder for May appointments. “We used to have so many no-shows, forgotten appointments, etc., and no room to get those clients back in because we book out so far,” Cathy Dervalis of Dog Day Afternoon in Belleville, IL, explains. “People are so crazy with graduations, picking up college kids, etc., that they just forget. Last year we did one extra text reminder, and it really helped.”

Apr 28-May 4

MANAGEMENT When did you last audit your list of key performance indicators (KPIs)? Are you tracking all that you should? Or more than you should? Do a deep dive to see what stats still make sense to see and use those metrics to adapt your business and achieve greater success. If you don’t have the proper software, get it!

May 5-11

INSURANCE If you tend to auto-renew policies, set aside time to ensure you’re well insured. Jennifer Hall of All Things Pawssible in Charlottesville, VA, says, “April/May is when I review my insurance policies. Not glamorous, but it’s when I have a lull before busy summer boarding and am coming off of winter storm closures, etc.”

May 12-18

REMINDERS Businesses that offer boarding also need to nudge customers for their own good. Myra Tsung of Camp Kitty in Decatur, GA, recommends that you, “Plan for the holidays now. Our primary business is boarding, and we had to turn away a lot of regular customers this past holiday season because we were fully booked by early July. This year, we plan to send an email to our regulars in May, encouraging them to go ahead and book their holiday stays.”

May 19-25

SECURITY
Don’t leave this one another month: Get your passwords in order. You’ve no doubt got dozens of passwords for various apps and services. Take time to write them down all in one place. Or better yet, consider using a password manager such as LastPass or 1Password. (As solid as Keychain is, Apple provides its staff with 1Password accounts.)

May 26-Jun 1

DESIGN Add a little style to your self-wash area with a fun yet functional wallpaper. We love this example from Wagabonz in Galveston, TX. The surfing terriers perfectly suit the store’s island location. Because of the task at hand, be sure to choose an all-vinyl or properly treated paper wallpaper because you know it will get wet.

The post Show Your Math, Complain About Potholes, Plus More To-Do’s for Your Pet Business in April and May appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

MERCHANDISING Stickers are a fun add-on, whether your customers buy a few for themselves or to give as gifts. But many stores struggle with creating an easily shoppable display that stays neat. The Modern Paws in Tampa, FL, has the solution, as shown above. When owner Lisa Prakobkit shared hers in the PETS+ Facebook Community, members quickly asked her about it. “They’re actually nail polish displays,” she shared. “Works perfectly, and you can hang them anywhere.”

Feb. 11-17

STAFF Spread the love on Feb. 14. Buy individual Valentines and chocolates for your team members, writing on the card, “Love your work!”

BUYING Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL, will be here before you know it. It’s never too early to start planning. Start small by creating an extended to-do list to complete before you leave — everything from registering at globalpetexpo.org to packing two pairs of your most comfortable shoes. And don’t forget to join the PETS+ Facebook Community if not already a member. The PETS+ team posts dozens of videos and photos there every day during the show, talking to exhibitors about their newest products and bestsellers. Join the community of 2,600-plus fellow independent pet retailers and service providers at facebook.com/groups/petsplusmagcommunity.

Feb. 18-24

MAINTENANCE Ask a person who normally doesn’t look closely at your building exterior to do exactly that, pointing out any issues they see such as chipped paint, dinged corners, and dirt and debris buildup. Having a fresh set of eyes can help you build a fresh list of fixes to take care of. Thank them with a cup of coffee, or provide the same feedback if a fellow indie.

FINANCES You should have your financial statements finalized by Feb. 29 if your fiscal year ended in December. Make an appointment with your CPA.

Feb. 25-Mar. 2

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Go to your business website and reread the “About Us” page. Does it relay who you are, why you do what you do, and the level of excellence at which you do it? If not, time for a rewrite. Also, be sure to include at the end of your story an actionable link that allows you to connect with potential new customers: a signup for your loyalty program, a small first-visit discount … any action that will keep them engaged after they’ve learned “about you.”

Mar. 3-9

HIRING An oldie but a goodie from business coach Bob Negen: Be prepared. You never know when you might come across your next superstar employee. It could be the server at a restaurant, someone you meet at a party or anywhere. Negen recommends keeping on hand business cards and committing to memory the phrase “I hope you’re happy here, but if you ever want to make a change, here’s my business card.” It makes the “ask” simple and effective.

FINANCES If you haven’t updated your fixtures and always-in-use props for five years or longer, they’re surely showing their age. Amortize and depreciate them as you do other equipment, then set a budget for 2024 to acquire new fixtures and props routinely. To a consumer, their condition and appearance speaks volumes about your store and affects perception of your brand.

Mar. 10-16

CUSTOMER SERVICE Do yet another thing the big-box stores don’t: Create a system to let your customers know you’ll always be there for their pets. A follow-up phone call one week after they try a new food or get a groom to check in on them is a good place to start.

Mar. 17-23

STRATEGY Also up your market intelligence: Find out from every new client: “Why did you leave your last (groomer, dog walker, pet sitter)? At the same time, follow up on defections. A polite inquiry for clients who have gone elsewhere will help ensure they’re rare events.

Mar. 24-30

BUYING Now that you’re back from GPE — even if you watched from your home office — invite your customers to be part of the buying process as it continues. April Meier of Pawsitively Scrumptious in Crestview, FL, shares videos and photos of products she found at the show and brings back as many samples to share as she can. “So we can then ask customers to ‘vote’ on what they would like us to bring in. Giving them a ‘voice’ helps to promote sales when the new items come in.”

MERCHANDISING Introduce “Staff Picks” at your store, featuring products your team uses themselves. Petagogy in Pittsburg, PA, sets the bar high with its program, which features yellow signs that let customers know who recommends the products and why. We love the warmth and humor of the descriptions, as they create a connection between customers and staff — and customers and staff pets!

The post You’ll Never Guess How This Sticker Display Came Together appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

1 To promote NATIONAL PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH, create a “treasure map” customers can follow to find the many products in your store that support healthy teeth and gums. “X” can mark the spots for raw bones, dental powders, teeth-cleaning toys, dental chews and so on, complete with themed signage at each. Consider a discount on top of any promotions for customers who purchase a product from all of the “treasure chests.” It’s a great way to get them into areas of your store they may not regularly visit. If you offer grooming, tie into your teeth brushing add-on.

11 Football-themed jerseys, collars, bandanas, toys, cookies and more get the spotlight around SUPERBOWL LVIII! We love to reshare this simple tip from Brown Dog Bakery in Ankeny, IA: They use white duct tape and “grass” carpet to create a football field pups can pose on for the store’s annual Puppy Bowl Photo Contest on social media.

14 There are endless ways to show love and create a customer experience around VALENTINE’S DAY. Need a new-to-you idea? At Razzle Dazzle Doggie Bow-tique in Bradley, IL, customers can decorate a Valentine for their pet, which then hangs in the store window (shown above). On Valentine’s Day, the “love letters” get entered into a drawing for prize bags, one each for dog and cat, filled with vendor-supplied products. Firehouse Pet Shop in Wenatchee, WA, puts a fun spin on its annual Valentine’s Day photo booth: The “Smooch the Pooch” event gives discounts ranging from 10% to 20%, depending on the length of kiss between person and pet! And All Things Pawssible in Charlottesville, VA, gives handwritten Valentines to each customer when they pick up their dogs from day care during the week of Valentine’s Day.

20 Still have Valentine’s Day product in stock? Instead of deeply discounting or packing it away, give it a second push on NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY. Some customers may have been too busy celebrating with their human and need an apology gift for their other loved one.

22 Follow the lead of Four Muddy Paws in St. Louis, MO, during NATIONAL WALK YOUR DOG DAY. The stores hold a two-week promotion highlighting collars, harnesses and leashes, plus poop bags and holders. If your store sits in an area suitable for pack walks, plan one during your promotion to bring customers together and further create community.

MARCH

1 On PEANUT BUTTER LOVERS DAY, sample your pet-friendly nut butters and get photos of the funny faces pups make when they indulge. Share on your socials along with a promotional bundle of nut butter with lick mat.

3-9 Pet Sitters International celebrates its 30th annual NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL PET SITTERS WEEK! If you don’t offer such services to promote, use this opportunity to connect with and support these amazing caretakers in your community. Some pets don’t do well in boarding and need in-home services. Launch a referral program to benefit you both.

9 & 13 Celebrate NATIONAL BARBIE DAY (Mar. 9) and NATIONAL KEN DAY (Mar. 13) with an inspired-by photo set like this one from Canine Culture in Laredo, TX. We’re pretty sure the interest that generated $1.44 billion in movie ticket sales (at press time) will still be high, helping you push any related products you carry and services you offer.

17 Celebrate ST. PATRICK’S DAY and encourage foot traffic with a “Turn Your Green Into Green” promotion. Pet Palace of New City in New City, NY, does this annually, giving customers who wear green 20% off their purchase.

20-22 Leading up to, during and after GLOBAL PET EXPO in Orlando, FL, promote the heck out of your attendance. Ask customers what they want you to look out for, share videos from the show floor and wrap up back once home. Not attending? We’ve got you covered! The PETS+ team will be reporting live from GPE, per usual, with a flurry of video interviews with brands. You can share those with your followers!

The post Create a Dental Health Treasure Map! Plus More Feb-Mar Promo Ideas for Your Pet Store appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

GIFT BAGGING Display a sample of your branded shopping bag with holiday tissue and bow near gifty items and at the checkout counter. This lets shoppers know they will get a nice presentation — like this festive one from Bark On Mulford in Rockford, IL — with their gift purchase.

MERCHANDISING Tweak your holiday window displays throughout the month, moving things around and highlighting different products. To window shoppers, this sends the message that you have a wide range of merchandise and it’s moving quickly — so they had better not miss out!

Dec. 10-16

SALES Surely all team members follow your business on social media. But they may not see every single video or photo if you’re a prolific poster. Keep your accounts queued up on a tablet in the back. Or go old school and screenshot, print and hang any product promotions you do so that if a customer comes in and says, “I need that cute fuzzy squeaky toy I saw on your TikTok,” staff are ready to lead the way and close the sale.

Dec. 17-23

HEALTH Holiday excitement can make it difficult to fall asleep, despite how tired you might be come bedtime. Use one of the pet-friendly essential oil blends you stock to make a spray for your pillow. Scents such as lavender will help you fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply and wake up fresher.

Dec. 24-30

MANAGEMENT If you’re open Christmas Eve, bring in extra-special snacks and beverages for staff helping last-minute shoppers and/or those providing care to boarding guests. It’s a nice gesture, above and beyond any holiday pay you offer.

MERCHANDISING Did you see an adorable reindeer lawn ornament but didn’t want to spend? Or has your holiday tree reached the end of its lifetime? The next few weeks are an ideal time to shop for 2024 decorations.

Dec. 31-Jan. 6

MERCHANDISING Instead of overbuying holiday-themed toys and treats, you smartly added bows to non-seasonal merchandise, right? Time to take them off!

LEGAL Get your legal ducks in a row for 2024. If you don’t already have one, contact your attorney — or hire one — for a template “cease and desist” letter you can have ready to go if a disgruntled former employee or customer begins to unfairly bash you on social media.

Jan. 14-20

PEST CONTROL If you don’t already have a process for receiving and storing — whether in the back or on the floor — natural chews and bulk biscuits, put one in place. Members of the PETS+ Facebook Community shared their tips and tricks, including freezing all shipments upon arrival for 24 to 48 hours. Other excellent advice came from Samm Albright of Whisker & Bone in Saint George, UT, “Tried and true: Galvanized buckets with whole bay leaves in the bottom of each one (three to five dried leaves) … We used to have infestations all the time. Haven’t in the eight years since using this method. Get rid of any wood buckets — period.”

Jan. 21-27

SUPPLIES Save money and time with this helpful advice from Sheila Raebel of Dogma Dog Bakery in Arlington, VA: “We started ordering paper materials and other supplies in far larger quantities. We rearranged our backstock area to hold more supplies, and now we only order two times a year for most.”

Jan. 28-Feb. 3

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Start every customer interaction with a smile. This five-star “Would Poop Here Again” review sign at Yuppy Puppy in O’Fallon, MO, gets a laugh out of everyone who approaches the check-in/check-out desk.

The post Create a Cease & Desist Letter Template, Plus More Smart Management Tasks for December and January appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

1 Square footage at a premium? But you still want to offer customers a fun HOLIDAY photo opportunity? Do like Pepper & the Pug in Old Town Spring, TX, and park a vintage truck out front, complete with a decorated bed on which they can pose their pups.

4 On NATIONAL COOKIE DAY, host a Holiday Cookie Happy Hour for people and their pets, complete with refreshments. Offer the first holiday cookie free, wrapped in a bag with an attached shopping list that shows stocking stuffers on sale during the event.

7 Kick off eight days of HANUKKAH gifting with suggestions on your socials and in an eblast. They need not all be Hanukkah themed, but there are certainly enough options between toys, treats and accessories to be inclusive of your Jewish customers.

15 Use NATIONAL SALESPERSON DAY as an opportunity to celebrate those hardworking team members who make sure customers and clients get the best products and services for their pets. Stock the break room with goodies, introduce them and their areas of expertise on your socials, and run a sales contest leading up to this day, with bonuses given out at closing.

31 You’ve been promoting calming products all month, now give them one last push for NEW YEAR’S EVE. Pair lick mats, puzzle toys and long-lasting chews with calming supplements you know will still help even though pet parents didn’t start preparing for this day on Dec. 1, like you suggested multiple times.

JANUARY 2024

1 Here come the Christmas puppies! Take a deep breath and know that you’ll need to add more training classes during January, which also happens to be NATIONAL TRAIN YOUR DOG MONTH. Don’t offer training? Partner with a respected independent trainer to create a bundle of products they curate and require for sessions.

9 Use NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY as an opportunity to promote any discounts or freebies — self-washes for K9s! — you offer, but add an extra-special treat: Up the percentage off for the day and/or offer free coffee and pup-safe donuts to officers who stop by.

8 For SHOW AND TELL DAY, create a display that compares a high-quality kibble you sell to a lesser-quality one you don’t. Place two clear bins side by side and fill with a daily serving for a 30-pound dog. The clear difference in amount will help illustrate your point that while a higher-quality kibble may cost more, the pet eats less of it — and that often drives the price per meal much lower. Also have ready all of the points that contribute to the food being more beneficial healthwise.

18 On GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS DAY, do as the day says — with a promotional spin. Sit, Stay, ‘N Play in Stroudsburg, PA, asked customers to share on its socials a favorite story of their pup at the training facility. The thread garnered touching and often funny stories that let the business — and all followers — know how it has helped clients become better pet parents.

22 Spark conversation on your socials with a NATIONAL ANSWER YOUR CAT’S QUESTIONS DAY query. In a previous year’s post, at right, Lola & Penelope’s in Clayton, MO, shared what store cat Pedro wanted to know and asked customers to share what questions their cats ask. The responses — from “Why do humans insist on folding warm laundry?” to “Why can’t I have more treats?” — each came with an adorable photo of the curious cat.

31 On NATIONAL HOT COCOA DAY, invite both people and their pups in for a cup. Lizzi & Rocco’s in Columbia, MO, does exactly that, serving up traditional cocoa for humans and a pet-safe version made with carob powder and goat milk. Toppings include “marshmallows,” aka freeze-dried mix-ins, plus liver sprinkles, and cookie spoons dipped in carob. Be sure to strategically place your cocoa station near a display of sweets-inspired dog toys.

The post How a Decorated Truck Bed Can Help Customers Create Holiday Memories With Their Pets appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

1 During NATIONAL PET WELLNESS MONTH, give your supplements section a refresh and promote. For any new products you bring in, ask brand partners to provide credit for sampling. A supplement may not show efficacy immediately, but at least you’ve proven the pet will take it. “We’ve sampled out many over the years since palatability is a customer’s first concern,” says Karen Conell of The Bark Market in Delavan, WI.

6 Sixty years ago today, artist Harvey Ball created the smiley face as a way to spread good will. A squillion reproductions later, he introduced WORLD SMILE DAY, held on the first Friday in October, as a reminder of his message. Put your spin on a celebratory promotion! How about a bundle with smiley face toy, bandana and cookie? A pet smiles photo contest on social media? Or a smiley face “tattoo” add-on in grooming. Any and all will have people and their pets showing their pearly whites.

16 On NATIONAL BUTTON DAY, follow the lead of The Hungry Puppy in Farmingdale, NJ. Staff purchased an inexpensive button-making kit on Amazon and posted to Facebook, asking followers to comment with a photo of their “Hungry Puppy.” They then turned the photos into free buttons available for pickup in store! “We had hundreds of pictures,” Frank Frattini said of the promotion, from “a lot of new customers.”

31 With HALLOWEEN pet costumes available at just about every big-box and online retailer, many indies skip selling them altogether and instead focus on hosting an event that builds community and brand awareness. Buzz n’ B’s Aquarium & Pet Shop in Erie, PA, does exactly that with its Boo Bash Trunk-or-Treat in the store’s parking lot. Paige Elder says, “We stay open an extra two hours and invite different rescues and our neighbors in the plaza to set up decorated trunks and pass out candy.” In 2022, “We had over 200 kiddos come through! It was an amazing advertisement for just the cost of a few extra hours of labor and quite a few pounds of candy.” Orphan Angels Cat Sanctuary and Adoption Center was among those that decorated a trunk, shown here. If you do hold an outside event, put your branded photo backdrop inside the store and let attendees know they can take free pics while shopping for their pets.

NOVEMBER

5 DAYLIGHT SAVING ends, throwing the lives of pets out of sync — dogs ready for a walk an hour earlier, cats meowing for their “late” breakfast. Create a countdown promotion that prompts customers to adjust routines by a few minutes every day to get their pets ready. Offer a small discount on a different calming product each day, whether CBD or a chew or lick mat, to tie in their benefits during this difficult time.

5-11 In 2022, Pet Pangaea in Los Alamos, NM, installed a Santa Mailbox. The store played up its close relationship with Kris Kingle, pointing out that he shops there for hay and other reindeer supplies, and sent return letters to those dropped off by Dec. 14. Give this idea your spin during DEAR SANTA LETTER WEEK. In addition to return letters, send the adults in the household a coupon and information about any holiday events happening at your business. Need a lead on the actual mailbox? A quick online search turns up a variety of adorable options.

25 Looking for a fun new way to draw in shoppers on SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY? Hang stockings by a balloon chimney with care like All Pets Considered in Greensboro, NC. Each one holds a coupon ranging in value from 10% to 50%, savings valid only on that day and most with brand support. Alison Schwartz says that in 2022 the promotion resulted in “record-breaking sales at both stores! Biggest sale days ever in all regards.”

28 Help your customers recover from BLACK FRIDAY shopping with a GIVING TUESDAY promotion. It can involve anything near and dear to your heart, and be a simple donation jar on the counter or a “buy one, donate one” opportunity. Reach out for brand support well ahead of the day to set up your promo.

The post Trunk-or-Treat, Santa Mailbox and More Promo Ideas for Your Pet Store in October-November appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

MARKETING Turn your checkout desk into a branded photo backdrop with this inspiration from Belly Rubs Biscuit Bar & Spa in Ashburn, VA. Owner Teresa Hogge, shown here, worked with Dox Designs to create five different vinyl wraps that apply to the front, the first being this fun illustration perfect for summertime pics. “We’ve already had three clients take photos and tag us on social,” she said on the day it went up in August, adding, “I can’t wait to get the winter design for the holidays … it looks like a snow globe!”

Oct. 8-14

SALES Your greeting to customers can start the sales transaction — or stop it and actually discourage spending in your store. Brainstorm with your team a variety of options they can use. Keep it friendly and inquisitive, such as “Who is this adorable pup you’re shopping with today?” or “Who is the pet waiting for you at home?” No matter what, avoid any greeting that elicits a conditioned or reflexive response, especially the dreaded “No, thanks. I’m just looking.”

HOLIDAY PREP You planned your Halloween event back in September, of course, but have you decided whether your staff will wear costumes? Have fun with it if so! Dress up as the Scooby Gang or the Irwin family or another beloved animal-centric team. P.S. You’ve booked your Santa photographer already … yes?

Oct. 15-21

MARKETING Introduce one staff member each month via your socials. This lets your customers get to know them a little better and learn their particular fields of expertise, and it strengthens their bond with your business.

Oct. 22-28

OPERATIONS Well ahead of the holidays, review and update as needed your protocols for illness — for pets and people. Natalie Kramer of Albany Pet Hotel in Albany, OR, shares, “We review our canine cough protocols because it will be our busier time (higher traffic = higher chance of it coming into our facility).” The same logic applies to viruses that can spread among staff. Ensure all know what you expect when it comes to flu or COVID diagnoses.

SUPPLIES It’s difficult, if not impossible, for team members to bring their “A” game if they are physically uncomfortable. Make sure everyone has the materials and equipment they need to do their best work as you head into the busy season. Cushy floormats for behind the checkout counter? Elderberry gummies to strengthen their immune system? We bet they’ll say, “Yes, please!”

Oct. 29-Nov. 4

MERCHANDISING Stock up on tiny Santa hats. Why? They’ll help you avoid beingstuck with holiday-themed product to clearance. Ashley Lancaster of Hot Diggity in Hyannis, MA, explains, “When we need toys but don’t want to commit to holiday, I add tiny Santa hats to bestsellers. December 26th, hats off!” No need to mark down.

STAFF Approve any time-off requests and finalize work schedules for the next 10 weeks.

Nov. 5-11

EQUIPMENT An excellent to-do from the PETS+ Facebook Community (groups/petsplusmagcommunity): To keep runners in your business looking their best, use a rental service that drops off freshly cleaned rugs on a set schedule and takes away dirty ones. Beth Staley of Happy Dog Barkery in Downers Grove, IL, says, “Clean carpets switched out every week. So nice! Not too pricey and worth it.” You can also use such a service for towels if you offer grooming and/or self-wash.

Nov. 12-18

SALES Roll out your holiday spiff. Cash bonuses are always popular, but what about a commitment to take a top performer to Global Pet Expo, SuperZoo or a distributor show next year? That’s also an investment in your business.

OPERATIONS Analyze your check-out procedure. Brainstorm ideas with your team on how to make it faster and more efficient, then implement changes.

Nov. 19-25

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Don’t forget the humans when planning refreshments for Small Business Saturday. Diane Marcin of Benny’s Pet Depot in Mechanicsburg, PA, shares, “We send customers home with all kinds of samples for their dogs and cats on SBS, but when they walk in the store and are offered a free mimosa and cookie, you really made their morning/day. Our customers look forward to the free drink and snack while they shop for their pets. Some even come back for seconds!”

Nov. 26-Dec. 2

EQUIPMENT Do you have a monitoring device for your freezers? Get one! You don’t want to learn that a freezer has failed after a long night of defrosting. Members of the PETS+ Facebook Community recently shared their favorite brands: Temp Stick, Tempy and Therma.

INVENTORY “Start doing inventory checks weekly with a different category each time, so when end of year comes it isn’t daunting to do inventory,” Colleen O’Fallon of Sweet Paws Bakery in Gainesville, FL, recommends.

The post Turn Your Checkout Desk Into a Branded Photo Op appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

1 Celebrate raw feeding with a month-long RAWGUST campaign on social media! To increase the reach of her RAWGUST posts, Angela Peterson of Northwest Pets in Eagle, ID, asked her brand partners for support. Four said yes, and together contributed $500. The store saw a nearly 70% increase in raw sales during the two-week campaign.

1 August is NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH. Shine a spotlight on products you carry from Black-owned brands and/or Black pet business owners in your community. Looking for more ways to support? Follow LaShonda Geffrard’s Black Pet Business Network at instagram.com/blackpetbusinessnetwork.

8 Kick off a celebration of all things feline on INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY, a holiday helmed by the International Cat Care organization. This year’s campaign, “Purrfect Play Every Day,” starts on Aug. 1 with a variety of shareable resources at icatcare.org. Tie in with a promotion on your coolest cat toys. For NATIONAL BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY on Aug. 17, pay homage to the pets who Deborah and Mark Vitt of Mutts & Co. refer to as “tiny black panthers.” For this holiday in 2022, they put together a video celebrating the black cats in their pack. And don’t forget NATIONAL TAKE YOUR CAT TO THE VET DAY on Aug. 22. Perhaps a tie-in with your favorite veterinary partner.

10 The Charles M. Schulz Museum recognizes SNOOPY’S BIRTHDAY on this day, in honor of the 1968 comic strip featuring Charlie Brown’s beloved Beagle walking into a surprise party in his honor. You could bake or buy cookies decorated to look like Snoopy’s doghouse, set up a selfie station complete with a Peanuts-themed backdrop, or host a Beagle meetup at your business. Or do all three!

16-18 Share your finds on social media as you walk the show floor at SUPERZOO. Not going? Follow us at facebook.com/petsplusmag and share our posts. Per usual, we will be posting pics and videos as we go from booth to booth. Get your customers excited about all of the cool products you plan to bring in!

SEPTEMBER

1 During Pet Sitter International’s PET-SITTER EDUCATION MONTH, the organization offers discounts on subscriptions, guides and courses. Save and learn, then add the new credentials to your website and social media profiles.

4 Leading up to LABOR DAY, promote heavily your calming products. Still have customers nervous about giving their pets CBD? Turn to p.94 for the results of the National Animal Supplement Council’s study on the safety of CBD. Share the research and perhaps change their minds.

11 Ahead of NATIONAL PET MEMORIAL DAY, invite customers and clients to share a photo of a pet who has passed. Then create a slideshow to share on your website and social media, and in your newsletter. They will appreciate the sentiment.

22 Celebrate the FIRST DAY OF FALL with a little pumpkin spice fun. Stacy Busch offers Pumpkin Spice shampoo and conditioner in her self-wash at Busch Pet Products & Care in Cape Girardeau, MO. Becci Scott whips up goat milk Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Fetching Dog Barkery & Dog Cafe in Scottsdale, AZ. And there are more than a few parody pumpkin spice plush toys, as well as pumpkin treats and accessories, to create a display around. Help your customers and their pets welcome the season.

The post How Raw Pet Food, Black Cats and Pumpkin Spice Lattes Can Boost Sales This Summer appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

MERCHANDISING Up the creativity in a display by adding an unexpected item. Becci Scott of Fetching Dog Barkery & Dog Cafe in Scottsdale, AZ, puts each topping for her store-made doggie ice cream into a delicate teacup complete with saucer and lace doily underneath. A handwritten card above each identifies the topping, such as beef lung chunks, and adds to the contrast between ingredient and display piece.

INVENTORY Create a log where staff can note products customers ask for but that you don’t carry — and where they can include the customer’s contact info if not already in your system. Review the list each week and decide whether to add the products or to make them available for special order if the customer is not open to an alternative you do stock. They’ll appreciate the follow-up effort.

Aug 6-12

BUYING SuperZoo happens next week! Are your vendor scorecards done? Is your open-to-buy plan set? Do you have your list of must-see brands? If not, revisit our Feb-Mar issue and its excellent buying advice from Wendi Tanner of Insight Merchant Strategies, Candace D’Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation and your fellow indies at petsplusmag.com/readysetshop.

MARKETING Below your email signature, place a call-to-action link that rotates monthly. Create a schedule for the remainder of 2023 and set reminders to update it. Some ideas: “Check out our Summer Fun selfie station,” “Join our customer loyalty program” and “Shop our Back to School sale on enrichment toys and chews.”

Aug 13-19

NETWORKING Connect with the PETS+ and Pet Boss Nation teams at the SuperZoo Beach Party on Thursday, Aug. 17. We’ll meet at the entrance to the event at 6:45 p.m., then head in when the party starts at 7 p.m. It’s a great way to meet the pet industry people behind the profiles on social media. Not attending this show? You can still get in on the product finds via PETS+ on Facebook. We’ll be shooting video and snapping pics from the show floor. Follow us at facebook.com/petsplusmag.

Aug 20-26

BUYING Now that you’re back from SuperZoo, after attending in person or via our coverage, be sure to submit any orders you didn’t at the show and note delivery estimates to properly plan their arrivals.

TECH Need to centralize and share documentation — training, operations, staff directory — but aren’t yet ready to pay for an organizational platform? Learn more about the free tools Google Docs offers at google.com/docs/about.

Aug 27-Sep 2

SALES File this under the “It never hurts to ask” column. If you brought in a brand after SuperZoo that hasn’t quite taken off, hit up your brand rep for support. Nancy Okun of Cats n Dogs in Port Charlotte, FL, shares, “We brought in Northwest Naturals freeze-dried food, put the bags where every customer could see, but they just didn’t sell. Contacted our rep because we needed ideas. She said to give $5 off on every bag for the next 30 days. It worked! And we had to reorder triple that month. Northwest Naturals still sells well. Everyone loves dollars off (more than %) and once their dog likes a food, the customer will keep buying it even without the discount.”

MANAGEMENT Develop a standardized complaint response strategy, including the types of gripes a team member can manage on their own and those that need to be escalated to a manager or owner. Be sure everyone on the team knows how to execute it perfectly.

Sep 3-9

OPERATIONS Products aren’t the only items that need a proper count. Paul Lewis of The Green K9 in Mount Dora, FL, says that once a year, “We do a complete inventory of the facility. Beds, grooming equipment, bowls, etc.” This will help you avoid shortages once the holidays get underway.

Sep 10-16

COMMUNITY Sponsor a school therapy dog! Sherry Jennings of Mississippi Mutts in Cape Girardeau, MO, says, “We sponsor a therapy dog at an elementary school. We provide her food, supplies, etc. and also any seasonal products we create. Maggie the Therapy Dog includes us in social media posts, helping to promote us and what we do.”

MANAGEMENT If you haven’t already, set dates for any in-store events you plan to have in the fourth quarter. Inform your team as soon as possible. Everyone gets busy during the holidays, and the advance notice will be greatly appreciated.

Sep 17-23

CUSTOMER SERVICE Reconnect with former regular customers. Carly Patryluk of House of Paws Pet Boutique in Regina, SK, recommends, “For those customers who were coming regularly but have stopped, call them! You’re not guilting them. You’re asking a genuine question to understand if there’s something you’ve done or not done. I’ve done this when I’ve noticed we haven’t seen a regular customer in a while. You always get valuable information!”

Sep 24-30

MAINTENANCE Use the nice weather to your advantage when doing deep cleans. Amber Hudson of The Aquarium Pet Store in Weatherford, OK, says, “We use a lot of large, rolling metal shelving racks for live animal display cages, animal food storage, excess inventory storage. We clear each one off, take it outside, scrub it down, and let the sun and wind dry it off. A good thorough clean is wonderful at the beginning and end of warm weather each year.” And the fresh air will make such cleaning a little less of a chore for staff.

MERCHANDISING Don’t throw away those broken bits at the bottom of your treat jars. Shane Somerville of Paddywack in Mill Creek, WA advises: Bundle a half pound of those bits into cellophane bags and sell them for $1.99. “No one wants broken pieces when they’re in the buckets at full price, but they’ve been flying out merchandised this way!”

The post To-Do List: Prep for SuperZoo 2023, Add Teacups to a Display and Sponsor a School Therapy Dog appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.