surry

Hope you are not planning on selling PETS...( Just pet supplies. ) May I remind you that pets that are sold in pet stores usually are obtained from puppy mills. And in my opinion animals of any kind should not be kept in such a manner... That being said and out of the way... YES I think Elkin would benefit from a good pet supply store.

Would love to see a store that carried various reptile supplies. I have 6 turtles currently and cannot find a good place locally to buy food and other supplies. Looking currently for foods that would maintain good nutrition and lighting that is reasonable. I have rescued all but 1 of my lovely turtles. And to have them come to me underfed and having other issues I would like to give them what they deserve. Also have cats and dogs. All rescued! So pricing is also a issue that would affect my decision to purchase supplies at a shop.

location would REALLY be a key mid 90's there was a pet shop downtown it didnt last long plus comming from a marketing aspect ( i have my own internet marketing company in elkin) that would REALLY be the key to your sucess show what you have to offer that walmart cant offer. it would also be great to get some market feedback on what people in elkin, jonesville yadkinville would like to see in a pet shop something they wouldnt be able to find everyday. if you want you can message me on here and i can give you some ideas of finding out what the market is for here in elkin

Thank you for the imput all it is all very helpful. As far as sanitation my store will be very clean at all times. I too have be into pet stores that stunk to high heaven and that was unpleasant to say the least. As far a referring others to breeders and such I do not have a problem with that as long as said breeder has no problem with allowing me to come and check out their animals and see how they are treated and will be willing to provide proof of proper vet care. I will not ever refer someone to a puppy mill or to a shady breeder because that will reflect on me. As far as competing with Wal-Mart there is almost no way to compete with a big box store such as that as far as prices go but the difference will be in the way a customer is treated and the services provided. I myself would much rather shop at a store run by a fellow community member that knows me by name and cares about my experience rather than a corporate giant that buys their products from China and could really careless about me or my pets. And another thing is that while it may not be the best timing to open such a store unless people take chances like this then Elkin is going to continue to die slowly like it has. If we don't stand up and help take back and revive our community then it will never get better. I have done a lot of research and I think I am going to have a fighting chance of making it. No I am not going to get filthy rich but as long as I can make it and provide a service that is much needed then I am happy with that. Thank you all again for your ideas and imput. I will keep you all posted with the developments and hope to open close to the beginning of Aug. thanks again all.

I love animals, have several pets and it would definitely be nice to have a good pet store locally. But, since you asked for business advice, don't do it, it's is not a sound investment. I wouldn't live anywhere else but there the average disposible income in this area coupled with having a Super Walmart means doom for non-essential businesses. Think about it, there is only one place in town to buy men's clothes (Belk) and few options for women and children. There are no chain sit-down restaurants like Applebees, Chilis, etc, no legitimate music or gun stores (with inventory), the only factory car dealership is Ford and the list goes on. People can and will buy things like tires, farm supplies and DIY building supplies locally which keep these businesses afloat. But if you have to go to Winston or Statesville to buy clothes or jewelery or cars or even have a decent steak then chances are you are going to buy other things (such as pet supplies) there.Count the empty storefronts in Elkin/Jonesville and those that are still open but never have customers and ask yourself if you really want to take that risk.

when you go to having prices that are over what they are at walmart, and i do not care if the excuse is it is "high end" or not, you will not have good business. So many people are out of work in Elkin, and they are not going to pay "high end" prices in elkin. people just can't do it. and hopefully you won't fill it up to where you can not move around in it and hopefully you will keep it from stinking in there. small pet stores have the tendency to be crowed and stink. you need to have dogs and cats, you could let the breeders of dogs set up and sell or at least put their advertisements up in there. Most people want puppies or kittens, for house pets, small so they can train them. if you get a dog from rescue it is going to be harder to train a grown dog to stay in the house. just saying....

Exactly Z. . as I said I like to know where my pets food comes from, even their shampoos (since I have a ferret, theyre delicate) And right now I am buying online. . where shipping is almost equal to the actual purchase. .

Say thank you and act like you appreciate your customers.

PeacefulHeart brought up what I was going to - Made in USA pet treats. There've been too many problems with the chinese crap and that's all you can get at Walmart & Petsmart (and every other place selling treats). I finally found a source for chicken strips up in Maine - TriPom chews - and their product is wonderful.


I'm not a store shopper, and definitely never Walmart, but I know it means a lot to many people to be able to give their pets treats that won't end up killing many of them.

Here is another tip for you. When you post your hours stick to them. If people know your signs says open till 5:00 do not shut the doors at 4:45. When this happens people will just say o well and go straight to walmart.

As the owner of a ferret there isnt much that I can purchase at Walmart. . There is the petsmart now, but I would buy local, from a small shop, rather than a chain store, I like to know where the food, shampoo, etc comes from before I use it, and its impossible to know where the stuff sold at the larger retailers come from. .

I don't know how difficult it would be, but if you could find some Made in America dog treats and dog toys, I'd shop there in a heartbeat!

I personally wouldn't shop at a store that sells dogs/cats, but that's a personal opinion because I have 9 rescue dogs. If you need to sell the idea to your husband, you could argue that if you allowed some space for the rescues to bring their adoptees in or hold small adopt-a-thons, that would bring wonderful publicity for your store. Many rescues are online, including facebook, and they'd be sharing your store information as they tell people where to meet some of their adoptees. Plus, you held a small adopt-a-thon, the local newspaper would probably make a trip out to take pics, etc.

Good luck and definitely let us know when you're ready to open your doors!

Thanks guys for the feed back. We have a location in mind that I think is perfect. It is in town but not in the busiest or most congested part so parking and pulling in and out should not be a problem. As far as competing with Wal-Mart I am going to try to carry quite a bit that they don't. You will be able to get higher end and hopefully healthy food for your pet. We are planning on selling fresh and some salt water fish and supplies. We are probably going to lean more towards the small animal/ reptiles. And I think it is very important to offer hope for the animals that need homes and are looking for their forever family's. This store is going to be my baby. My husband is going to help me finance and furnish it but this is my passion. I helped him for the past 8 years get his business going and successful and now it's time for me to make my mark. He does not agree so much with the shelter idea and thinks I should sell puppies and kittens but he is not coming from an animal lover point of view like I am. I have had my share of pure bred dogs and shelter dogs, and while I have no problem with someone who seeks out a breeder for a puppy I would rather save a pet the seems hopeless. I know there are plenty of pure bred and mixed animals that have gotten an unfair shake in life and have so much love to give if given the chance. I of course will evaluate the animal completely and make sure it is not sick or aggressive before placing it in my store. When you either adopt or purchase a new family member from my store you will get an animal that has been cared for and loved from the minute it came through my door and hopefully long after it leaves. I hope it the future after we get up and going to offer obedience classes once or twice a week as well as pet care and information sessions about uncommon pets such as birds and reptiles. To own a pet you have to be informed about the pet and that is important in keeping your pet happy and heathy. So if you happen to come to Elkin shopping in the next couple months hopefully we will be up and running. I will keep you all posted. Thanks again all I am so excited about this new chapter in my life! So now I am off to get my children off to school and get this followed by many more busy days ahead.

Your pricing will determine your success or failure.

While many of us prefer to support local enterprise when possible, most customers will expect/demand prices in-line with Wal Mart. It's a sad fact that this behemoth has ruined the system known as "free enterprise".

Also, your location and advertising will be other key factors. Too far off the beaten track and motorists will whiz on by heading to points unknown.

I do like your statement concerning hosting available pets from the local shelters.

Best of luck and let know when you have your grand opening.

I would love a local pet store to shop at, especially if it sold good quality freshwater fish and plants! Also cat accessories. We've been looking for a good quality, tall cat tree, but it's beginning to look like we're going to have to order one online. I'd much rather be able to walk into a store and look one over to see how sturdy it is and the quality of the material that's been used for it.

My husband and I are thinking about opening a pet store here in Elkin. We have found a decent location and I for one am really excited about it. Here are the questions. Would you rather buy your pets products in a smaller pet store or go to Wal-Mart? What are some of the things you would like to see us carry? Also I want to make clear that while we will sell small pets such as hamsters and some reptiles we are not going to be selling dogs and cats. I hope to offer some space for dogs and cats that are available for adoption from local animal rescues and shelters. So any thoughts and or suggestions are welcome.