You're copying me! I said that I was starting my own company first!
Just teasing you, and in any case, my plans are on the back burner until a later date. I still hope to do it one day, its just not the right time now.
Good for you Barb! I looked into all three of the franchises that you mentioned and we have all three in my area.
Buying fru-fru things for my dogs isn't something I actively try to do, although I do like putting pink on the girls from time to time.
However I do LOVE going to places that sell unique products. So many of the pet stores out there, including Pet Value, Petsmart and Global to a degree, sell all the same toys, coats, collars and leashes (especially). I would love a pet store that sold its own line of items.
I buy my dog food at Global and LOVE it there. I love that they're dedicated to healthy dog food and pets. They do sell a couple of things that many other pet stores don't like a herbal flea/tick collar, Lebba III for teeth and tick removal products, but I would love to see them selling a line of leashes and collars, misc. dog accessories and grooming products that you can't buy everywhere else. I'd also love to see some novelty items for pet parents.
Personally, I'd like to see a store that is somewhere between Global and Bark and Fitz. One that is dedicated to pet health but that also sells some of the fun novelty thing for people and has its own unique line of products.
I'd also like to mention that the Bark and Fitz in my area is located near Old Niagara on the Lake, which is a BIG tourist attraction and in a very expensive community. I think a more fru-fru store like this would have to be situated in an ideal location such as this to be successful.
One other suggestion regarding location: You might consider looking for a vacancy near a veterinarian, park or dog park.
