Where do you shop for your pet supplies?

[jimbo2012]

What's your favorite store around here?

and why?

Do you think if another store was to open with better pricing and selection it would be popular?

[Villager Joyce]

Publix -- convenience.

Would go to store with better selection and less expensive if convenient. Don't forget what's convenient for the north isn't necessarily convenient for the south.

[Avista]

We shop Petco. Like their Whole Earth Farms dog food.

[jimbo2012]

Publix -- convenience.
Would go to store with better selection and less expensive if convenient. Don't forget what's convenient for the north isn't necessarily convenient for the south.

So central like 466?

[jimbo2012]

We shop Petco. Like their Whole Earth Farms dog food.

THat's the same as Merrick, in fact made by them

[spring_chicken]

So central like 466?

466 already has Paws for a Moment. Great store.

[Avista]

THat's the same as Merrick, in fact made by them

That's really interesting. I just priced out Merrck and it is quite a bit more expensive than Whle Earth Farms.

[jimbo2012]

It must be cheaper ingredients, compare labels

the first product list is the highest % of the mix.

Meat not a meal cost more, but you feed less, so sometime the more expensive bag is less $$:shrug:

[Sable99]

466 already has Paws for a Moment. Great store.

I need to go there on my next visit to TV!

[CFrance]

Jimbo, didn't you once own a pet food store? Are you thinking of opening another one? Down south in the 466A area would be a good place. There's nothing below 466 except a bakery in Brownwood.

[jimbo2012]

Wow! good memory, I have 6 actually on long Island, my sons run them now.

We are about to franchise them in FL, thinking this might be a great area.

But was thinking more like around Home Depot, that appears to be the highest traffic area.

Then 466 or 466a, it would be ultimately up to the franchisee.

If it were to happen around here you'll be pleased with the prices.

I like Colony, but no space for our size store

[Sable99]

Wow! good memory, I have 6 actually on long Island, my sons run them now.

We are about to franchise them in FL, thinking this might be a great area.

But was thinking more like around Home Depot, that appears to be the highest traffic area.

Then 466 or 466a, it would be ultimately up to the franchisee.

If it were to happen around here you'll be pleased with the prices.

I like Colony, but no space for our size store


I'd love to see a pet store south of 466A!

[jimbo2012]

The issue is you need to draw a 3 mile then a 5 mile radius and see populations, I think half that circle will be woods or cattle farming. :shrug:

Need a solid population map




.

[Villager Joyce]

The issue is you need to draw a 3 mile then a 5 mile radius and see populations, I think half that circle will be woods or cattle farming. :shrug:

Need a solid population map




.

Statistics are not always real life. I would bet there are more pets per capita in TV than any other residential area AND people in TV are not afraid to spend on their little babies.

[HoosierPa]

I have done a tremendous amount of research on Pet Foods and I feed my 2 dogs only a Raw diet as they were intended to eat before factories started mass producing highly processed kibble. Do your pets a favor (and save on Vet Bills) and research for yourself and find a good Raw Food source. There is a local Co-Op / Yahoo Group that gets frozen deliveries from a good source up north.

You can research different dry dog food kibble forever but it is still kibble and not what dogs should be eating for every meal IMO.

[jimbo2012]

What brand is it?

[twoplanekid]

Sparr Building & Farm Supply might have some of the items you might need. It is located across 44 from Grand Traverse Plaza.

[junction29]

Wow! good memory, I have 6 actually on long Island, my sons run them now.

We are about to franchise them in FL, thinking this might be a great area.

But was thinking more like around Home Depot, that appears to be the highest traffic area.

Then 466 or 466a, it would be ultimately up to the franchisee.

If it were to happen around here you'll be pleased with the prices.

I like Colony, but no space for our size store

We would definitely use one south of 446a and with the huge number of houses being built down there there would be a significant demand for the right prices.
Regards
Andy

[Sable99]

We would definitely use one south of 446a and with the huge number of houses being built down there there would be a significant demand for the right prices.
Regards
Andy

I would think it would also draw some of the neighboring communities too.

[CFrance]

Wow! good memory, I have 6 actually on long Island, my sons run them now.

We are about to franchise them in FL, thinking this might be a great area.

But was thinking more like around Home Depot, that appears to be the highest traffic area.

Then 466 or 466a, it would be ultimately up to the franchisee.

If it were to happen around here you'll be pleased with the prices.

I like Colony, but no space for our size store
I think there's some new shopping center(s) going in around the way south end. 44? Sparr would be the competition. They have very good prices but limited variety. Their Taste of the Wild canned dog food is $2/can. I can't even come close to that online.

[jimbo2012]

Out of curiosity, what is SKU or barcode number

[lousuemax]

Publix -- convenience.

Would go to store with better selection and less expensive if convenient. Don't forget what's convenient for the north isn't necessarily convenient for the south.

yes as most stores are over priced

[jimbo2012]

. Don't forget what's convenient for the north isn't necessarily convenient for the south.

So the mid point is 466 then, agree?






.

[Villager Joyce]

So the mid point is 466 then, agree?.

South of 466a is better. Grand traverse has open storefronts. Whatever is being built at Powell and 44. Long haul from Brownwood to 466.

[BK001]

I have done a tremendous amount of research on Pet Foods and I feed my 2 dogs only a Raw diet as they were intended to eat before factories started mass producing highly processed kibble. Do your pets a favor (and save on Vet Bills) and research for yourself and find a good Raw Food source. There is a local Co-Op / Yahoo Group that gets frozen deliveries from a good source up north.

You can research different dry dog food kibble forever but it is still kibble and not what dogs should be eating for every meal IMO.


My Vet said "whatever you do, make sure not to buy any dog food made in China" -- just passing it on.

[CFrance]

Out of curiosity, what is SKU or barcode number
There's a picture of the bar code here. (I don't use it anymore.) https://www.chewy.com/dog/taste-wild-pacific-stream-canned-dog/dp/34259?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=f&utm_content=Taste%20of%20the%20Wild&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKEAiAmNW2BRDL4KqS3vmqgUESJABiiwDTU5rAtg-1GDM_ZITnTUaRg5L8Dgcx4eHlJz09MUmr9BoCHWTw_wcB

I see that chewy.com now has it for $24.49/12 cans, free shipping if you spend $49. I believe Sparr was either $2 or $1.99.

[jimbo2012]

That item is always about $2 a can and $1.80 on deal

[Villager Joyce]

So jimbo, now that you have picked our brains, what are you thinking ?

[jimbo2012]

that's funny...............

Well I will add The Villages to a list of preferred locations that any prospective franchisee may wish to purchase.

The question that remains is just one, we specialize in tropical fish along with saltwater & roof coral etc. Not sure if their are that many aquarium hobbyists here to support such a department.

Thank you all for the input.

But please keep the comments comming


.

[HoosierPa]

that's funny...............

Well I will add The Villages to a list of preferred locations that any prospective franchisee may wish to purchase.

The question that remains is just one, we specialize in tropical fish along with saltwater & roof coral etc. Not sure if their are that many aquarium hobbyists here to support such a department.

Thank you all for the input.

But please keep the comments comming


.

Been there, done that with aquarium, fish. Too much work. Kinda like mowing the lawn. I am done.

[asianthree]

Been there, done that with aquarium, fish. Too much work. Kinda like mowing the lawn. I am done.

Me too I loved my salts but I gave away my tank because of it being time consuming

[jimbo2012]

Like your lawn, a good store offers maintenance on schedule, and over site if your away.

In fact we set up computers to monitor the tanks now you can get text message if the temp or other parameters are out of range.

the hobby has come long ways if you've been away from it for a while.

even a saltwater system can be up and running in a few days.


see these pics (http://www.online-instagram.com/user/petswarehouse/321421618/1185130213421960870_321421618)

[Villager Joyce]

that's funny...............

Well I will add The Villages to a list of preferred locations that any prospective franchisee may wish to purchase.

The question that remains is just one, we specialize in tropical fish along with saltwater & roof coral etc. Not sure if their are that many aquarium hobbyists here to support such a department.

Thank you all for the input.

But please keep the comments comming


.

My mistake. I assumed you were talking cats and dogs. Not interested in fish. I wish you well, but I'm out.

[jimbo2012]

No I'm not talking fish, that only one aspect.

we sell all pet supplies and foods, (not puppies etc)

[Susan G]

I like to shop local and have found the owner and staff at Woof Gang Bakery in Brownwood to be top notch. This is due in part to the owner - Beth Whitcomb- being on-site most of the time.

They carry specialty foods, treats, toys, bedding, harnesses, collars, leashes and many locally made bandanas, etc.

Woof Gang also offer dog stroller rental for those times the pups need a lift around Brownwood Square while their pet parents shop or dine.

Their groomers are talented as well.

I understand the OP's reasoning for looking to open a store near Hwy 441/27 because of heavy traffic patterns, but to be in the same area as big box PetsMart and PETCO makes little sense to me.

[jimbo2012]

I like to shop local and have found the owner and staff at Woof Gang Bakery in Brownwood to be top notch. This is due in part to the owner - Beth Whitcomb- being on-site most of the time.

They carry specialty foods, treats, toys, bedding, harnesses, collars, leashes and many locally made bandanas, etc.

Woof Gang also offer dog stroller rental for those times the pups need a lift around Brownwood Square while their pet parents shop or dine.

Their groomers are talented as well.

I met Beth when she first opened, nice little store, she bought a franchise.
very limited choices high prices.
I wished her all the success, but it may not be easy with the crazy high Village rent.


I understand the OP's reasoning for looking to open a store near Hwy 441/27 because of heavy traffic patterns, but to be in the same area as big box PetsMart and PETCO makes little sense to me.

Does it make sense that drug stores open across from each other?
Car dealers?

It's all in marketing, we sell for about 20% less than Petco & PetsMart, their employees shop in our stores because we are less expensive even with their employee discount.

two of my stores are within a mile of them, and they were there first.

We would do it again.

.

[junction29]

I met Beth when she first opened, nice little store, she bought a franchise.
very limited choices high prices.
I wished her all the success, but it may not be easy with the crazy high Village rent.




Does it make sense that drug stores open across from each other?
Car dealers?

It's all in marketing, we sell for about 20% less than Petco & PetsMart, their employees shop in our stores because we are less expensive even with their employee discount.

two of my stores are within a mile of them, and they were there first.

We would do it again.

.

That's true, you often get different retailers in the same field having stores near each other.
I think it is a great idea as it keeps them all on their toes, prices down and customer quality up!

[billethkid]

So the mid point is 466 then, agree?






.

it meets the criteria of a full circle at 3 and 5 miles.

[junction29]

Hi Bob,
Are you ready to start offering the Franchises yet?

[jimbo2012]

Well a few days ago we received authorization by the state of FL to offer franchises.

So very soon the offering will be available to prospective franchisee's though out FL (hopefully someone is interested here in TV) also the franchise will be available in about 30 states.

However, we want to concentrate in FL first.




.

[junction29]

Well a few days ago we received authorization by the state of FL to offer franchises.

So very soon the offering will be available to prospective franchisee's though out FL (hopefully someone is interested here in TV) also the franchise will be available in about 30 states.

However, we want to concentrate in FL first.


.

Hi Bob,
What sort of floor space would be suitable for a sustainable business?
Andy

[jimbo2012]

Hi Bob,
What sort of floor space would be suitable for a sustainable business?
Andy

Well 5,000-10,000 is the range, it depends on the demographics in the area.

If the 5 mile radius is 75-100,000 at least 7,000 sq ft

Are you thinking about it?


.

[CritterLover]

Wow! good memory, I have 6 actually on long Island, my sons run them now.

We are about to franchise them in FL, thinking this might be a great area.

But was thinking more like around Home Depot, that appears to be the highest traffic area.

Then 466 or 466a, it would be ultimately up to the franchisee.

If it were to happen around here you'll be pleased with the prices.

I like Colony, but no space for our size store

Please do!!! Love supporting other local small-business owners and simply hate giving my money to the big guys. Keep us posted!

[Jima64]

Sometimes paying the higher price is worth it if the owner or or clerk is knowledgeabe about the products.

[Jima64]

We shop Petco. Like their Whole Earth Farms dog food.

Is petco and petsmart owned by same people?

[Barefoot]

I personally love shopping online.
I place an order at Chewy.com and within two or three days, a large bag of Orijen dog food is delivered to my door!
And the shipping is free!
Less expensive than buying it at Paws, and no more lugging heavy bags of dog food.
I usually add some greenies for our two dogs.
Chewy.com has many, many different products available.

[jimbo2012]

Chewy is a backed by a big venture cap firm thorowing millions at shipping product at loss. THey are trying to build a cistomer base to go public so enjoy the ride. But it's short term.

I will say the Pets Warehouse can match any of their prices.

So when one opens here you should all be happy

[Barefoot]

Chewy is a backed by a big venture cap firm thorowing millions at shipping product at loss. THey are trying to build a cistomer base to go public so enjoy the ride. But it's short term.
I will say the Pets Warehouse can match any of their prices. So when one opens here you should all be happy

Short term? Hmmmmm. I've been using Chewy.com for a couple of years now.
Their delivery time, attitude and customer service are amazing.
If they go out of business, I'll find another online company that delivers to my door. :doggie:

[CFrance]

Chewy is a backed by a big venture cap firm thorowing millions at shipping product at loss. THey are trying to build a cistomer base to go public so enjoy the ride. But it's short term.

I will say the Pets Warehouse can match any of their prices.

So when one opens here you should all be happy
I'm happy for the brick & mortar stores for occasional use, but when it comes to lugging 26 lbs of kibble out to my car and into my house every month, I prefer wag.com or chewy.com to deliver it to my door.

Even setting price aside, I will do this. (Saves my back for pickle ball.)

[graciegirl]

Kitty Litter, big bags from Sams. Sweetie totes them.


Kitty food. Publix.

[Villager Joyce]

I read some of the reviews and some made perfect sense.

[jimbo2012]

Well it's nice to see some folks support their local stores.

[gap2415]

I'd love to see a pet store south of 466A!

I agree. South 466a or 44.....rem 3000 more homes coming s of 44 too.