Nov. 30-Dec. 6
OPERATIONS Replenish store supplies you’ll need through December: cleaning products, all the papers (wrapping, receipt, toilet, etc.), ice melt if applicable, staff snacks and so on. Jessica Cooke of Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa in O’Fallon, MO, takes it a step further, sharing, “I order supplies needed through January!”
MERCHANDISING Speaking of supplies, add bows in holiday colors to your shopping list because as Teresa Scarpace of The Feed Bag Pet Supply in Mequon, WI, reminds: “If you start to run out of holiday toys, everyday toys with a red bow tied to them make great last-minute gifts.”
Dec. 7-13
PRICING Service price increases for the following year are best introduced well before January, and reminders should go out in December. This helps customers budget accordingly.
Dec. 14-20
TRAINING The holiday season brings with it coaching opportunities. Each day, ask employees to focus on one specific sales behavior. It could be maintaining eye contact, encouraging customers to try items with their pets or asking, “So, what else is on your shopping list?” Changes in small behaviors can have a big impact on your revenue.
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Dec. 21-27
MINDSET No matter your type of pet business, the holidays can be stressful if only because customers have more on their minds. Morgan Monty of The Cheshire Horse in Swanzey, NH, points out, “A customer who may be easygoing the rest of the year may be extra stressed, so something they are generally understanding of may not go over the same. It’s important to stay calm and levelheaded, and not take things personally. Just do your best to provide good service and understand that all are on edge.” Keela Huotari of Yellowstone Kennels in Sidney, MT, adds, “If something doesn’t pan out and things aren’t perfect, it’s OK. It’s perfect the way it is!” And Rachel McGinnis of Leo & Lucky’s in Parrish, FL, says to focus on the positive: “If you don’t have enough holiday merch, be thankful for not having to store it. Or if you have too much, you won’t have to buy it next year. It will all work out!”
MERCHANDISING Did you see an adorable reindeer lawn ornament during your holiday shopping? But didn’t want to pay full price? Or has your holiday tree reached the end of its lifetime? The next few weeks are an ideal time to shop for 2026 decorations.
Dec. 28-Jan. 3
PLANNING Put reminders on your 2026 calendar, including one mid-year, to check in and see what you’ve accomplished so far and what you need to do to get or stay on track.
INVENTORY Does your team dread year-end inventory? If so, then follow the lead of Katherine Ostiguy of Crossbones in Providence, RI. She says, “I do everything in my power to make it fun because I recognize it’s a slog. We start the day by ordering from our favorite coffee shop, blast whatever music we’re in the mood for (profanity encouraged — hey, we’re closed!), have a great lunch delivered, and train our dogs after for a mental break.” Heck, we’d volunteer to help Ostiguy’s team!
Jan. 4-10
EVENTS Speaking of fun, commit to making your events even more creative in 2026. Some 2025 inspiration from your fellow indies: Wet Nose in Geneva, IL, hosted a Hound Bath. The 45-minute sound therapy session by a holistic animal practitioner brought calm to attending pups and their people. The Dapper Hound in Mount Airy, NC, held a Make Your Pet a Beaded Necklace event, presented with a local artisan. And Molly’s Mutt House in Houston, TX, offered a full Pirate Adventure Menu to daycare clients. We love the Pirate Booty Obstacle Course that doubled as enrichment and training!
Jan. 11-17
OPERATIONS A new year also proves the perfect time to revisit your store’s return policy. Don’t be afraid to create certain rules for certain product categories to protect your bottom line. We love this policy/tip from the PETS+ Facebook Community: To combat attempted returns of opened packages of disposable diapers, Carey Proffitt-Stephenson of Speck’s Pet Supplies says, “We hand out a sample with the purchase and tell them they can only be returned unopened.”
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Jan. 18-24
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.
Jan. 25-31
MANAGEMENT Institute a weekly email to keep employees in the loop about what’s happening in your store, as well as up to date on the industry. Have them sign up for PETS+ daily bulletin, too, at petsplusmag.com/bulletins. It includes useful news and tips to boost productivity and revenue.