PETS+ Latest Real Deal Scenario

The Case of the After-school Shenanigans

Sarah surveyed her surroundings with pride and satisfaction. The pet store was Sarah’s happy place, her dream come true. Its new location in a strip mall was both beautifully decorated and busy, busy, busy. Brightly colored window displays attracted many new shoppers. Regular customers who had followed Sarah to the larger space were as excited as she was about its seemingly endless possibilities. With all the extra square footage, Sarah was able to offer much more, including additional freezers and even an adoption room filled with adorable cats and kittens available through a local rescue. She felt that things couldn’t get any better for her in this new space — until 3 p.m. arrived each weekday. This time had become problematic. Across the street from the strip mall sat the town’s only middle school.

When the last school bell chimed, the preteen invasion began. Middle school students walking or biking home would cross the street, and many would stop by the strip mall. The majority of Sarah’s young visitors were well behaved and genuinely loved animals, just wanting to check out the kittens or pick up treats for their family pet. On one or two occasions, she had had to shoo kids out of the store, more so out of concern that they get home in a timely manner. Being a parent herself, Sarah felt the students should head home directly and not cause their parents unnecessary worry.

This afternoon’s visitors were ones Sarah had not seen before. Three tween boys parked their bicycles out front and entered the store. Loud and rowdy, they strolled in and headed to the dog toy section. Sarah was back in the freezer aisle discussing raw food options with a pet parent. Her manager was busy checking out a customer at the counter. Voices from the aisle caught both of their attention.

Suddenly a ball flew out of the aisle and past the counter. The boys erupted into peals of laughter as one ran to retrieve it. Sarah’s manager yelled at them from behind the counter to stop. One grabbed the ball and tossed it back to his friend as both the manager and Sarah headed toward the kids. The boys made a run for the door, tossing the ball into a gift display near the entrance and knocking a shelf of mugs to the floor, where they broke into pieces.

After they had gone, Sarah mulled over her options regarding the situation. Her store cameras had clearly captured the boys in action. She contacted the neighboring businesses: a laundromat, dentist office, a restaurant and a gym. They all had noticed kids in the parking lot after school most days, but none were having problems with them coming inside.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

• Should Sarah establish a policy of no minors allowed in her store without parental supervision?
• Should she try to identify the students? By posting photos and video online? Should she contact the school or police?
• What other advice do you have for Sarah?