On the America’s Coolest Pet Stores and More of Your Letters

So Cool! Much Love!

• I love reading about the America’s Coolest Stores contest winners. They’re so inspiring (and jealousy inducing!). — Shane Somerville, Paddywack, Mill Creek, WA
• Loved seeing the winners of America’s Coolest. There are some amazing retailers out there with great business models. — Lisa Boegl, Eldorado Country Pet, Santa Fe, NM
• I absolutely love seeing the America’s Coolest Stores winners and getting new ideas from the owners you interview! Sometimes it’s a really great sales tip or new product. Sometimes it’s a design element I see in the photos. — Beth Kidd, Dogs By Design, Irwin, PA
• I love receiving your magazine in the mail. It brightens my day! — Elizabeth Hobbs, Stay and Play at Home, Bristol, VA

Staying Positive

• Thank you for all your support on the PETS+ Facebook group and online and in print. You are a bright light in this crazy year! It helps so much knowing we are all in this together! — Jennifer Larsen, Firehouse Pet Shop, Wenatchee, WA
• I love the upbeat feel and enthusiasm of the magazine and the Facebook group. It keeps me focusing on the positives in our industry! — Becci Johnson Scott, Fetching Dog, Scottsdale, AZ
• Editor’s note: Join us in the PETS+ Facebook Community for a daily dose of positivity!

Recent Highs and Lows

• high: Business is doing well despite COVID-19. low: I am totally exhausted because business has been doing well, with little to no opportunities for R&R. I can’t travel because of COVID-19! — Katherine Ostiguy, Crossbones Dog Academy, Providence, RI
• high: A customer who brought in 6-feet-distance floor signs. low: Sadly, being called names, that cannot be printed, for asking people to don a mask. — Heather Campbell, Bow Wow & Woofs, Blaine, WA
• high: We are still kicking during COVID-19. We are fortunate to be in an area where customers still have disposable income. low: COVID-19 has created a staffing bottleneck. Older employees are afraid to work, and younger require training and they periodically leave. — Adrian Archie, petNmind, Coconut Creek, FL
• high: Celebrating 21 years in business. low: When my employees are not getting along. I feel like I referee too often with my staff. They are so good at the job, it is hard to let them go over minor personality conflicts. — Victoria Park, Park Pet Supply, Atlanta, GA
• Editor’s note: Congratulations, Victoria Park, on your 21 years in business. That is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Cheers!