WE ASKED members of the PETS+ Brain Squad, “To what extent do you expect the COVID-19 crisis to result in permanent changes to your business (such as operating with a thinner staff or relying more on e-commerce)?” Nearly 24 percent, 23.7 to be exact, said “A great deal My business has been transformed forever.”
The top answer at 49.6 percent was “Somewhat We will stick with a few of the changes.” At 13.6 percent was “Not at all We’ll be returning to our normal way of doing things.” And 12.2 percent of respondents said, “Does not apply We haven’t made significant changes.”
Among the comments about which changes will remain were:
- “We will encourage people to use e-commerce if only to check stock levels.” — Julie Johannes of Powder Hounds Pet Supply, Bigfork, MT
- “The cleaning regiment and delivery service will be a permanent change.” — Kimberly Gatto of The Wagging Tail, Las Vegas, NV
- “I may continue to work a few shifts a week as manager just to conserve funds.” — Marcia Cram of Just Fur Pets, Springfield, VA
- “We will keep our online store and continue doing local delivery/curbside pickup.” — Elaina Stanley of Three Happy Hounds, Fernley, NV
- “We will keep our ecommerce and curbside pickup option available.” — Taylor Gonzalez of Three Tails Parlor and Pantry, Columbia, IL
- “We will continue to promote our e-commerce and use Facebook Live.” — Amy Schiek of Lucky Dogs, Skaneateles, NY
- “We will be implementing more safety protocols upon reopening.” — Victoria Park of Park Pet Supply, Atlanta, GA
- “Will likely not bring back one of our casual employees.” — Karen Conell of The Bark Market, Delavan, WI
- “Shut down boarding, less staff overall.” — Dana Rice of Dog Wild Pet Supplies & Resort, Cooperstown, NY
- “I’ve been able to see lots of room for savings, how things can be done better and where we can improve mostly because of my time going back to working the business as opposed to just running it.” — Angela Pantalone of Wag Central, Stratford, CT
As of April 29, 139 owners and managers have responded to part two of our COVID-19 Impact Survey. Stay tuned for more results. Join the PETS+ Brain Squad to take part in surveys. To hear more from your independent pet business peers, join our Facebook Community.
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What’s the Brain Squad?
If you’re the owner or top manager of a U.S. pet business serving the public, you’re invited to join the PETS+ Brain Squad. Take one five-minute quiz a month, and you’ll get a free T-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and have your voice heard on key issues affecting the pet industry. Sign up here.