Supporting Your Local Independent Pet Store, One Photo at a Time

In times like these, it’s never been more important to remind consumers of the value of their local, independent pet store. Here’s how Tall Tails’ WithFido@Home campaign is helping to do just that.

IT’S ALL ABOUT LOYALTY AND CONNECTIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges for independent pet store owners: How to stay in touch with customers and build business while so many are furloughed, working from home and afraid to set foot outside?
For many, independent pet products stores aren’t just a convenient place to go to buy the occasional item. They’re a part of the community, where owners know their customers by name — whether they have two legs or four.

Luckily, many pet products retailers are considered essential businesses by their state and have been open during the quarantine even if only for limited hours. Some have increased home delivery or created “curb-side pick-up” for a whole host of products and services. And many owners are taking the time to learn more about online marketing and e-commerce capabilities.

The COVID-19 has curtailed many stores’ foot traffic . Tall Tails’ WithFido@Home campaign helps bring store owners and customers together

But for most retailers, there’s been a serious decline in store traffic. Social distancing slows the spread of COVID-19 but it can be hard on small business. That’s why Tail Tails, a leading manufacturer of pet bedding and toys, has introduced a social media campaign called WFH or WithFido@Home, a pet specialty retailer engagement campaign that’s dedicated to helping retailers create stronger connections with their customers during these challenging times.

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT DESIGNED TO DO GOOD

The Tall Tails WithFido@Home campaign focuses directly on consumers, urging them to enter a photo or photos that shows them working at home with their pets. Each submission is entered for a chance to win an “Ultimate WFH Bundle,” that includes a Tall Tails Bed, Blanket, Bath Mat, and assorted toys. For every photo submitted, Tall Tails contributes $1 in product to local animal shelter partners. And consumers are asked to nominate their local community pet store as part of each entry. Each nominated business gets the chance to earn discounts or other great prizes. The more nominations, the higher the chances the retailer wins and, the more “likes” the photo submission receives, the higher the chances the pet parent wins!

Tall Tails retailer partners are encouraged to spread the word about WithFido@Home on their own social media pages and website using materials from the WFH Retailer Tool Kit. To receive one, contact Tall Tails directly.

A COMMUNITY HUB

The WithFido@Home program is also designed to create a community hub where pet parents can share cute photos of their pets, interact with each other, provide visibility and keep specialty pet retailers top of mind during COVID-19’s social distancing. Social media has been a lifeline for so many consumers and pet store owners alike — it’s at times like these that it’s imperative to put it to good use!

INDEPENDENT RETAILERS ARE TALL TAILS’ HEART & SOUL

Tall Tails has always supported independent pet specialty retailers and now, more than ever, they want to keep them front & center. The company exclusively sells to retailers who provide quality products and services and share Tall Tails’ passion for pet comfort and wellness. Before, during and after COVID-19, Tall Tails supports pet specialty retailers.