«In all of our newsletters, we say, «Please respond, and let us know what you want,»» says AdreAnne, noting that this is particularly important
as the storeowners prepare to attend trade shows like last month's SuperZoo show in Las Vegas.
When employees are given the opportunity to take on new roles, it can help make the job more interesting — as long
as storeowners and managers are not just unloading tasks that they don't want to do themselves.
And now,
you as the storeowner are left with the daunting task of selecting which types of marine fixtures to carry.
As a storeowner, you need to set the tone.
Not exact matches
Storeowners are encouraged to participate in community events and fundraisers
as a part of the outreach and marketing effort.
While tough economic times will understandably drive
storeowners to streamline their operations
as much
as possible, there is a fine line between finding staffing efficiencies and shooting yourself in the foot.
Storeowners and staff need to be prepared to talk to their customers about traveling with their cats and recommend the right products to make the journey
as smooth
as possible.
Storeowners and their employees should be aware of seasonal issues,
as well.
Operated by Jamie L. Idzi, who went from part - time summer help to
storeowner when she acquired the business in 2007, Yuppy Puppy was founded
as a seasonal pet store in 2002.
Also,
storeowners must factor in the time these products will demand of the staff — time that could be spent on other issues equally
as important to the business.
Ritchie, for example, says her company does its best to educate
storeowners not only about its products, but also on the skin issues pet owners frequently encounter — such
as yeast infections.
A store's employee comprehension of the natural category is just
as important
as that of a
storeowner or manager.
This helps customers consider broader issues
as they scan the various treat options, and it presents opportunities for
storeowners to introduce related products that might address those issues, such
as training harnesses, pee pads, low - fat or vegetarian foods, and digestive enzymes for sensitive stomachs.
This is an important and simple point that
storeowners and employees should always be prepared to discuss with pet owners who are looking for good information on their dog's nutrition: a good diet for dogs young or old is one high in fat,
as well
as omega - 3 fatty acids, high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Just
as retailers hope to retain customers through trust and loyalty, some
storeowners feel that forging the same type of relationship with local manufacturers is their best bet to discovering the highest quality domestic products.
As the ground thaws,
storeowners must prepare to help their pondkeeping customers with the products and knowledge to make their pond dreams come true.
Types of Interviews Most pet retailers use one of three interview formats when hiring: Group Interview — If a
storeowner is approaching a busy season, such
as the holidays, and needs to hire immediately, a group interview may be effective.
Check the internet, and talk to other
storeowners that are not competitors,
as well
as breeders and wholesalers at the national trade shows, to get what is needed for livestock.
Storeowners are also responsible for hiring and training staff members, and creating workplace rules for employee conduct and safety,
as well
as sales and operations policies.