How to Open a Pet Accessories Store

According to Entrepreneur.com, Americans spend more than $30 billion each year on their pets. That is a huge market and opening a pet accessories store can help you grab a slice of that pie. One area where many owners spend money is in accessories for their pets. This can include clothing like rain coats, jackets and T-shirts and even things like designer leashes and collars. There are some specific steps you'll need to take to open your pet accessories store.

Instructions

1. Decide which products you will carry. Do you want to specialize in only clothing items? Do you want to specialize in leashes and collars? Do you want to carry a wide array of products? Most businesses find they are more successful when they offer a selection of different products to meet a variety of needs.

2. Choose whether you will have an online only store, a brick-and-mortar location or a combination of the two. If you want to keep start-up costs low, you may want to start selling online. Sites such as Ebay.com offer online stores where you can test the sales of your wares. If you choose to sell in a brick-and-mortar store, check out competition in your area from major pet supply stores and the pet sections at big-box stores. You'll want to make sure that the products you carry are distinctly different enough that you are not competing with the low prices of the mega stores.

3. To really gather clientele and keep them, try to offer a specialty product or service. Some pet accessories retailers also offer services such as grooming or photography. You may need to team up with others who have expertise in this area. That can actually be a great endeavor, because you can also split the cost of renting retail space.

4. Get the word out in the community. Be sure to let others know that you are open for business. Post fliers on local public bulletin boards in places like the laundry mat, post office, library and grocery stores. Send a card to anyone you know who owns a pet that you are open for business and what products and services you might be offering. Send press releases to local newspapers. Follow-up by phoning and offering to make yourself available for interviews.

Tips & Warnings

• Pet accessories stores often have a difficult time making a profit combined with the high cost of retail rent. Consider options such as a small kiosk in the mall or starting online to see a profit sooner.

References

• Entrepreneur.com; "10 Pet Businesses to Start Today"