STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

beachgirl · Kenneth Cole

Dog Boutique

boobaby · Kate Spade

Good quality and natural food is the most important thing to me, especially since all the dog food scares that happened this last year.

The owners of the pet boutique I go to are on a mission to educate people about quality foods and are very helpful and have done a lot of research. They sell probably a dozen or so brands and they also sell raw. They also have a great shop dog. smile

Second to food would come toys, collars, leashes and beds for both dogs and cats.

-- Edited by boobaby at 20:18, 2008-01-05

halleybird · Hermes

Toys that can't get ripped apart in two seconds.

Make sure you carry male and female-looking stuff for big and small dogs. I can never find my female dog anything cute (i.e. not red, navy, green or black), because retailers seem to think all big dogs are manly and all small dogs are feminine. My friend has a male Pomeranian and she says it drives her crazy because a lot of the stuff she likes for his size only come in baby blue, pink, etc.

Deuce · Dooney & Bourke

I know the owner of a dog boutique in the bay area, I was surpeised at how many people were looking for sports jersey type clothes for their dogs (mostly the local teams) he is always sold out and has a waiting list for the local teams.

I have a large dog, so of course I love to see stuff in larger sizes, and durabe toys, Like Hayleybird said.

Cute Different shape dog tags (We have a star now and I have looked everywhere to replace it and cannot find one!!)

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

Depending on where you are located, it might be cool to make some kind of connection with a pet physical therapy clinic- -like free information sessions and demonstrations.

One of my co-workers is really into Canine Companions for Independence. She raises the dogs that are bred for being assistance dogs (mostly Goldens and Labs). Groups like this one would be great to pair with for ways to draw crowds and increase awareness.

I look to pet boutiques to provide a fun experience for the humans too, that is why I suggest these events. You know, more than just a place to buy things.

I second having a little section for cats too--even if it is a token section.

-- Edited by pollyjean23 at 12:54, 2008-01-07

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

cute leather colors and leashes in colors for both boys and girls, big dogs and small!

Good luck with your boutique - please post pics for us!

ILoveChoo · Hermes

definately boy stuff for little dogs- its so hard to find!!
I agree on waulity and natural foods and toys that won't get ripped to shreds in 2 seconds (but that also look decent so they don't make me cringe when I see them strewn across the floor)

beachgirl · Kenneth Cole

Thank you for your replies, I was thinking along the same lines. I'm going to try to sell really healthy, natural food, possibly even raw food and also good quality toys and stuff for both big and small dogs. I have a small dog, but I used to have a lab, and it was almost impossible to find cute girly things for her, so frustrating!

I'll def post pics when I'm up and running! I'm so excited about this!

gingembre1 · Kate Spade

Enova Evo food for dogs and cats - I've had amazing results with this stuff, but not many boutiques carry it.

Kongs, Nyla bones, sterilized bones, Holy Roller ball, knuckle bones for toys.

Clothes for big dogs. I think that's my number one thing. I have yet to find a pet store that truly carries clothes for big dogs. I have labs and a golden, and my roommate has a great dane, and we would love to see clothes in those sizes.

Collette · Chanel

Definately always looking for clothes for my big dog and ones that don't say princess on them!

Toys that last more than a day and don't cost $17.99

Matching leashes and collars

Gentle Leaders ( the best leaders for spazz dogs like mine)

References to trainers/vets in the area

Organic food and treats

good seasonal stuff, rain gear, shearling vests etc

Doggles ( goggles for dogs) it sounds funnny but Cheese wears his whenever he's in the convertile or on the boat to protect his eyes.

Elle · Hermes

I agree with carrying stuff for larger dogs, including toys that won't be ripped to shreds in two seconds! The selection of durable toys at the larger pet retailers is laughable!

A few things that I love and have to order offline because nobody carries them:
Flexible, floppy frisbees - they almost look like coffee can lids.
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Raquet balls - not too hard, not too soft, should be carried in pet stores!

Hurleys - the only soft chew toy that is not able to be destroyed in 1.3 seconds. The company will send you a new one if your dog ruins it!
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Snapback - stretchy leash extension, perfect for transitioning away from a harness.
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Sporn harnesses - this was the only harness my dog could wear. It's stretchy so it only tightens when they pull, doesn't restrict shoulder motion, and doesn't rub. It also fits skinny dogs much better than any other we found.

Practical dog-wear - Our pup gets cold easily and doesn't like the rain, and I had a heck of a time finding something that fit her (tall and skinny), was waterproof, didn't require being put on over a head or to have arms put through, and was reflective. We got this Land's End one:
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Congrats on your store! Can't wait for an update!

boobaby · Kate Spade

I thought of something very specific. My dog is really smart (I'm not bragging, it actually is quite a challenge to keep him occupied and out of trouble). I really love the puzzle-type, treat releasing toys. I have found some that he hasn't been able to easily figure out and am thrilled with them:

Canine Genius toys:

Buster Cubes:

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beachgirl · Kenneth Cole

Awesome ideas, I love them! I'm still waiting on the final loan approval but once I get that I'll be off and shopping quickly! I'll start posting pics as soon as things get going.