597: Building Community, One Pet Store at a Time with Teresa Miller

How important are independent pet stores to our community? In this episode, Teresa Miller, president of IndiePet and owner of Treats Unleashed, discusses the vital role of local pet retailers in building community connections. She shares insights into the challenges these stores face, including e-commerce competition and inflation, while highlighting how they can remain competitive through innovation and customer service. Teresa explains how IndiePet acts as a bridge between retailers and manufacturers to create sustainable industry growth. She also touches on the growing trend of cat ownership and the importance of fostering partnerships between independent pet businesses.

Main Topics:

1. The Role of IndiePet – Supporting independent pet stores and their impact on the pet industry.

2. Challenges in the Pet Industry – Inflation, e-commerce competition, and shifting consumer trends.

3. Community Engagement – How local pet stores foster relationships and support pet parents.

4. Retail Trends & Innovations – Exclusive products, pet product rotations, and service expansions.

5. Partnerships with Pet Businesses – How pet sitters, trainers, and groomers can collaborate with retailers.

Main takeaway: "Neighborhood pet stores are more than just retailers; they're gathering places where pet owners connect, learn, and support each other."

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel disconnected, but independent pet stores, pet sitters, and dog walkers play a vital role in bringing pet lovers together. These businesses aren't just about products and services—they help foster relationships, educate pet parents, and create a support system for those who want the best for their pets.

As pet sitters and dog walkers, we have a unique opportunity to be connectors in our communities. We're the trusted professionals who see pet parents daily, hear their concerns, and can introduce them to local pet stores, trainers, and groomers who align with their needs. We can help pet owners find the best products, discover community events, and connect with like-minded pet lovers who share their values.

From breed meet-ups and pet adoption events to sharing tips on the best local pet-friendly spots, we have the power to shape a thriving pet community. By partnering with independent pet stores, we strengthen these essential small businesses and create a network that benefits pets and their families.

About our guest:

Teresa Miller is the owner of Treats Unleashed, a chain of independent pet stores with 19 locations between St. Louis and Kansas City, with more on the way. She began her career in the banking industry before transitioning to a tech startup in New York City. In 2002, she founded Treats Unleashed, which has grown organically into a trusted resource for high-quality pet products, customer education, and community partnerships.

Beyond building her business, Teresa is deeply involved in her local community, volunteering with the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry to help provide pet food to owners in need. She is also a strong advocate for women-led businesses, actively supporting Mastermind programming for early-stage women entrepreneurs.

On a national level, Teresa collaborates with the National Retail Federation (NRF) as an advocate for small retail businesses. Most recently, she worked with NRF to support the Credit Card Competition Act, introduced by Senators Roger Marshall and Dick Durbin in 2022, aimed at increasing competition and reducing swipe fees for businesses. As the president of IndiePet, a trade association dedicated to supporting independent pet retailers, she continues to champion small pet businesses, fostering connections between retailers and manufacturers to ensure industry growth and sustainability.

Links:

https://indiepet.org

https://www.facebook.com/IndiePetAssociation

https://www.instagram.com/indiepetassociation/

https://www.neighborhoodpetstoreday.com

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