EP#5 - Pet Retail Series with Point Loma Pet Pantry, San Diego, CA

I decided to do a pet retail series because as business owners the challenges we face within each of our regions and within our own minds are so incredibly different. Although I am in NYC I make choices that are completely different than my counterpart who is located a short few miles away - whether it is because of our beliefs or our business models or just the way we see our worlds evolving and the place we are in our lives...

As small business owners, we have the ability to pivot quickly when hit with adversity.

The only time I felt I couldn’t pivot and move onward was when I allowed fear to overtake my thoughts. The ‘what if’s’ were nothing short of worthless but fear caused these thoughts to have value hence causing an absolute breakdown of movement and functionality.

So much is shifting and so quickly. I feel I am busier now than when my retail store was fully operational… this is because I am pivoting and assessing everything from where I left off on 3/20/2020 to the space I want to be moving toward.

Speaking with fellow pet business owners has been enlightening and energizing. It certainly has made me feel less alone. Everyone has their individual stories with many similarities and just as many differences.

Most of us have chosen to fast track and pivot by expanding our digital footprints or by taking initiative on social media and engaging with our customers with genuine regard for their pets needs while being present for them and providing them with all of their pets' necessities during this time when they need us most.

We have always needed our customers, probably more than they realize. Perhaps, now, they may view our value in the community a little differently …perhaps there will be consistent support for the small businesses in the neighborhoods - I am foolishly hopeful that the resurgence of this support will continue. Although I am hopeful – I cannot get cocky - the consumers’ menu will always include companies like Chewys and Amazon as options but perhaps pet retail is growing up and catching up and will be a force that will challenge the ‘big’ web guys, as we are the ones consistently here supporting our communities of pets and pet owners.

Thank you to Samantha Sarsilmaz of Point Loma Pet Pantry for taking the time to speak with me. https://pointlomapetpantry.com/

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