Dog gifts include specialty products for dogs and their owners.
Dog-related gifts often include specialty items for canine companions of all sizes and breeds. "Entrepreneur" magazine notes that handcrafted dog clothing is a popular commodity throughout the year. Examples include sweaters, rain jackets and Halloween costumes. Owners also appreciate high-quality dog toys, and dogs seem to enjoy them as well. Dog owners enjoy dog jewelry and clothing with breed-specific photographs. Dog stationery and keepsake items, such as photograph frames, are also popular. Many shoppers give dog-related gifts to dog-loving relatives and friends. A well-planned dog gift shop can appeal to all three of these groups.
Instructions
1. Document your dog gift shop structure. Create a business structure with a certified public accountant familiar with retail and pet-related businesses. Structures include sole proprietorships, limited liability companies and subchapter S corporations. Meet with a commercial insurance agent regarding liability insurance. Purchase a business license at your city or county clerk's office. Ask about health department approval if you stock homemade dog treats. Obtain a sales tax license from your state department of revenue (see the Resources section of this article).
2. Lease a dog-friendly location. Find an easily accessible building with a front display window to showcase dog gifts. Look for a site near veterinarian offices or grooming shops; or adjacent to woman-focused retail businesses. Ensure you have sufficient customer parking and delivery vehicle turnaround space. Obtain zoning department approval, including permission for dogs to visit the store with their owners, before you sign a lease. Work with a sign-making company to create colorful dog-themed building signage.
3. List your dog gift competitors. Visit regional shops that offer dog-related gifts. You'll likely find dog gifts in pet supply stores, gift shops and some big box stores. Note the store's cleanliness and organization, and observe employees' interactions with customers. Gather product promotional materials as well. Examine online retailers' dog gifts, plus handmade or custom gifts from specialty stores or home-based businesses (see the Resources section of this article).
4. Order your dog gift merchandise. Compile an order featuring popular gifts for dogs and their owners. Include gifts missing from other retailers' product lines, and purchase items in all price ranges. Lower-priced gifts include dog collar charms that retail for about $10 in 2010. Higher-priced gifts include memory-foam orthopedic dog beds priced from about $279. Order specialty products such as handcrafted earrings and handmade dog sweaters. (See the Resources section of this article for more information on merchandise.)
5. Hire outgoing and dog-friendly store staff. Find canine-focused employees who enjoy helping fellow dog lovers find special gifts. Ask community college veterinary assistant instructors to inform students about your gift shop opportunity. Network with other dog lovers through animal rescue groups and senior centers. Place a carefully constructed help wanted ad in local newspapers as well. Outfit your staff in matching dog-themed attire, and train employees through role-playing exercises.
6. Open your shop to dog lovers and pets. Host a grand opening with free gifts for owners and treats for leashed, well-behaved dogs. Encourage customers to complete gift shopping with discounts on higher-margin items. Introduce frequent customer cards to entice shoppers to patronize your store. Distribute an upcoming themed shopping events list to all attendees. Advertise the event in local newspapers' community pages. Place fliers at veterinary offices, grooming shops and at animal rescue facilities.
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