The Pet Shop Girls from Pet Product News with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws)

Planning events for your retail store can be overwhelming, but they are super valuable. When you do it right, events can help you build community and create raving fans. In this week's episode, we are breaking down the ins and outs of planning and executing exceptional events. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Today's guest is Bob Negen, a seasoned expert in retail management and customer experience. Bob is the co-founder of Whizbang Retail Training, a company dedicated to helping independent retailers thrive in today's competitive market. If you haven't heard of Whizbang, you need to check it out. In this episode, we are thrilled to discuss several ideas to have a super summer, focusing on strategies for pet retailers to maximize this vibrant season. If you're a pet store owner looking for fresh ideas to attract more customers, you're in for a treat. Connect with Whizbang: https://whizbangtraining.com/ Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Meet Phil Klaassen, CEO of Pan Pacific Pet, and our special guest in this week's episode. We are discussing distribution done differently - from robots, to tablets, to building authentic relationships with partners, and so much more. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

This week we are joined by special guest Krysta Fox, holistic certified Vet Tech. We are chatting about all things supplements from selecting high-quality supplements, what supplements support specific pet needs, how to help your employees with training and knowledge about supplements, supplement industry standards and red flags, and so much more. Meet Krysta Krysta began her pet industry career at a small feed store in her hometown, and since then has taken on various roles within the pet industry from sales to manufacturing, formulation, and marketing. Krysta is a seasoned veterinary technician; working in traditional, holistic, and integrative practices for close to a decade. This plays a key part in her knowledge of veterinary medicine and common (and uncommon) practice within the field. Krysta is obsessed with learning more every day in the field of animal health and nutrition. With her combined veterinary and pet industry knowledge, she can effectively help almost anyone she comes across in some way regarding their pets' health. https://pugandhound.com/ Get Carly's Natural Pet Health Journal: https://a.co/d/5eUVfks Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

No matter your mindset about social media, you've probably heard and felt the pressure to show up in order to grow your business. In this episode, we are breaking down the importance of social media, the different platforms and how to use them, content strategies, responding to negative comments, consistency, and how to get started with your social media marketing. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

This week, join us to pull back the curtain on the challenges indie retailers face when working with brands. From MAP policy nightmares to SKU overload, we're laying it all out there - but don't worry, we've got solutions too! Join us as we give brands a peek behind the scenes and show them how to better support the lifeblood of the pet industry. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Today, we are talking about the importance of maintaining a positive team culture and addressing issues or "yellow flags" before they become bigger problems. We can't stress enough how important it is to listen to your gut instincts, have difficult conversations, establish clear expectations for employees, and use disciplinary processes and employee handbooks to protect the business culture. The key topics discussed in this episode include: - Why it's important to remove negative employees from a business - Team culture, appearance, and setting expectations in a business - Employee disciplinary process in a retail setting - Employee handbooks: documenting disciplinary actions, and reference checks - Listening to your gut instincts - And so much more! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

We are thrilled to have Dr. Conor Brady join us on the podcast today. As a leader in canine nutrition, "Dr. Brilliant" shares invaluable insights into raw feeding, dental health, seaweed supplements and more. From raw meaty bones to homemade dog treats, we enjoyed getting Dr. Brady's opinions on "paws up or paws down" for various topics related to Pet Dental Month. Connect with Dr. Conor Brady and DogsFirst: https://www.dogsfirst.ie/ https://www.instagram.com/dogsfirstireland Check out Dr. Brady's online courses that we discussed in the episode: https://www.dogsfirst.ie/all-courses/ Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

It's time to evaluate your pricing strategy going into 2024. In this episode, we cover a lot of different pricing strategies and techniques to help boost your bottom line in the new year, from charm pricing and decoy pricing to bundling add-ons and case discounts. Come find us on social media to let us know which strategies you'll be implementing - we can't wait to hear what you think! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

We had such an insightful discussion with Billy Hoekman from Green Juju in this episode. He provided so much valuable information about the pet food industry, AAFCO regulations, and how Green Juju is innovating with their whole food approach. Billy also gave great advice for retailers to educate staff and customers. It was fascinating to learn about his passion for pet nutrition and hear his visions for the future of the industry. We really enjoyed chatting with Billy and getting to pick his brain on various topics through our rapid-fire questions. Connect with Billy and Green Juju: https://greenjuju.com/ https://retail.pet/ https://www.instagram.com/billy_hoekman/ Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Today we are sharing our top tips for new pet business owners. We are here to share what we've learned so that you don't have to make all the same mistakes we made when we first started our businesses, from online sales, to inventory selection, to sales strategy, e-mail strategy, and more. What is one thing you wish you had known when you first started your business? Connect with us on social media at the link below and let us know! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Sherry and Carly are taking a much-needed spring break, but before they go, they're reflecting on the wild ride that's been The Pet Shop Girls Podcast!

"Where should I get a dog?" If you work in the pet industry, you've heard this question more times than you can count. And let's be honest—it's not always a simple answer! In this episode, Sherry and special guest Verjean break it all down:

It's just Carly on the mic for this one, and she's getting real about what it's like to run a pet business in the middle of change. If you've ever felt the pressure of training new staff, managing a small team, or just trying to keep it all together, this episode is for you.  How to keep your team (and yourself) sane during transitions  Why clear communication is the secret sauce to smooth operations  Tech tools that actually make life easier (not harder!)  The truth about trade shows—are they really worth it?  Avoiding burnout when your to-do list never ends  How to stay positive and keep moving forward, no matter what If you're in the trenches of pet entrepreneurship, grab your coffee, hit play, and let's talk about navigating change without losing your mind.  Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Carly and Sherry dive into smart strategies to keep customers coming back for more! They chat about the power of unforgettable in-store experiences, understanding shopper behavior, and how your most loyal customers can be the key to boosting profitability. Most importantly, Carly and Sherry reveal how going the extra mile to surprise and delight your customers can turn one-time shoppers into lifelong fans. Tune in for actionable tips that will help your pet business thrive!

We're back with all the furry details on how to make your pet store the paw-fect destination for Valentine's Day! From chew-tiful bouquets to a "gamble on puppy love" event, we've got the scoop on irresistible promotions that are sure to have your customers falling head over paws. This episode is packed with so many sweet ideas, you'll be saying "I chew-se you!" all the way to the bank. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

We're so excited to have Art Nakagawa on the show today. As a 44-year industry veteran, Art's passion for supporting independent pet retailers is truly inspiring. We dive deep into the power of private labeling - how it can boost your brand, improve margins, and keep those customers coming back. Art shares his expertise on simplifying the process, getting creative with packaging, and why private label is a must-try for any indie pet biz. Connect with Artvark Pet products: https://www.artvarkpet.com/ Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

In this episode, we're diving deep into the art of keeping your rock-star employees happy, engaged and part of the family. From biannual check-ins to creative recognition programs, we're spilling all our secrets to make sure your dream team sticks around. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of generational differences in the workplace on this episode of the Pet Shop Girls podcast. As business owners, we've got a front-row seat to the unique perspectives, work styles, and communication needs of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and the up-and-coming Gen Z. Join us as we share our tips and tricks for managing this diverse crew, from appealing to their tech-savvy tendencies to tapping into their entrepreneurial spirits. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

This week, we are diving into the world of POS systems with the one and only Nicholas Cook, president and co-founder of Pinogy. We're talking all things point-of-sale - from must-have features to hidden fees and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned store owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with insider tips to help you find the perfect POS to keep your business running like a well-oiled machine. Connect with Nicholas & Pinogy: https://www.pinogy.com/ Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

This week, join us to pull back the curtain on the challenges indie retailers face when working with brands. From MAP policy nightmares to SKU overload, we're laying it all out there - but don't worry, we've got solutions too! Join us as we give brands a peek behind the scenes and show them how to better support the lifeblood of the pet industry. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, we are guiding you through a refreshing approach to the New Year. Instead of overwhelming yourself with resolutions, we show you how to reflect on your wins, celebrate your momentum, and plan for success with confidence. You'll discover how to shift your mindset to say, “Look at everything I've already done—just watch what I can do!” Plus, we share practical tips, an actionable worksheet (The Momentum Map!) in our Indie Insider Facebook Group, and inspiring ideas to help you carry your wins forward into the year ahead. Get ready to enter the New Year with gratitude, confidence, and a clear focus to build on your pet business success!

This week, we're tackling a topic that's near and dear to our hearts: the art of being copied. As fellow indie retailers, we know all too well the sting of seeing your brilliant ideas snatched up by the competition. But you know what they say... imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Join us as we dive into how to handle those copycat critters, turn that frustration into fuel, and keep on innovating. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

We're so excited to welcome Stacey Bowie from Astro Loyalty to the podcast! We know Astro is a game-changer for indie pet pros, but Stacey is here to blow our minds with all the features we didn't even know existed. From saving time on frequent buyer programs to powerful marketing tools, Stacey is dishing out the inside scoop on how Astro can take your business to the next level. Strap in, pet pros, because this episode is packed with can't-miss info that's sure to have you saying "What? Astro can do that?!" Trust us, you'll be begging Stacey to come back for round two. Get Astro: https://www.astroloyalty.com/ Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

In today's episode, we dive into the world of staff feeding programs - the secret sauce that can turn your employees into brand ambassadors and boost your sales. We're spilling all the juicy details, from how to set up a seamless redemption process to keeping those pesky freeloaders in check. Grab a snack (or a free bag of pet food, if you're lucky) and get ready for some serious pet retail magic. It's time to make your staff as passionate about those products as you are! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Hey Pet Pros - Sherry here, taking over the mic. In this episode, I'm diving into the transformative power of networking and why it's a game-changer for pet business owners. I share my personal journey from avoiding networking events to embracing them as opportunities for growth. I share actionable tips for making authentic connections, and explain how to overcome the fear of putting yourself out there. Whether you're a networking newbie or looking to sharpen your skills, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you open doors, identify, and act on opportunities. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

We're celebrating a big milestone - one whole year of the Pet Shop Girls podcast! Join us as we take a trip down memory lane, sharing our favorite tips and insights from the past 52 episodes. Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to the show, this special anniversary episode is packed with can't-miss advice to take your pet business to the next level. Grab a seat and get ready for a crash course in pet retail gold! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Hey Pet Pros, Carly here! I'm flying solo this week to share some insights on a topic that's been a game-changer for my business: short-form video content. As the self-proclaimed "TikTok Princess" of the pet industry, I'm excited to dive into the proven formula I use to create videos that stop the scroll and keep my audience engaged. Whether you're a seasoned social media pro or just dipping your toes in, you're going to walk away with actionable tips to level up your video game and reach more pet parents than ever before. So grab a pen and paper, and let's get started! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

We are thrilled to welcome back the one and only Bob Negan, co-founder of WhizBang Retail Training, for our 50th episode! As independent pet pros gearing up for the busy holiday season, we couldn't think of a better expert to have on. In this episode, Bob shares his wealth of experience, offering invaluable tips on staying focused, managing stress, and engaging our teams. He even provides a roadmap for navigating the holiday hustle with positivity and purpose. Get the Retail Money Machine course from Retail Brilliance FOR FREE using promo code PETSHOPGIRLS https://app.retailbrilliance.com/courses/154/purchase?coupon=PETSHOPGIRLS Connect with Bob Negan and WhizBang: https://whizbangtraining.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhizBangRetail/ Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

What happens when good promos go bad? In this episode, we're sharing our biggest tips for running smooth and profitable sales and promotions at your store. We have learned some hard lessons and we hope by sharing them here, you can learn from us without having to make those same mistakes yourself! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Buckle up, pet pros, because we are about to take you on a wild ride through the world of Canva - the design tool that's about to change the game for your business. Whether you're a seasoned Canva wizard or you're still using outdated programs like Microsoft Publisher (yikes!), you're not going to want to miss the game-changing tips, tricks, and features we're spilling. Trust us, after this episode, you'll be creating jaw-dropping visuals that'll have your customers begging for more. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

In this episode, we discuss the importance of setting clear sales goals and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of your pet business. We share our own experiences with using detailed spreadsheets and visual tracking systems to stay on top of daily, monthly, and annual sales targets, and break down the value of sharing this data with your team to keep them motivated and engaged. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

This episode of the Pet Shop Girls is all about hiring and retaining excellent employees in your independent pet business. We're sharing our top strategies to find and foster 'rock star teams,' from Carly's unique open house hiring format to cultivating a positive workplace culture. We know what you're thinking - and trust us, we have included a bunch of low and no-cost ideas to help you retain top talent. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

When a key employee leaves suddenly, it can be a stressful and disruptive situation for a small business. In this episode, we discuss strategies for handling sudden employee departures, including having a backup plan, communicating with the team, and even considering exit interviews to learn from the experience. We're sharing our own stories and advice to help pet pros navigate this common challenge and come out stronger on the other side. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

In this episode, we're sharing our top 10 tips (plus a bonus tip!) for running your independent pet store. We created this list especially with newbies in mind, but even if you have been around for awhile, we think there might be a tip or two in here that you can use - because even we learned from each other while recording this episode! Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

We are thrilled to introduce you to Nancy and Chris Guinn, the dynamic duo behind the successful pet retail chain Dog Krazy. In this episode, they share their incredible story of growing from a single store to 8 locations across Virginia, and their plans to expand even further through franchising. We know you will be inspired by their passion for enhancing the lives of dogs and their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service and education. Their insights about maintaining consistency, developing strong teams, and navigating the challenges of multi-location growth will be invaluable for any pet pro looking to scale. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

When it comes to partnering with rescues and charities, it's easy for indie pet pros to find themselves making some of the same common mistakes. In this episode, we're sharing how to set clear boundaries and expectations to ensure that these collaborations are mutually beneficial. From vetting potential partners, creating partnership agreements, to offering creative donation options, we're sharing our own experiences navigating the challenges of "when good deeds go bad" to help you build successful community partnerships. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

This week, we're discussing the importance of having customer-friendly policies. From our own personal experiences with unfriendly policies like credit card surcharges, restrictive returns, and hidden fees, to the value of transparent communication, flexible payment options, and an overall positive shopping experience to build customer loyalty, we hope this episode encourages you to eliminate any unfriendly policies and focus on creating a welcoming environment for your customers. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

It's Christmas in September! Actually, we just wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that the holiday season is coming fast and it's time to prepare your promotions and marketing plans. Here are some of the ideas we cover in more detail in this episode: Plan and buy Christmas merchandise early - or at least as early as you still can! Implement holiday sales and promotions, such as: VIP holiday party with 20% off Christmas merchandise "Stocking stuffer" event with 20% off small items "Ugly sweater day" promotion "Grinch hair, don't care" sale Host a holiday-themed VIP customer appreciation event Create a holiday gift guide Optimize in-store merchandising and displays Involve your team in the planning process Discuss what worked well and what didn't in previous holiday seasons Delegate tasks and set regular checkpoints to stay on track Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Ready to level up your advertising and promotions? This week, the Pet Shop Girls are sharing their real-world experiences - both successes and failures - when it comes to advertising tactics (including TV commercials, social media, SEO, and more). Listen in for actionable advice on affordable, effective ways to attract new customers and keep your business top-of-mind, even during slow periods. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

This week, we're sharing an episode we recorded LIVE at SUPERZOO at the Pet Product News booth. Were you at SUPERZOO? If not, this episode is your behind-the-scenes look at all the chaos and fun to be had there. We are so glad we got a chance to meet so many of you, and if you weren't there this year, we really hope to see you at a pet industry trade show soon! Introducing our NEW podcast - for pet parents! https://linktr.ee/tipthedish Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

 Join us for the grand finale of our Legendary Leadership series!  In this last episode, we sit down with Angela LaVelle, the visionary behind Retail.pet, the leading online training platform for Pet Retail Associates. Angela will share her expert insights on nurturing and developing your team effectively. From identifying team members' development needs to creating individualized growth plans and celebrating their successes, Angela covers it all. Learn how to assess strengths and areas for improvement, set collaborative goals, provide essential resources, and track progress to ensure your team not only meets but exceeds their potential. Angela's strategies will empower you to support and uplift your team like never before. Don't miss this invaluable episode if you're looking to enhance your leadership skills and foster an environment of continuous development and learning.  Tune in to transform your approach to team development and lead your team to greater heights! Connect with Angela: Website: https://retail.pet/ Email: HELLO@RETAIL.PET IG: https://www.instagram.com/retail.pet Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

In the third episode of our Legendary Leadership Series, we are joined by guest Tammy Bond. Today, we are talking about the differences between coaching and traditional, 'old-school' style management and how it can benefit our teams. From active listening, to asking good questions, and so much more, Tammy has so much to share from her coaching certification background to revolutionize pet business team management. Connect with Tammy: https://www.bondgroupenterprises.com/# LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyjbond?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/thetammybond?igsh=MXRnZnZuaDU3aW1pcA== Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

This week we are back with part 2 of our Legendary Leadership Series. Today's guest is Jennifer Lymer, and we are talking all about building loyalty among your team. When we combine trust and safety with good culture, leadership, and recognition opportunities, we can build remarkably loyal teams. Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-lymer-18289bb?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Over the next few weeks, we are excited to introduce our first mini-series of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, all about Legendary Leadership. In this first episode of the Legendary Leadership Series, Richard Phillips joins us to talk about performance reviews and evaluations, leadership styles, and employee engagement. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

It's almost time for SUPERZOO, and we want to help you be prepared to make the most out of this incredible show. This week, we are sharing all kinds of tips including where to stay, using the app, navigating all the vendors without getting overwhelmed, what to pack and what to wear, and so much more. Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

Our guest this week is Lisa Tully, and we are talking all about holistic healing for pets and their parents. From animal communication methods, to oils and herbs, to mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing, we are covering so much ground today. Connect with Lisa: https://animalhealing.ie/ https://www.instagram.com/animalhealinglisatully/ https://ausflowers.com.au - Grief resource mentioned in the episode https://linktr.ee/animalhealinglisatully Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews

You've heard us talk about how much we love ChatGPT and leveraging AI in our businesses in previous episodes, and we are so excited to dig deeper into these topics in today's episode. Alongside our guest, we are sharing insights about leveraging various AI tools (including ChatGPT) to streamline administrative tasks, generate ideas, and optimize time efficiency. Our guest this week is Josh Stewart-Van Dusen, CEO of Tandem X Visuals and Instant Media Hub. Both of these companies are cutting-edge and leading the charge when it comes to leveraging tech and AI for visual production and media management. Connect with Josh: josh@instantmediahub.com https://www.instagram.com/stewartvandusen/ https://www.instantmediahub.com/ https://tandemxvisuals.com/ Connect with the Pet Shop Girls! Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls Connect with Carly (House of Paws): https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets): https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas Connect with Pet Product News: https://www.petproductnews.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetProductNews