anaging a business can be challenging in the current economic environment. Pet-focused businesses, such as grooming establishments, face even greater challenges. In fact, the cost of pets and associated products surged 10.6% between May 2022 and 2023. This increase is more than twice the inflation rate for general goods and services in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹

That said, there are steps owners can take to enhance these businesses. One effective approach involves adding retail products to the grooming salon, which can help increase sales, attract more clientele and even boost customer loyalty. The process of adding retail to your grooming business does not need to be complex; the two areas of the business can actually complement one another.

Let’s dig into the four ways you can enhance your grooming business by adding a retail arm to the salon:

When unifying a retail and grooming business, your inventory can include products that your groomers are already using at appointments. For example, if a client likes the shampoo and conditioner you use on their dog, they can have the option to buy these products directly from you. A significant advantage of adding retail to your grooming business is that it serves as a “one-stop shop” for pet owners. It is crucial to maintain this role for your customers; therefore, you will want to ensure your inventory is always fully stocked.

Personal connection not only offers advantages to the customer, but to the business as well. It is imperative that employees are aware of all products and services offered, regardless if they work in the grooming area or retail store. For example, if a groomer is using a new product on a pet, they can suggest the new product line to the pet owner and recommend it for use at home. On the other hand, if a pet owner is only shopping in the store, a sales associate could inform them of current grooming specials or services being offered.

It is crucial for all organizations—regardless of industry—to have an online presence, as this medium offers substantial benefits to a grooming and retail business. Not only should the website have the option to purchase products online, but it can also provide features like an online booking portal for grooming services. Another enhancement option is giving your customers the ability to pick up online orders during the same visit as their pet’s appointment for added convenience.

Offers and deals do not have to be separated between the two sides of the business. In fact, combining them could lead to more customer usage. Your business can easily customize its loyalty programs and bundle packages through solutions like a comprehensive POS system by choosing guidelines, points systems and more, all in one interface. To illustrate, if a specific product is not selling, store associates could offer a discounted nail clipping when two or more of the products are bought.

Adding retail to your grooming business will set your organization up for long-term advancement. Doing so gives the business the potential to grow not only its customer base, but also net profit. Today’s consumers demand customer-forward, convenient experiences when it comes to the stores and brands they trust, and giving them reputable, accessible, and seamless in-store and online interactions is what grooming businesses need to double down on to become the best resource for pet owners.

References:

1. Jaracz, J. (2023, August). Inflation for pet expenses grew at twice the rate of other consumer products last year. eTailPet. https://etailpet.io/blog/inflation-pet-expenses/
   

Brooke Jackson is the General Manager at eTailPet—the cloud-based POS platform created specifically for independent pet retail businesses. Leveraging her extensive background in customer experience and support management, she brings over a decade of valuable expertise to the role. With a successful five-year tenure as a Franchise Owner, Brooke adeptly integrates key performance indicators (KPIs) from her franchise experience to optimize operations at eTailPet. Her passion and commitment to customer satisfaction dri­ves her to deliver top-tier service through eTailPet’s comprehensive all-in-one POS platform.