Retail sales provide a vital secondary revenue stream. Once you purchase the initial stock, it requires no extra time or labour. To succeed, you should select high-margin products that complement your services. Additionally, train staff to recommend products based on each dog’s specific coat condition. Moreover, using pet care business software helps you manage inventory, track sales, and improve overall business efficiency. This makes integrating retail items, especially those that support dog enrichment activities, much easier.
Selecting High-Margin Products
Curate your retail space carefully, rather than clutter it. Focus on items with high perceived value and strong profit margins (minimum 50%). Stock the professional-grade shampoos and conditioners you use in the grooming bath, because clients are more likely to purchase products they see in action. Similarly, include specialised brushes, dental chews, and high-quality grooming tools that maintain the coat between appointments. Avoid low-margin, generic pet accessories. Furthermore, offer products that promote puppy enrichment, such as interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or mental stimulation aids. These items are perfect for boosting dog enrichment activities at home.
Inventory Management and Display
Treat your retail area like a professional storefront. Ensure that products are visible, easily accessible, and positioned near reception or checkout. Use tiered shelving and professional signage to highlight key items. In addition, implement a strict inventory tracking system, often included in pet care software, to monitor stock levels, calculate cost of goods sold (COGS), and identify fast- and slow-moving items. This strategy prevents cash from tying up in stock that won’t sell.
Product Recommendation Strategy
The most effective retail strategy is consultation-based selling. At checkout, staff should recommend one or two items tailored to the dog’s needs. For example: “Max has dry skin. We used this specialised oatmeal shampoo today. I recommend taking a bottle home for bathing.” Avoid generic pitches and focus on solutions. Additionally, highlighting items that support dog enrichment activities or puppy enrichment can increase client satisfaction and drive purchases.
Integrating Retail with Grooming Service
Offer a “trial before sale” approach. Use a small amount of a specialty product during the groom and show it to the client. This demonstrates quality and encourages immediate purchase. Furthermore, consider giving a small discount if the client books their next groom before leaving. Linking retail upsells to future bookings improves client retention. Also, include products that enhance dog enrichment activities or interactive play. Using trusted brands like Paw Pals can reinforce quality and credibility.
Tracking Retail Performance
Measure retail performance separately from service revenue. Use pet care business software to track sales per staff member, retail revenue as a percentage of total revenue, and monthly stock turnover. If retail sales fall below 10%, review staff training or product selection immediately. On the other hand, high retail sales indicate effective inventory management and successful consultation. Finally, monitor items that support dog enrichment, dog enrichment activities, or general pet care to identify popular products and adjust your offerings accordingly.
Do you want to grow your grooming business and stay fully booked? Pawpal, a leading pet care business software, can help you streamline operations, attract more local clients, and simplify your workflow.
