#DogsWelcome—at Stein Your Florist Co. in Philadelphia and Burlington, New Jersey, a dog-friendly policy appeals to employees, customers… and has helped generate great PR.
Excited employees, thrilled walk-in customers and grieving family members who get an unexpected pick-me-up.
These are just a few of the benefits Stein Your Florist Co. has seen since implementing a dog-friendly policy in their stores in Philadelphia and Burlington, New Jersey. Another great (potentially sales-boosting) perk: The shops’ canine inclusiveness has also scored the business some great, free publicity.
In late August, Stein Your Florist Co. was one of several businesses highlighted by the Courier-Post in a story about local companies that welcome dogs — the 130-year-old family business actually got primo placement in that story with a spot in the first paragraph. “You should hear how high-pitched our voices get when a dog stops in the shop,” manager Jennifer Kelly told the newspaper. “Dogs just lift our spirits and make our hearts melt.”
At both locations, the Stein team keeps dog treats on hand and places bowls of water near the door. The relatively simple outreach makes a big impression on customers who consider their four-legged friends family. (Ahem: That’s not a small segment of the population. According to a survey from the American Pet Products Association, 95 percent of pet owners consider their pet a family member and pet owners spend $60 billion a year on their pets.)
“We have noticed that being dog friendly and allowing our customers to bring their canine companion into the shop has increased the amount of foot traffic through our doors, helped customers during difficult times, such as funeral consultations by providing comfort, and boosts the moral of our staff as well,” Kelly explained. “Who doesn’t love seeing a cute dog in the middle of their work day?”
Check out additional tips on how to make your business pet-friendly. (Some states have stricter laws regarding pets in businesses, particularly those that serve food, so you’ll want to do your research.)
Looking to stock up on some pet products that might convince pet-lovers to spend a little more? Floral Management recently covered the topic.
