Although she’s only been in business for two years, owner Debby Lyons of Gabby’s Pet Depot of Easton, Md., is a fast learner. Debby, an outgoing Coastal Authorized Dealer board member, knows you can’t stand still in the hyper competitive world of pet retailing.
Holly & Debby
“There’s an awful lot to learn, and the industry’s changing every day,” she said as she was gearing up to face the challenges of a big box pet store moving in just a stone’s throw away.
The former computer program developer in the health care field knows how to adapt, however, and her store has evolved into a unique destination spot.
For instance, she used her computer background to develop a special order database in her Access software. She scans catalog images and information into her computer and actively promotes the service. She takes a back seat to nobody when it comes to tracking down hard-to-find items.
“It’s what we’re known for,” she says, “People say if you can’t find it, go to Gabby’s.”
Because of the competition, she’s tinkered with her product lines, which she expects to work out well and further define her from an ordinary pet store.
Gabby's goes all out
for promotions
“ I used to carry good, better and best in all the categories, but I’ve chosen to get rid of the lesser items and just focus on the higher end items,” she said. Good thinking, we say.
And that’s just one way in which she successfully competes. Another niche that’s proved mutually beneficial is participating in elementary school assemblies. Recently, she showed off a Red-Tail Boa and a Leopard Gecko to an enthralled group of kids. Debby patiently explained the care, feeding and handling of the creatures and passed out informational sheets as well. The kids learned to appreciate their fellow creatures and the natural world, while Debby will eventually gain a new set of life-long customers.
The schoolteachers even become steady customers, as Debby has a policy of giving 10% off purchases for them.
A poodle enjoying the moment
Another unusual way she integrates herself into the community is her pick up and delivery service for her in-store grooming business.
Retirees and those not comfortable transporting their animal call, and Debby comes running, cheerfully transporting the pet to its grooming rendezvous. The small fee she charges for the service doesn’t pay the rent, but instead demonstrates to her customers her complete commitment to them and their pets.
“It’s not a big part of the business, but it’s important to me and my customers to get them safely to the shop. I even have 3 little doggie car seats with Coastal harnesses,” she said.
Infrequently, she caters pet birthday parties. She gets homemade treats and cakes from others, adds hats and boas and produces a memorable, festive event for pet and pet owner alike.
Because she’s close to Washington, D.C., she gets visits from well-known and high-octane politicians (who will remain unnamed in this story), one of whom had Debby throw a pet party.
“It was great, the pictures of that party were passed all around Congress,” she laughed.
