Pet Product News - May 2017

members, so named in a nod to the Trufant’s New Orleans background, the annual Mardi Gras parade and the organizations involved in the seasonal festivities.

“Our krewe members are the
main reason we have lasted so
long,” Sally said. “Many have
been here 10 years or more.”
Krewe members undergo
extensive and ongoing training,
“We also put a high value
on fun,” Sally said. “I like to tell
new hires that it’s like working at
the amusement park—you don’t
get to ride the roller coaster all
day long, but you get to ride it a
lot more than anyone else.”

THE TIMES THEY ARE
A CHANGIN’

While Sally credits Bill’s enthusi-
asm for animals and his business
acumen with the longevity of the
family enterprise, these traits are
enhanced by the family’s ability
to shift focus and change with the
times.

When B&B Pet Stop opened its superstore, the family spotlighted a sleek, corporate ambience.

“However, when the real
corporate big-box stores came to
town, we changed our tack com-
pletely, creating our own niche
as more of a local, homegrown,
mom-and-pop establishment,”
Bill said. “We embraced ‘folksy.’”
In spite of this unpretentious
tone, going head to head with the
new competition necessitated a
more streamlined, professional
operation with a look that includ-
ed a very clean, well-merchan-
dised, well-lit, professional-look-
ing establishment.

However, it’s the down-
to-earth quality, combined with
innovative offerings and events,
all centered on a convivial “
circuslike atmosphere,” that
separates B&B Pet Stop from
Mobile’s big chains.

“B&B Pet Stop has always been part of the fabric of the local community,” Sally said. “We started our business before there were big-box stores or the internet, so we’ve always enjoyed a hometown advantage within our community.”

GONE TO THE DOGS AND CATS Over time, dog and cat products have risen to the forefront of

What do customers know you
best for?

Bill Trufant: Our knowledge. For instance, the fish manager at one of the big-box stores in town often sends customers to us.

The greatest challenge to pet
retailers today?

Sally Trufant: Online retailers. Every year we spotlight a theme for our store events. This year’s focus will be, “See it here, buy it here, keep us here.”

What do you think is the pet
industry’s greatest challenge
overall?

BT: I believe it’s the PETAs of the world. Their mission in life is to shut down anything animal related, and the pet industry is in their sights. Right now, dogs and cats are targeted, but if they can affect that part of the industry, the small animal industry is not going to be able to fight it. In order to keep the pet industry alive and growing, this issue needs to be addressed.

As a small business owner, what are you most proud of? BT: Our longevity—we are proud of the mere fact that we have been here for 36 years and have weathered so many ups and downs within the pet industry.

What are your goals for the
next five years?

BT: We want to stay relevant, to continue doing what we are doing and to provide jobs for our employees. There are few independents left these days; everything is going corporate. IT’S A RETAIL LIFE

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