Shopkeepers don’t normally kiss their customers, but Faux Paws Owner Lynn Small often finds herself smooching some of the furry guests who step in her stores’ doors. The retailer invites and encourages pooch guests to trot into its locations across the South and dive nose first into welcoming displays designed for toy test runs.
While St. Augustine location remains the flagship store with high sales, the Barefoot Landing Faux Paws in North Myrtle Beach is a “signature store” for the retailer. Small explains that she enlisted in a visual merchandiser and designer to create a brand look and feel at the North Myrtle Beach store that they could carry to other locations.
“We give a lot of autonomy to our managers. They’re hearing from the customers, so they can make those orders.” — Lynn Small
Photos: Michele Coleman
Come as you are
Setting the tone for a coastal pup hotspot, Small and the team carefully curate products and apparel to offer fun items that beg for a purchase. For instance, Haute Diggity Dog’s parody plushies include plays off of everyday brands like White Claw seltzers. “You can buy a six-pack of ‘White Paw,’ and the dog can pull the toys out of the carton,” relates Small.“We give a lot of autonomy to our managers. They’re hearing from the customers, so they can make those orders.” — Lynn Small
Small works hard to create a fun-loving environment for managers, employees and guests. This includes an unconditional return policy. “There shouldn’t need to be any heated discussions — just let it go,” she says. “If employees are having fun and not stressed, the customers have good vibes, too.”
Memorable merchandise
Faux Paws maintains a wide variety of merchandise, mostly selected from small suppliers and mom-and-pop shops such as FunDog Bandanas out of Wisconsin.Leashes and collars by Yellow Dog and BuckleDown are popular picks, particularly in tropical designs or with crab, seahorse and other nautical motifs. Collars bearing dog names appeal to customers, and Small is careful to maintain a wide selection and make sure none of the names are out of stock. “You can’t predict what dog will come in. When a name is running low, we order,” she explains.