It had to happen sooner or later: Small business Downtown has gone to the dogs.
After seven years in Five Points, Jamee Yocum has expanded her Bark dog boutique and grooming center with a second location. The new store, Bark Downtown, is at 45 W. Adams St., between Laura and Main streets.
She was inspired by her own canine companions to open a business to sell premium grain- and gluten-free dog food and other products she wanted but couldn’t find at the big-box pet supply retailers.
“I love being able to spoil my dogs,” said Yocum.
In addition to several brands of premium dry dog food, Bark Downtown stocks canned food and the Primal brand of frozen, raw and dehydrated food for dogs. Canned and dry cat food also is on the shelves.
“Dogs are like people. If they eat better, they feel better and quality food can reduce veterinary costs,” said Yocum.
Baked goods are displayed in a case in the store. Yocum developed a line of cakes, cookies and “Pup Tart” peanut butter bars that are baked by her aunt.
“We did the research about what dogs like and what’s healthy for them,” she said.
The store also has a selection of collars, harnesses, leads, toys, bed and crate covers, shampoos and grooming supplies, sweaters, scarves and jewelry.
“I’ve got a lot of sweaters and fleece vests since the weather has turned cooler,” Yocum said.
While there aren’t any dog costumes on the shelves, such as a biker dog, “I can order anything anyone might want,” she said.
The store opened last week during Art Walk. Yocum will spend the next few weeks getting to know dog owners who live or work in the neighborhood and learning what products they’d like to see in the store.
“I’ll determine what works for Downtown dog people,” she said.
Under consideration is a pet food delivery service to a customer’s home or office Downtown, eliminating an after-work or weekend trip to the pet store.
Also in the planning stage is “yappy hour,” a weekly late afternoon get-together with snacks for dogs and beverages for their people.
Yocum said she opened the store because Downtown needs more small businesses and because nearly 80 percent of people have a dog.
Being along one of Downtown’s most-traveled pedestrian paths will give people an option when it comes to feeding, clothing and treating their pets.
“I want to provide a quality dog store where people can shop on their lunch hour,” she said.
Bark Downtown is open noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and later during Downtown events.
(904) 356-2466