Originally Posted by
JulieR
Actually, I have seen shop animals at almost all of those places. Locally owned shops of all kinds may keep them because they create a homey, welcoming atmosphere.
Lots of folks prefer to shop in family owned businesses and a shop animal is a good sign of that, too.
That decision doesn't make the business unprofessional or the owner a "hobbyist", or doomed to failure. I'm sure in some regions, evidently yours for one, shoppers are looking for a different experience than those in other areas, like mine. That doesn't make either of us right or wrong. If you choose not to shop in places that have shop pets, then more power to you. But let's not belittle the very successful businesses that cater to a different type of customer.
I'd imagine that the businesses you refer to as "family businesses" are probably small businesses, too. I personally love them myself. And I live in an area where the towns within 100 miles of me are all under 60,000 in population (3 of those), most are quite wonderful "charming small towns". I don't know of any (many) that have pets in the store other than quilt stores, oddly enough. And I've shopped in all the kinds I mentioned.
My comment, though it seemed belittling to you -- and I am really sorry for that, truly -- still applies to guidelines that follow any kind of professional business model. It just is contrary to the bottom line to offend a segment of ones prospective customer base, no two ways about that.
Jan in VA