BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Elmwood Pet Supplies was deemed essential at the beginning of the pandemic, but they still decided to close shop and stick to curbside service. That's because the pet store owner, John Higgins, felt his shop was too small to keep him and his customers safe. So, he brought his store outside.
“The day that it closed down, we still had people showing up with hungry and needy animals, so we didn’t really think about it very much. We just started dragging stuff outside,” he said.
And they've been outside ever since. And Higgins said while outside, he has brought in more revenue
“Well I think by just being outside, it has allowed us both to stay connected to customers, service our customers and it’s worked out remarkably well so far,” he said.
Customers can pre-order online or show up to Elmwood Avenue and place their orders curbside. And if you don’t see the product you need outside, someone will go inside and grab it for you.
“I mean, we’re lucky that we’ve been able to do this. A lot of stores can’t do it," Higgins said. "So we’re grateful that we can.”
Higgins said he and his brother plan on staying outside through the winter months.
“We plan on wearing more hats, dressing warmer, and just sucking it up," he said.
