Great Sniff Case Study

Approximately 75 people entered Great Sniffs, a new pet care business at 2 East Ferguson Ave. in Wood River, on May 28 for the grand opening. The owner, Jill Butler of Godfrey, called her opening day “a great success.” Butler said she started Great Sniffs for several reasons, but primarily because she loves animals. “I’ve always loved dogs. I love all animals,” she said. “I’ve always felt a need for more community awareness towards dogs and cats and their issues.” Butler has been working to open Great Sniffs for almost a year. She works “in the carpet business” as her daytime job. Since before Christmas, she would get off work around 5 or 6 at night then go work at Great Sniffs until the early morning, until the early morning, sometimes as late as 3 a.m., to prepare it for its opening.

Butler

“I honestly believe people are going to want to bring their dogs in here. I tried to make it fun and I think I’ve succeeded.” Great Sniffs offers a variety of services to pet owners. One of their primary services is do-it-yourself dog washing. Great Sniffs provides the essentials, like the bathtub and soaps, and the customers wash the dog. They offer three packages, from basic to “everything,” which cost $14 to $18. A Great Sniffs employee will wash customers’ dogs for an extra charge. After washing their dog, customers can take their pet to the play area to let their furry friend to burn some of that after bath burst energy. While the pets play, owners can peruse the store’s inventory. Great Sniffs sells a variety of items, including specialty shampoos, handmade pet beds and pillows, handmade ties and bandanas for pets, homemade treats and climbing towers for cats. Butler said she wants to sell only unique items that customers can’t buy at chain stores, but purchases aren’t a prerequisite for enjoying the play