Retail Goes to the Dogs

Despite the snow, hail, rain and/or constant naysaying about the economy, shoppers are out in large numbers for the upcoming holidays.

Trudging down the trendy streets of Northwest Portland for last-minute gifts, I found myself running into other fellow shoppers armed with large packages, children...and dogs.

They're inside the actual stores no less and then traipsing ever so arrogantly down the sidewalk with their owners. I've seen little dogs in huge purses, as well as large husky dogs--next to a display of lingerie.

To make matters worse, these shopping dogs (as I'm now calling them) are often dressed--yes, I said dressed--in bedazzled collars and cozy sweaters.

What is going on here people? These are animals for crying out loud. They might be just "animals" to me, but they are fully accepted as legitimate patrons by the likes of Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Gap and Barneys New York. Even Tiffany & Co. will allow dogs to hang out around their jewels. In a recent LA Times article, Tiffany's regional vice president Jonathan Bruckner was quoted as gushing, "we love dogs."

So, when did dogs in stores become fashionable? While I hate to credit Paris Hilton for anything of value in the world, I'm pretty sure (and I've got the L.A. Times to back me up on this one) more and more dogs started showing up on the retail scene after Hilton was photographed with her tiny dogs all over L.A. However, Nordstrom insists they've been dog-friendly for more than 20 years. I'm going to need actual confirmation on that from a Nordstrom shopper first though.

The article also points out that many malls do not allow dogs (although individual stores might) unless they're in some type of carrier--they figure if the owner is willing to brave an accident of some kind, it should be a mess they clean up on their own. While I couldn't agree more, I'm personally distressed by dogs that bark loudly at other dogs; especially when I'm at the makeup counter trying on a new lipstick. Or when I'm trying to get down the sidewalk and have to make room for the big St. Bernard. I love dogs, don't get me wrong--but dogs in stores? I'm not sure I fully understand the benefit of it.

What's your take on retailers allowing dogs in stores? Will it bring in more customers or turn off those who aren't huge dog lovers? Leave your comments here.

--Heather Strang

Note: This is my last blog post for Retail Design Diva. I've thoroughly enjoyed writing for this blog, and interacting with all of you. In the future, you can reach me at: www.HeatherStrang.com. Thank you and happy holidays!

Comments

[Juxtaposition Design]

I miss retail design diva :(