The question was asked, "Why does Petsmart feel as though they have to
sell ferrets??"
 
I know others will probably respond to this, but I wanted to add my
feelings on this.  Personally, I believe one of the biggest reasons
Petsmart has started to sell ferrets is, as with all retail stores -
regardless of what they sell - money!  A person who knows nothing about
ferrets decides they want to get a ferret - they know nothing of shelters
or private breeders so they turn to their local pet store.  They buy the
ferret and return there week after week after week purchasing food and
supplies for this ferret.  Even though there may be others stores in
town that sell ferret supplies, they return to this one to purchase their
goods - it's called customer loyalty.  The competing store may have some
great specials on ferrets items - but still, the person returns to the
store they bought the ferret at for all their supplies.
 
I have my favorite grocery store.  From time to time, I see the
competitors advertising items at a little lower price that what my store
has them, but....I love my grocery store.  I know all the people, I know
where everything is, and the competitor is 10 minutes across town.  It's
just worth the extra cents to me to shop where I shop.  Call it comfort
level or habit...whatever - it's where I WANT to shop.  But still - the
competing grocery store tries all kinds of tricks to get my business.
They want me to spend my money in their store!
 
Same with pet stores - they want our money!  They know many people return
to the store where the ferret was purchased to buy their supplies.  In
order to remain competitive, it was a logical decision for Petsmart to
start to selling ferrets.  Mind you...I wish they weren't!  I don't think
any animal should be sold in a store - but I also believe everyone should
be required to take parenting classes - and PASS THEM WITH AN "A" before
being allowed to have a child!  Since neither of these things will ever
happen, then we need to do what we can to make sure the ferrets being
sold in pet stores are handled properly!
 
Dr. Mike has provided us with a unique opportunity!  If Petsmart does
this right and more people start to shop at their stores - their
competitors will have to sit up and take notice!  It's going to be a
slow process, but maybe, just maybe, we can make a difference!
 
Something else to consider - there are lots and lots of people out there
who buy ferrets in pet stores because they don't know where else to get
them.  I admit it...I bought by first two boys at a pet store.  Then my
love for them led me to the Internet...and to the FML...to do doing what
I do now!  I am one of the lucky ones who was educated!!!!  So, while I
don't condone the sale of ferrets in pet stores, I have accepted the fact
that it is not something I will be able to stop.  I will spend my time
and energy trying to change the way they are shipped, housed, fed and
handled!
 
One last thing about customer loyalty - The Ferret Store just lost me as
a customer.  They have decided that removing sugary, high carb treats
from their catalog is not in the best interest of their business at this
time.  I prefer to spend my money on healthy, wholesome treats for my
ferrets and will support stores that have joined in the efforts to get
this garbage off their shelves.  I have been a loyal customer on TFS for
6 years...that ends today....and I will be writing them to tell them why
they lost my business!  I encourage others to do the same!  There are
other Internet options out there, as well as more and more retail
options....and I intend to use them!
 
Judy Coke
Tyson, Hope and Einstein
(pet store, rescue, pet store)
 
Co-Director International Ferret Congress
Support Our Shelters
[Posted in FML issue 4884]