Buying isn’t shopping — it’s strategy.

In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Carly and Sherry sit down with Dan Jablons, President of Retail Smart Guys, to break down what separates average buyers from highly profitable ones. With decades of experience advising independent retailers, Dan shares practical, no-fluff insights that help pet store owners optimize inventory, increase cash flow, and strengthen vendor partnerships.

This conversation is especially timely for retailers heading into trade show season. From walking the floor with intention to avoiding “shiny object syndrome,” Dan explains how the best buyers prepare before they buy — and how that preparation directly impacts margins and market share.

Whether you’re managing open-to-buy, trying to increase inventory turns, or simply looking to buy smarter, this episode delivers actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

www.retailsmartguys.com

[email protected]

Join the Indie Insider Group: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14Z5WsKrMgN/⁠⁠

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/⁠⁠⁠

Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: ⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠www.2petshopgirls.com⁠⁠⁠ 

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

Mastering the Art of Grooming Intake & Check-In

Most grooming problems don’t start on the table.

They start at check-in.

In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, we break down the structured intake and check-in script that protects your time, your revenue, and your reputation. Whether you operate a brick-and-mortar salon or a mobile grooming van, the way you greet, confirm, and disclose sets the tone for the entire appointment.

We walk through the exact step-by-step intake process that prevents misunderstandings, reduces refunds, and elevates you from service provider to professional.

Join the Indie Insider Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14Z5WsKrMgN/⁠

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/⁠⁠

Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: ⁠⁠https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page⁠⁠

⁠⁠www.2petshopgirls.com⁠⁠ 

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

Global Pet Expo is almost here — and in this episode, Sherry and Carly are breaking down exactly how to prepare, what to prioritize, and how to avoid common trade show mistakes.

From strategic planning to self-care, this episode is your behind-the-scenes guide to making the most of one of the biggest events in the pet industry.

Whether you're a seasoned buyer or attending your first major trade show, this conversation will help you walk in with confidence — and walk out with clarity.

Join the Indie Insider Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14Z5WsKrMgN/

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/⁠

Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: ⁠https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page⁠

⁠www.2petshopgirls.com⁠ 

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode, the Pet Shop Girls dive into email marketing as a powerful tool for revenue generation and customer engagement. From busting myths about unsubscribes to sharing real-world strategies, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help indie retailers turn their email list into one of their most valuable business assets.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

How to create a consistent, value-driven email strategy

Why unsubscribes aren’t the enemy (and what actually matters)

The structure of a great email—from subject line to CTA

Common mistakes to avoid (like being too generic or off-brand)

How to track the metrics that actually move the needle

Ways to repurpose content across blogs and social media

Why email marketing is a long game—and why that’s a good thing

Whether you're just starting your list or looking to level up, this episode will help you rethink how you show up in your customers’ inboxes.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls⁠⁠⁠

Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/

Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

www.2petshopgirls.com 

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

If you work in the pet industry and have ever thought "there has to be a better way," here's your sign. Sherry Redwine and Carly Patryluk are two independent pet shop owners who have spent decades behind the counter, and they built Pet Shop Girls for every retailer, groomer, and brand founder who needs smarter ideas and real talk from people who actually get it. Part education, part community, part occasional chaos, this is indie pet at its best.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/

Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

www.2petshopgirls.com 

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode of The Pet Shop Girls, we sit down with Maria Ringo—holistic nutrition expert, pet food pioneer, and longtime advocate for independent pet retailers. Maria shares how pet pros can become trusted guides for their customers by focusing on education, empathy, and mission-driven service. From tackling nutrition myths to turning tough conversations into trust-building moments, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help retailers stand out—even in a world of online competition.

Whether you're behind the counter or building your brand, Maria's wisdom will help you lead with confidence, integrity, and care.

www.carna4.com

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls⁠⁠

Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/

Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

www.2petshopgirls.com 

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode of The Pet Shop Girls, Sherry and Carly break down the biggest trends shaping the pet care industry in 2026—and what they actually mean for your business. From shifting consumer values and the rise of natural nutrition to AI tools, nostalgia toys, and loyalty programs that work, this episode is packed with real-world insights for pet professionals.

You'll learn how to stay ahead of the curve without chasing fads, and how to use emerging trends to deepen customer loyalty, enhance the in-store experience, and build long-term success.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: ⁠https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls⁠

Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/

Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

www.2petshopgirls.com 

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode, Sherry and Carly unpack the real challenges behind promoting young team members into management roles — and why so many struggle without the right support. They explore actionable strategies to define roles, correct behavior in real time, and build confidence through feedback and clarity. Whether you're an owner, district manager, or trainer, this episode gives you the tools to coach emerging leaders into true leadership — not just title-holders.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/

Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

www.2petshopgirls.com 

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this eye-opening episode, the Pet Shop Girls pull back the digital curtain to reveal how pet businesses can thrive on Google — not by luck, but with strategy. 🐾

📍 What We Cover:

💡 Whether you're a groomer, trainer, or boutique retailer, this episode will help you make friends with the Google algorithm — and show up where your customers are searching.

Don’t let Google ghost you — go optimize your profile today!

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/

Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

www.2petshopgirls.com 

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Carly and Sherry welcome integrative veterinarian Dr. Katie Kangas to explore one of the most overlooked — yet crucial — aspects of pet wellness: dental health.

Dr. Katie breaks down how oral health is deeply connected to the whole body, and why inflammation in the mouth can lead to bigger issues in the heart, kidneys, liver, and beyond. You’ll learn how to spot early dental concerns, recommend safe and effective products, and guide pet parents toward better habits without judgment.

✨ What You'll Learn:

Whether you're stocking shelves or helping a nervous pet parent find answers, this episode arms you with actionable, retail-ready advice for supporting pet smiles — the holistic way.

DrKatieKangas on FB & IG and website is www.drkaties.com

To book a virtual consultation with her: www.intvetcare.com

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Join us in the Indie Insider Pet Professional Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18XEvTjxMj/

Join The Pet Shop Girls: Off The Record Substack Community: https://substack.com/@psgofftherecord?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

www.2petshopgirls.com 

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.