As social distancing became the new norm, Wag N’ Wash in Lakeville, Minnesota, not only offered curbside pickup for customers – but also a big furry surprise. Customers received their orders courtesy of the Easter Bunny! By Rochelle Miller

As social distancing became the new norm, Wag N’ Wash in Lakeville, Minnesota, not only offered curbside pickup for customers – but also a big furry surprise. Customers received their orders courtesy of the Easter Bunny!

Well, actually, it was someone dressed in a bunny suit who delivered goods curbside. But that detail didn’t matter to customers eager for some cheer and a reason to smile. And the event showed that Wag N’ Wash was open for business and committed to its community.

Wag N’ Wash is still considered an essential service, so all locations are open,” says Lana Mazin, Director of Brand Development for Raintree, a leading franchise development company. Many of the retail stores are offering delivery or curbside pickup options to limit exposure during the coronavirus pandemic.

A provider of natural pet foods and grooming services, Wag N’ Wash has been serving customers and their beloved pets since 1999. With 13 locations in nine states, the brand has continued its growth through franchising, regardless of the economic climate.

“This is not our first time through a recession. The pet industry has proven to be recession-resilient,” Mazin says, referring to the Great Recession of 2008. “We have some real data on our stores that opened in 2008 and 2009, or were operating during those times, and we actually saw significant growth from 2008 to 2010.”

While other businesses may be hurting because of temporary closures and restrictions spurred by the coronavirus pandemic, Wag N’ Wash is going strong. “Most people see their pets as part of the family, so even during economic downtimes or a full-on pandemic they are still buying food, treats, supplements, and other retail goods to keep their companion animals comfortable.”

The company has been focusing on ongoing support to its franchise owners through daily communication and webinars. This type of support has proven invaluable to franchise owners during challenging times, Mazin says. “They see the advantage in having the support of franchising as opposed to having gone the independent ‘mom-and-pop’ route.”  As a pillar in their communities, Wag N’ Wash owners are valuing the support they have been given on a weekly, daily, and sometimes hourly basis now more than ever. Each owner understands they have an entire team behind them guaranteeing their success through this situation and ensuring they come out on top!”

For more information regarding franchise opportunities with Wag N’ Wash, visit franchise.wagnwash.com or call 720-650-8025.

– Rochelle Miller