“One of the benefits of being the only completely independently-owned store in Charlottetown is being able to hand select the products that we sell,” he says. “We do not have a head office telling us we need to carry certain lines, or telling us what we can and cannot bring in.” As a result, Scales says, the store tries to focus on quality sourced products for their customers when it comes to pet food, treats and chews, in addition to selling as many Canadian products as possible. “Thankfully, we live in a country that produces so many great products that are held to higher standards and ethics over other countries,” he says. “Our Canadian kibble and raw lines have done very well for us and we continue to stand behind them as they have done for us.” Additionally, Scales says they make it a priority to work with local businesses from pet training, to walking services, to veterinarians and boarding. “We work with local charities and try to help our local organizations,” he says. When it comes to serving their customers, Scales says he’s not an “up-seller.” “We do our best to try to sell you products that will be useful to you and your pet. If it is not something you need, we will generally tell you that it might not be the best choice. I would like to think that we are retaining our customers by saving them money the best we can, and we do our best to keep our prices low and fair.” Scales says they try to treat their customers like family, which is what pets are to so many of us. “Pets have always impacted the lives of humans; whether it’s a farm dog or cat or a house pet, they always bring warmth to our hearts,” he says. “Especially within the last 20 years, pets are starting to play more of a family role in pet owners’ households.”
Having just lost two pets of his own within the last six months, Scales says the losses have brought more understanding of how much they meant to his family. “Whether you are having a bad day, or having an amazing day, they are there to keep you stable, bring you warmth, and their undivided attention.” While Scales admits he’s encountered a number of ups and downs throughout the last 10 years, “We have learned so many life lessons. There have been a few times we came close to shutting our doors for good. But I have always had a vision on what I want Blue Ribbon to become.” Part of that vision was expanding its size, which occurred when the shop moved to its new space at 420 Queen Street, which has allowed more options for the store. “I have fought hard and worked a ridiculous number of hours to get where we are today,” says Scales. “I have an evolving vision for Blue Ribbon and continue to work hard to make it the pet supply store our customers can depend on. We had many opportunities to become a franchise under other names, but being 100% locally owned is something I’m proud to say we are.”
Blue Ribbon Pet Supply 420 Queen St, Charlottetown 902.370.3373 www.blueribbonpei.com
SPRING 2021 www.pei-living.ca
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