“Happiness is a warm puppy,” Peanuts creator Charles Schultz famously said, and money can buy (and sell) a puppy - at about $1,000 in gross profit per pup it turns out. Filament Business Advisors is excited to bring this successful pet store to the market. While the puppy market nationally is consistent, but flat, as many buyers switch from big purebreads to rescues, one area outperforms the market significantly. The demand for smaller companion breeds and designer doodles is growing at a CAGR of 8.7%. Buyers are willing to pay top dollar to reputable, ethical breeders who provide certified health clearances, pushing low-tier "backyard breeders" out of the market. An aging population downsizing to smaller homes, and an increasingly urbanized population are pushing this growth. This business meets this demand.

This business draws clients from over 3 hours and states away through extensive online advertising for adorable puppies from a strong network of ethical breeders who follow strict veterinary and health protocols. The state of the art, professional e-commerce website also serves as the gateway to a digital management system in which buyer and business alike can track puppy records and documentation at any time. Most customers fall in love online, might put down a deposit to hold it, and soon show up to pick out their puppies and pay any remainder in person. The 2,400 square foot storefront is open 5 days a week, 6 hours a day, offers plenty of parking and myriad individually ventilated puppy pod displays and a back area for grooming, care and preparation. The business also sells starter supplies and accessories, like crates, beds and leashes. A significant amount of business is by referral from previous customers.

Two full time sales associates handle cleaning, care and retail sales while the part time office manager handles documentation and compliance, at the shop and remotely. The owner currently oversees the marketing and advertising, manages breeder and supplier relationships, and selects puppies for sale. The owner has businesses in other states and is looking to move out of state. He is willing to offer ample training and transition support to the right buyer. The right buyer would be someone who loves dogs, people, dog people and e-commerce. A corporate America refugee looking for a business to feed body and soul might find a new home in doing the same for doe-eyed puppies. A great strategic buyer who already owns a grooming service, pet supply store, kennel or doggy hotel could do well to buy up the supply chain and the rolodex with this business.

A new owner could easily add more supplies, accessories, toys, snacks and grooming services, as little competition exists nearby and the physical plant is already built for it. That being said, since people usually drive hours to pick up their new best friends, the business could be moved anywhere. Finding good employees to work with adorable puppies has proven surprisingly easy, even in the country. Moving the business to someplace with more foot traffic - or near a new owner’s home - would have minimal negative impact on the business. Relocating to someplace with a higher density of apartments and smaller homes puts the business closer to probable customers without losing anyone.