Southport pet stores find way to thrive
Southport, NC — With so much competition from big-box stores and the Internet, it’s surprising some small communities would be able to support even one small, independent pet store. But this town at the mouth of the Cape Fear River has three.
With its latest population estimate at 3,242, Southport is home to Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, National Petland and Zeetlegoo’s. And they’re all on the same street.
Owners say finding a niche is the key to everyone surviving in a tight economy.
“We are really different from all the other pet stores in that we are more boutiquey and what we carry is just so different from what everyone else carries,” said Tricia Zerhusen of Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats at 310 N. Howe St. “They can actually go to all the stores and see something different.”
You’ll find more gift and artsy pet-related items, all for dogs and cats only, at Cool Dogs than the other stores. Zeetlegoo’s, 1635 N. Howe St., also focuses on dogs and cats and has a large selection of specialty foods. National Petland at 806 N. Howe St. is more “utilitarian” than the other shops because it specializes in supplies, and doesn’t have a lot of cutesy decor and gifts, said owner Marlene Radford. It also has live animals such as birds, fish, frogs and a bearded dragon.
