Business: Hollywood Feed
Address: 1212 S. Naper Blvd., Naperville
Phone/website: 630-445-8414; www.hollywoodfeed.com
Store Manager: Skye Daniels, 23, of Aurora
Years in business: 8
What does your business do? “Hollywood Feed caters to our customers and pets in need. We donate over $1 million (worth) of products over the course of a year to local shelters (around the nation), which is really cool. We work with a bunch of rescue partners,” Daniels said.
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This is part of a chain? “Yes. We are located more down south in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida. Now we’re working our way up (north). … It used to be called Pet People. Hollywood Feed bought out Pet People. There are almost 200 stores and they keep expanding. There are six in the Chicago area.”
Was the first store in Hollywood in California, or Hollywood, Florida? “No. They actually started a location on the corner of Hollywood Street. It was in Memphis.”
Do you sell food for fish, birds and other animals? “We used to carry small animal food, but now we cater mostly toward dogs and cats. … A lot of people are more willing to adopt cats and dogs at the moment.”
What are your hours? “Monday through Saturday we are 9 through 7. Sunday we are open 10 to 6:30. … We are busier after folks get off work. And the weekends. … We’re very busy from October to December. Maybe buying gifts for their pets, other pets, neighbors’ pets?”
How many employees work here? “Right now, just myself and Abigail Castillo. We are on course to hire two more positions.”
What happens when a new owner comes in? “Whether it’s a dog or a cat, we have a checklist. It will list all the things you can possibly need for your new pet. We give out coupons if you just bought or adopted a pet.”
What should new pet owners know? “Mostly about pet care we give recommendations. And you should know what to feed your animal. What food they start out on. Food is the most important part.”
Do young and old pets eat different foods? “Yes. There are different foods that cater toward puppies vs. seniors. The senior food can have supplements in them to help the hips and joints.”
Do you sell a wide range of brands? “We have more than 20 different brands of dog food. … We carry mostly food you don’t seen in big box stores. We like to go toward smaller brands, brands that are newly established but have really good ratings on their food.”
What should people know? “We sell dog biscuits here that humans can eat. They don’t taste good. Trust me. … They are selling. They are.”
Why is the right puppy food so important? “That’s how they grow, how their brain develops. The food has the nutritional needs and balances that they need in order to grow.”
Do you have a dog at home? “I have a miniature Australian shepherd. Twenty-five pounds. His name is Jarvis. … My previous dog passed last year. We decided to adopt a dog. I have Jarvis and two cats. One is named Loki and the other is named Miles. … I grew up with animals.”
Do you enjoy your job? “I love my job. I love it because of the customers. We build relationships with them. And I love the pets that come in. We get a wide variety of breeds that come in every day. … I love golden retrievers.”
And what about cats? “My cats are very picky about food and life. They rule the house. It’s their world, I’m just living in it.”
Do kids come in? “A lot of families come in to shop together.”
What sets you apart from similar stores? “Customer experience. We try to look for what’s best for you and your pet. We have the Hollywood Feed promise. If you or your pet does not love (the food), you can bring it back and return it. We’ll donate a bag of food instead of throwing it away.”
Do you have promotions? “We have the frequent feeder program. Once you buy 12 bags of (kitty) litter or food, then you’ll get one (bag) free.”
What specials do you offer? “People can bring their pets in and wash them themselves. We have shampoos, towels and a dryer. We clean up after them. It’s $15.99 per pet. … A good deal. No appointment needed. … We’re hoping to have an adoption event in December.”
What’s your advice for someone starting a business? “Nothing is impossible. Pursue what you love. Start from the bottom and work your way to the top.”
Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun. If you know of a business you’d like to see profiled in Down to Business, contact him at [email protected].