Still a neighbourhood store

Started by husband and wife team Biff Picone and Nadine Joli-Coeur in 2005, Natural Pawz now operates 16 stores in and around the Texan city of Houston. Although bent on expansion and in spite of the company being showered with local and industry awards in the ten years of its existence, its proprietors attach great importance to the chain retaining the character of a neighbourhood store. This means that each of the stores is deeply involved in the community, participating in neighbourhood events that promote community spirit, donating pet food and supplies and connecting future pet owners with pet rescue groups. Just recently the company donated 100 000 lbs of pet food to Houston-area pet shelters and rescue groups to mark National Pet Day, and even Houston's mayor Annise Parker attended. This is not an isolated incident: sponsoring adoption events and bringing the issues of local shelter animals to the forefront of the public's consciousness are extremely important to the owners of Natural Pawz. They are also committed to supplying pet oxygen masks to different fire stations within the Houston area.

The mission of Natural Pawz is to be the no. 1 health food store for pets. Each store carries a wide range of wellness products, collars and leads, bedding and special treats for cats and dogs. The company sells holistic, natural and human-grade pet foods as well as natural supplements and delicious treats with ingredients that promote a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Manufacturers and partners working with Natural Pawz are closely scrutinised, as the company's slogan declares that "we only partner with companies who share in our values of integrity, honesty and high quality". The suppliers seem to appreciate this consistent approach to best quality: according to company spokeswoman Megan F. Salch, "we are the only retailer that has been given behind-the-scenes access to some manufacturers' production facilities. This is indicative of our extensive product research and of the manufacturers' trust in our market leadership." 

It goes without saying that the success of the company as a whole depends on the competence of the staff, something everyone is aware of at Natural Pawz. Training thus takes…