Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
We opened in 2003, specializing in only the best pet foods, healthy treats, and unique pet items. We offer a great selection of pet collars and accessories. In 2006, we moved to a larger space and added a pet play area and a photo studio. In 2007, we added grooming.
What is your primary product or service?
All Natural Foods including; raw diet for dogs (Bravo, Primal and Nature's Variety), Orijen (pet food of the year 3 years in a row), Acana, Fromm, Wysong, Honest Kitchen, SoJo's, Nature's Variety, and Merrick.
Healthy Treats with no wheat, corn, soy, added sugar or salt.
Unique Collars, Dog Clothes, and other accessories.
High Quality Pet Beds
And more like; Backpacks, Life Jackets, and great toys.
Plus, gifts for pet lovers.
Grooming
Pet Photography
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I began researching pet food and found that what is typically offered at supply stores and grocery stores was not giving my pets optimal health. Even those popularly recommended (like Iams, Science Diet, so on)foods that you have been told are premium are not the best that you can do for your pet. There are diets that are lower or no grain that are much better. There are companies that are smaller than the mega corps and they use better quality ingredients and more nutritious recipes. I decided that people needed to hear about all this and have a place they could purchase these products.
Also, there were so many great products out there for dogs that you can't get at the plain jane pet supply stores or the big box merchants and we wanted to bring all of that to our area. I had been to so many dog boutique's across the country and we didn't have anything like that in Kalamazoo, so Bark's 5th Avenue was conceived.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We have quality products, that we have researched and are very knowledgable about. We can help you with product solutions that work for your pet, family, and home.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have one location
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are on Oakland Drive 1-1/2 miles north of I-94, just past Parkview in the Oakwood Shopping Plaza along with Sawall's, Treat Street, The Mercantile and many other great stores.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash is great, but we take Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and local checks.
Which areas do you service?
Greater Kalamazoo/Portage area, but we have people coming from St. Joseph, Grand Rapids, Lansing and other cities for our specialty items.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Deb Watson
What are your hours of operation?
Monday - Friday 10am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Closed Sunday