For 32 years Knapp has offered wide variety of pets from 10 cents to $2,000

Name of business: Colonial Pet Shoppe
Ownership: Randy Knapp
When business started: 1977
Location: 1310 S. 35th St., Manitowoc
Phone: (920) 682-0713
Web site: www.colonialpetshoppeinc.com

Hours and days of operation: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed on Sundays in June, July, August

Services provided/products sold: Colonial Pet Shoppe, a full-service pet shop, has been offering personal customer service for more than 30 years. Formerly in the Capitol Civic Center building, the shop moved to its present location in 1987.

Knapp said his Colonial Pet Shoppe "considers the care of your best friend our top priority."

He and his 12 employees help customers choose and care for many kinds of pets, including fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and small animals. Customer service includes carrying items to the car, tank delivery, small animal and bird sitting and individual attention to customers' questions about products and care for each pet.

The shop features aquariums and aquarium supplies in residential and business environments. They offer a wide variety of tropical and salt-water fish and plants, live coral and supplies.

Colonial Pet offers full aquarium delivery and installation service (small fee) and monthly service and maintenance (monthly fee) for residential and business aquariums.

Birds sold at Colonial Pet include cockatiels, finches, parakeets, lovebirds, canaries, small and large parrots, doves and pigeons.

The small animal collection includes rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, dwarf hamsters, mice, rats and ferrets.

The reptile and amphibian section of the store features snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises. The shop offers at least 10 kinds of snakes and a half dozen different turtles and tortoises. Lizard selection includes iguanas, water dragons, geckos, green basilisk, chameleons and bearded dragons.

Colonial Pet Shoppe carries all the supplies needed for the pets they sell including a wide variety of seeds, feed, toys, cages, grooming supplies, health care products, toys, rawhide chews, flea and tick control products, cat furniture, dog houses, pet cages, pet carriers, cat litter and pet beds.

Their extensive Web site lists the products they sell. Even though they don't sell cats and dogs, the store carries a variety of cat and dog food brands and supplies.

Prices for birds range from $10 for a small bird to $2,000 for a more exotic bird. Reptiles range from $5 to $300. Hamsters can cost from $5 to $30, dwarf rabbits around $20, and guinea pigs around $25. Customers pay ten cents for a gold fish and from $5 to $200 for a variety of marine salt-water fish.

Knapp supports the community through involvement with The Chamber of Manitowoc County, the United Way including its 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Big Brothers-Big Sisters Bowl-A-Thon and other community events.

The shop also gives presentations and tours for daycare groups, nursing homes and schools to educate the community on the care and handling of pets.

How has business changed since opening? Thirty years ago, when the shop was located next to the movie theater, dogs and cats were part of the inventory.

Today, the inventory has grown to offer more exotic pets. The reptile pet industry has grown and Colonial Pet offers a wide variety of reptiles, birds, and fish. Knapp said aquarium technology has changed through the years becoming more advanced and their aquarium maintenance accounts have grown.

Who are the customers and from where? Colonial Pet Shoppe has had loyal customers including generations of families, coming from Manitowoc County, Green Bay, Appleton and the Milwaukee area.

Who or what is the competition? Knapp said his competition includes the "big box" stores. Colonial Pet Shoppe is the only independently owned full service pet shop in the area with a knowledgeable staff that has worked for Knapp for many years.

How is marketing done? Besides its Web site, and Knapp places ads in the newspaper and over the radio. Knapp is a large community supporter and he said word of mouth brings in satisfied customers.

What are the keys to future success? Knapp said the keys to future success are offering great customer service, having a knowledgeable staff, keeping prices competitive and keeping up with technology.

Factors under control or not under control of ownership? Factors under his control the staff he hires, deciding what to have in his inventory and his different community endeavors.

The factor not under his control is the economy.

What is your role of creativity or imagination in running the business or selling your products or services? Knapp said a key to creativity is having interesting displays, special manufacturer promotions and seasonal items on display to attract the customers. Offering aquarium setup and maintenance also has been a popular feature with customers.

What is challenging or frustrating? Colonial Pet Shoppe has a sign in the window that says "shop- compare-save." It can be a challenge getting the word out that the big box stores do not always have the best deals.

What is enjoyable? Knapp said, "I started and built this business and I enjoy the customers. Owning your own business gives you a certain amount of freedom, and I enjoy being involved in community events. It's nice to call our customers by first name since we've been in the business for 33 years."

top of page