Already Been Chewed
Donation protected
I am in a bit of a pickle. Two years ago I had a business idea to open a thrift store just for pet items. I thought it was a great idea and I still do. People tell me all the time what a great idea and what a wonderful store it is. So without a partner and no outside funding, I put everything I had into this venture. It just may not be something that can easily be run from a brick and mortar location. But honestly, that's what I love about it! I love that people can bring their dogs(cats, birds and even fish that one time!) into the store and try things on for a correct fit and ask questions. I love the location and my landlords are very nice. While the rent is a decent price, it is challenging to reach with sales. In fact, I haven't had a month yet where I broke even.
I don't even look at this business as a failure. In only it's second year, 2017 gross sales made me feel positive. But 2018 has had some setbacks. I had already been struggling to reach monthly goals and then a few bad months happened with the store. My other business I run that monetarily helps to keep the store going was having a tough time of it's own and could not help. I now find myself in a financial hole I can't get out of on my own.
So many people have already been insanely generous with their donations, their word of mouth, and their constant support with repeat sales, that I feel undeserving to ask for more - but this is where I stand. I am in the beginning of my third year of a three year lease and I need more time to unleash the potential the store has.
I have been building ideas, some already in motion, about how to generate business or more advertising , but first things first. I need to take care of the right now. The right now is paying rent and utilities for the month. I realize I put myself in this position. I poured everything I had into the business because I believed with my full heart on this idea and I think I can make this store a success with more time. It can benefit so many people!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and possibly helping the store to survive!
Jennifer Zito
Owner
Already Been Chewed
I don't even look at this business as a failure. In only it's second year, 2017 gross sales made me feel positive. But 2018 has had some setbacks. I had already been struggling to reach monthly goals and then a few bad months happened with the store. My other business I run that monetarily helps to keep the store going was having a tough time of it's own and could not help. I now find myself in a financial hole I can't get out of on my own.
So many people have already been insanely generous with their donations, their word of mouth, and their constant support with repeat sales, that I feel undeserving to ask for more - but this is where I stand. I am in the beginning of my third year of a three year lease and I need more time to unleash the potential the store has.
I have been building ideas, some already in motion, about how to generate business or more advertising , but first things first. I need to take care of the right now. The right now is paying rent and utilities for the month. I realize I put myself in this position. I poured everything I had into the business because I believed with my full heart on this idea and I think I can make this store a success with more time. It can benefit so many people!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and possibly helping the store to survive!
Jennifer Zito
Owner
Already Been Chewed
Organizer
Jennifer Zito
Organizer
Virginia Beach, VA