By Alex LaCasse
Portsmouth Herald, N.H.
WWR Article Summary (tl;dr) JoAnn Goldsmith, founder of “Paws Pet Boutique” says she specializes in selling locally sourced, all-natural and organic dog and cat food, as well as toys and other pet supply products.
EXETER
With so many dog owners walking their canine companions downtown, JoAnn Goldsmith saw an opportunity.
Goldsmith is the owner of Paws Pet Boutique in Amesbury, Massachusetts, and a successful pet-sitting business called Pet Au Pair.
She said once a storefront opened up on Water Street in what was formerly the Decorum shop, she took one look at the antique hardwood shelves inside that date back to the 1800s when shop was a pharmacy and envisioned her squeaky toys and organic pet food displayed on them.
“I’m so excited to be in Exeter,” Goldsmith said. “Exeter has a lively downtown area, there’s a lot of foot traffic and there are a lot dogs being walked up and down Water Street.”
On Friday, Goldsmith will open a second Paws Pet Boutique at 171 Water St. She said she specializes in selling locally sourced, all-natural and organic dog and cat food, as well as toys and other pet supply products in an upscale boutique setting.
Her shop features numerous treats for pets that would even make a human’s mouth water.
Goldsmith said she prides herself in being a one-stop shop for dog and cat owners and is looking forward to getting to know her new community.
She is hosting a grand opening party July 28, which will feature refreshments, giveaways and raffle prizes. She said all are welcome and their four-legged companions are invited as well.
She said she hosts a certified veterinarian technician to do animal nail-trimming once a month in her Amesbury location and hopes to offer the service when she gets up and running.
“People have choices on where they want to shop, they want to like who they do business with,” Goldsmith said. “We’re entirely different than a big chain pet shop. We want to get to know our customers and we want to know the dogs and cats who come in with them.”
Darren Winham, director of economic development said Paws’ new location will be a hit with Exeter’s pet owners.
“JoAnn is a knowledgeable, upbeat entrepreneur and her business model is proven. She’s been a pleasure to work with,” Winham said.
Goldsmith said Paws will be open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
