Store greeters of all types and species serve an important function in breaking the ice and easing threshold resistance. In the case of the four-legged variety, they offer a special breed of retail therapy, attract their share of regular admirers, and may even turn out to be adorably approachable jewelry models. Best of all, they add to your store experience and evoke an emotional response. Shoppers will be more than likely to just drop by to say hi.
Star Jewelers on HighColumbus, OH
THE ENGAGEMENT COUNSELOR. Rachel Howard of Star Jewelers on High in Columbus, OH, says her shop dog, Daisy, an 11-year-old Australian shepherd, loves to sit in the window and people watch, and as a result, brings passersby in to say hi. “Her favorite customers are engagement ring shoppers,” Howard says. “We think she senses their anxiety and sits by them to be a therapy dog and a source of comfort.”
Vogan Gold & Silver WorksColorado Springs, CO
THE RETAIL THERAPIST. Shelby is 6 years old and has been a greeter at Vogan Gold & Silver Works in Colorado Springs since she was 10 weeks old. While she loves all customers, she is having an “open fling” with the neighborhood UPS man, Wayne. “I say open because Wayne’s wife is well aware and is OK that he has Shelby’s picture on the visor in his big brown truck,” says Teri Vogan. Though Shelby will not change watch batteries, size a ring or tighten a diamond, she is good at customer service in the form of retail therapy. “She works hard,” Vogan says, “and only asks for animal crackers and elbow rubs.” (In the photo, apprentice Hollie Hyde offers Shelby an elbow rub.)
Art + SoulBoulder, CO
THE GREATEST MARKETING TOOL. Harry Winston, a.k.a. Winston the Yorkie, is the shop dog at Art + Soul in Boulder, CO. His claim to fame, says owner Debbie Klein, is that he is “The Best Dog. Ever.” His job duties include lounging in the sun in the front window and attracting passersby. ”He is our greatest marketing tool,” Klein says. “If you have a cookie, he will be your best friend for life. He used to have more friends on Facebook than I did until Facebook required us to provide proof that he was over age 13 to continue his page. He didn’t have a current ID, so they shut it down.”
LaLonde Jewelers & GemologistsGross Pointe Farms, MI
THE CHIEF MORALE OFFICER. Coco, a Maltese-poodle mix, is chief morale officer at LaLonde Jewelers & Gemologists in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, owned by Daniel and Cynthia LaLonde. When she’s not posing for glamour shots for advertisements, she can regularly be found waiting eagerly at the door to greet customers.
Elizabeth Diamond Co.Dayton, OH
THE BEST FRIEND. At Elizabeth Diamond Co. in Dayton, OH, German shepherd DaisyGirl comes to the store with owner Sonny Singhvi every day. She spends time on the sales floor greeting clients and has a following of fans that stop by and ask to see and pet her. She also specializes in sitting pretty on elegant, upholstered chairs.
Persona Custom & Fine JewelryBoston, MA
THE RED CARPET STARLET. Independence, aka Indi, belongs to the owners of a hardware store that happens to be next door to Persona Custom & Fine Jewelry on Charles Street, a pedestrian-friendly shopping mecca in Boston. As Indi’s name suggests, she goes where she pleases. But, as a luxury lover, she prefers to spend much of her time on the red carpet entrance to Persona or on the store’s Swarovski-crystal tufted, overstuffed accent chair. People come by just to visit Indi, who may look haughty but is actually quite approachable, according to Persona’s creative director, Dustin Rennells. (photo credit: Kelsey Riggs)
Robert Goodman JewelersZionsville, IN
THE WATCH DOGS. Rescue dogs Quincy (black and white) and Journey (brown and white) both work for Robert Goodman Jewelers in Zionsville, IN. Because the store, owned by Robert and Rose-Marie Goodman, has a museum vibe, they seem to be experts at posing as if they, too, are works of art. They also spend quality time peering out the front door.
Lily & Company JewelersSanibel Island, FL
THE BRAND ICON. Lily & Company Jewelers, owned by Karen Bell and Dan Schuyler, was named for Bell’s Labradoodle, Lily, who has become the face of the business in print ads and billboards, where, adorned in top of the line, photo-shopped jewels, she greets every visitor to Sanibel Island, FL. Every year, Lily’s birthday party is a major event on the island. This year, she was preparing to celebrate her 14th in April.
de Boulle Diamond & JewelryDallas, TX
THE GLAMOUR QUEEN. Roo, an Italian greyhound, has a regal presence befitting her luxurious environment at DeBoulle. “Since 2015, Roo has been sniffing out the best jewelry and customers,” says Josh Garcia, director of creative and marketing. “Before her day begins, we make sure she is pampered and polished, and she loves to wear jewelry. Her typical day involves greeting everyone at the door to deliver the de Boulle experience and puppy kisses.”
Sami Fine JewelryFountain Hills, AZ
THE HR SPECIALISTS. Jewel and Gemma are very effective in the HR department, according to owner Stephenie Bjorkman. They keep everyone on an even keel, staff and customers alike. “Animals are great therapists,” she says. When clients come in, they quickly forget that they are “just looking” and immediately let their guard down. Gemma also sits on kids’ laps when they get their ears pierced, easing anxiety. They entertain watch customers, too, while they are waiting. “I can hear customers say, ‘This is the last time I will throw the ball for you,’ then an hour passes,” Bjorkman says.
Mitchell’s JewelersPikesville, MD
THE PROFESSIONAL CHARMER. “Meet Charlie, our newest and cutest part-time sales associate. He’s best with greeting customers and making everyone smile,” says Mitchell Dickler, president of Mitchell’s.
Nancy and David Fine JewelsMilburn, NJ
THE GREETER. At Nancy and David Fine Jewels, co-owners David and Nancy Stone know they can rely on mini-poodle Rico to welcome customers.