What would you do?

[AdamB]

Hi all - just after opinions please guys?

Right, first off - I only ask here to get a general opinion on this ................... problem, and I have nothing against anyone or any charity - but, as you can see - when things start to affect trade and business something must be done.

Last year we did a few hoodies for a local blind charity and they often come in and have this and that done, and I often do posters for them free of charge.

As the members are blind (or very nearly blind) they have guide dogs that are more than welcome in our shop (and should be by law in all shops where applicable).

The first couple of times after they had left we noticed that there was a lot of dog hairs on hoodies and clothing that we have on rails. We said politely that they'd have to watch their dogs as hair was going onto garments.

The next time customers were in the shop and put hoodies back as they had dog hairs on them (we were serving at the time and couldn't do anything at that particular time).

Today, same thing - as we were chatting I noticed the dogs brushing up and down some hoodies and other clothing and as they are labradors a lot of hair was coming off. So I said (again very politely) to watch the dogs as they were brushing up against the clothing.

Now the thing is, I don't want to offend anyone - the dogs can legally come in the shop - but the owners of the dogs can't see too well and obviously can't see what's happening.

As I say - nothing against anyone, nothing at all but you have to understand that I am now in a very difficult position of what to do?

Anyone have any advice or opinions?

[Lee]

Not that Im saying you should, but can you rearrange the displays somehow?

[Paul]

Polite note on the window???










I get my coat.

[AJLA]

But if you can't see it??

[John G]

Now that's a predicament!

Is there any chance you can raise your garment rails so they'll be out of dogs reach?

[AdamB]

Can't move the rails. We have the rails down the sides of the shop as we also like to make sure there is enough room for double buggies etc. To be honest the shop isn't that big and we could fit more in the centre but those with prams like the fact that we have made room for them.

I would say the gap in the centre is about 10 foot between rails



As you say - a sign would be directed at them and that's not what I want to do, plus as you say they can't read them due to poor vision.



The rails can't be highered and are at there highest point - any higher they could topple over and be a hazzard

[RogerC]

Is it possible to have a polythene sheet attached in some way so you can drape it over the clothing when the dogs are in the shop?

[AdamB]

Is it possible to have a polythene sheet attached in some way so you can drape it over the clothing when the dogs are in the shop?

Good idea RogerC and I'm not being negative but what if someone was looking through the hoodie rails when I had a visit, or the polythene sheet could be a hazard in itself to children if they start to play with it.

I can see where you're coming from though.

[RogerC]

Good idea RogerC and I'm not being negative but what if someone was looking through the hoodie rails when I had a visit, or the polythene sheet could be a hazard in itself to children if they start to play with it.

I can see where you're coming from though.

Thicker poly sheet shouldn't be a 'kiddie' hazard. If it was draped in vertical strips (say 18 inches wide and slightly overlaping) customers could still access the items on the rail.

If you have a good relationship with this group have you tried simply and ever so politely asking them to limit the 'wanderings' of the dogs because the dog hair is making your stock unsaleable?

It's not a nice position to be in and IMO it needs to be resolved because it is clearly something that could damage your business if word gets around that you have dog hair all over your stock.

[John G]

Microfibre type wand/brush and when they're gone, a quick once over should sort it. I cannot see how you can restrict them around the shop as, like you say - they're entitled to come in. If you start laying down the law you might loose a good customer.

Cheers John