Hardware Stores Use Resident Cats to Boost Sales
Local hardware stores are hiring cats to manage pests and bring more shoppers through the front door.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cats
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Retailers across the country are embracing store cats to foster a sense of community and drive foot traffic. Popular resident felines, like those at Shoppers True Value and Country Ace Hardware, are increasingly becoming fixtures that attract a younger demographic.
Why it matters
Business owners are using store cats as a unique way to boost engagement and improve sales. By creating a welcoming environment, these shops leverage the appeal of resident pets to distinguish themselves from larger chains.
A video featuring Daniel, the employee of the month at Shoppers True Value, garnered 67,000 views on Instagram. These store cats serve dual roles as pest management and community ambassadors in local shops.
The players
Shoppers True Value
A hardware retailer in South Portland known for employing resident felines like Daniel and Bigfoot.
Country Ace Hardware
A hardware outlet in Granby that utilizes cats as part of its daily store operations.
The details
Retailers utilize resident cats to provide a hands-on, community-focused shopping experience that appeals to younger customers. While the primary job of these animals is pest control, store owners promote them to build a friendly brand identity. By sharing videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, stores can amplify their reach far beyond their local neighborhood.
Timeline
October 2026: Trends regarding store cats gain visibility in retail reporting.
The Home Front
The rise of shop cats follows the broader retail strategy of creating experiential community-focused storefronts to drive physical foot traffic. This approach prioritizes neighborhood engagement to compete with impersonal online shopping platforms.
If you are a frequent visitor to a local shop with a resident cat, be mindful of any signage regarding pet-friendly behavior. When planning a trip to a local hardware store, check if your area businesses participate in pet-forward marketing to make your errand a family-friendly activity.
The takeaway
Store cats are becoming a creative tool for building local loyalty and brand visibility in the retail hardware sector. When visiting these stores, always respect the animals' boundaries and verify with staff before attempting to interact with the resident pet.
Further reading
Learn more about living with feline companions in our guide to Cats.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inc..
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Do you feel more inclined to visit local businesses that feature store animals?
