MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Mares-Z-Doats of Marquette has held a strong customer base since the early 80’s, offering everything from lawncare needs to animal feed.
“Our biggest items are dog food, cat food, and other pet supplies,” said Manager, Jennifer Hallinen.
The store sources from a majority of local brands. Hallinen says even with increases in shipping costs over the past year, making the right choices for its products has helped keep that heightened customer base, especially when relying on a specific product for their animals.
“With the price increases, we haven’t had to drop any lines, but we’re trying to buy smarter,” said Hallinen.
While increases have been seen in items like dog food, the store has been able to adjust by adding those dollars into discounts for its customers.
“We’ve tried to combat that by lowering some of our margins, not necessarily passing along the extra costs,” said Hallinen.
Mares-Z-Doats also offers a program to its customers to help alleviate those higher expenses as they build over time.
“We have a frequent buyer program for pet food, and as they keep eating, it’s easy to get to that frequent buyer number for that free bag,” said Hallinen.
WZMQ 19 will feature a local business each Friday for a look at how prices could be adjusting across the U.P.
