A new pet store is slowly opening at 700 E. McCarty St.
Premium Pets caters to people looking for premium pet products. Many of its products are made by small businesses around the country and are dog and cat foods that contain natural ingredients.
Premium Pets owner Brittany Schlup said she feels like she can carve out a niche in Jefferson City and be different from larger competitors like PetSmart, Target and Menards by offering customers a good value on premium pet products.
"A lot of these foods and treats, you're not going to find in your big retail chain stores," Schlup said. "These specific brands typically will only allow small brick-and-mortar businesses to sell their foods."
The store carries niche brands of dry dog foods and cat foods, as well as a goat milk probiotic for dogs transitioning from dry food to wet food or if they have an upset stomach.
The store also carries smart-locking leashes that prevent dogs from bolting out because it has an automatic lock when it's pulled on rapidly.
"This has an automatic lock when it does that," Schlup said. "Like your seatbelt can lock you."
Schlup said the leash has shock absorbers made from bungee cord, so it doesn't strangle dogs on the leash. Pet owners probably would not be able to find this leash at other stores in Jefferson City, Schlup said. The store also carries a selection of rawhide bones and other pet products.
"You're not going to find this anywhere else in Jefferson City," Schlup said, holding the leash. "You go to Columbia, you might find some of these things."
The store began a soft launch last week as Schlup puts the finishing touches on it.
Schlup said the store still has to get more collars and leashes. Her point-of-sale system also has not arrived yet.
An awning for the store being made in Columbia is the final touch. Schlup said she hopes to have a grand opening as soon as that arrives, which could be in about two weeks.
"You're welcome to come in," Schlup said. "We accept payments, but bear with me."