Making It Click Julie Jacobs is owner of Dogs & Friends, an online boutique of high-fashion products for dogs. With more than 20 years of experience as a sales and marketing professional in New York City's designer apparel industry, combined with her passion for working with dogs, Julie brings a unique perspective to the world of selling pet products via the web. Every other week, she will be focusing on all things directly and tangentially related to successful e-tailing. Julie can be reached at julie@dogandfriends.com

May 13, 2013
Fun Items for Fashion Divas
It's time to check out some fun and fashionable items from pet carriers to hair bows. ...More»

April 16, 2013
A Look Back at Global Pet Expo 2013, Part 2
This month, let’s talk about some unique, functional items I found at Global Pet Expo...More»

March 22, 2013
A Look Back at Global Pet Expo 2013, Part 1
Another fabulous Global Pet Expo has come and gone. It was an exciting show that featured many new and innovative products...More»

February 14, 2013
It's National Pet Dental Health Month: Time to Shine Those Pearly Whites
February is National Pet Dental Health Month. This is a great time to promote pet toothbrushes and other oral care products. ...More»

January 11, 2013
Maintain Marketing Efforts After the Holidays
The holidays have come and gone, and now we need to keep the attention of our customers—both old and new...More»

December 7, 2012
How Hurricane Sandy Destroyed My Condo and My Holiday Retail Plans
Instead of practicing what I preach and gearing up for the Christmas rush, I have been sidetracked by other priorities thanks to Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy. ... More»

October 26, 2012
Conjuring Halloween Fun in Your Store
Ahhh, the beginning of the holiday season is upon us. And there is no better way to kick it off than with some spooky Halloween fun... More»

October 18, 2012
A Little Holiday Prep Goes a Long Way: Part 2
Last blog I talked about gearing up for the very busy retail months that can make or break your year. I discussed... More»

September 27, 2012
A Little Holiday Prep Goes a Long Way: Part 1
Now is the time to gear up for the upcoming busy retail months that can make or break your year... More»

September 6, 2012
Back to School
Can you believe we are already in the third quarter of the year? Where does the time go... More»

August 22, 2012
Cater to Customers Traveling with Their Pets This Summer
Summer is upon us so it is time to hit the road to our favorite vacation spots. Today, many families are traveling as a family and that means taking our family pets along for the ride... More»

August 9, 2012
The New York Gift Show: A Resource For Your Pet Store
The New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) is just around the corner on August 18-22, 2012, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City... More»

July 30, 2012
Promote Outdoor Pet Gear This Camping Season
We’re in the mid-summer doldrums, so what to do? A new adventure seems in order. Many Americans love hitting the campgrounds this time of year... More»

June 21, 2012
Hurray for the Red, White & Blue
Happy July 4th! The year is now half over—time just flies away so quickly these days. So many festivities surround this holiday... More»

June 6, 2012
Global Pet Expo Finds
As promised, I am going to feature some products I viewed at this year’s Global Pet Expo trade show... More»

May 25, 2012
A Toast to the Dads of the World
Father’s Day already, where has this year gone? It is flying by way too fast. Time to plan for a fun day with dad: a hot lazy day around the pool, BBQs, boating or... More»

April 30, 2012
It’s All About Mom
It is time to celebrate all the moms of the world, both two- and four-legged, so how about a little "Mommy and Me” event to promote Mother’s Day and generate reasons to buy... More»

April 3, 2012
Spring Forward to Warmer Weather
The worse of winter is behind us—well, at least the bitter cold months. Now it’s time to put on our spring hats and started thinking of how to change our assortment offerings to warmer-weather gear... More»

March 19, 2012
Global Pet Expo 2012
As are many of you, my feet are now recovering from three days of non-stop walking the expansive Global Pet Expo in sunny, warm Orlando. What a great event... More»

March 12, 2012
Rev Up the Ride and Join the Stream of Pups Headed to Biker Week
Early March is Biker Time here in Central Florida. Thousands of motorcyclists head for Daytona Beaches’ famous Bike week. For a full seven days, everywhere you turn there is a sea of motorcycles... More»

February 6, 2012
Reaching Out to Your Customers
The holidays have come and gone; now we need to keep the attention of our customers and, hopefully, new-found customers from the past shopping rush... More»

January 24, 2012
Tie Into the Super Bowl Frenzy for Winning Sales
Share the excitement with your furry friends. Reach out to the several companies offering licensed team clothing, accessories and home goods. It is a great time to have some fun on your website or in your store... More»

December 22, 2011
Little Work, Lots of Play Makes for a Great Day
On December 17, 2011, I spent a fun full day at the 11th annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship invitation-only dog show at the Orlando Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. What a great time. And what a great place to spot new merchandise trends and novelty items... More»

 December 9, 2011
Merchandising Holiday Product to Maximize Sales
It’s that time of year to maximize your selling power. Change up your website and make it festive to put your consumer into the holiday spirit. Give web surfers a reason to stop and check out your site. Hopefully, they’ll become new loyal consumers year-round ... More»