Local mom-and-pop style pet store has a wide variety of product offerings

In 1992, Premier Pet Supply opened its first store in Beverly Hills, Michigan, with a commitment to provide exceptional goods and services to the community it serves. 

Thirty years later, that promise holds true. 

With nine stores throughout metro Detroit –– and four more slated to open this year –– Premier Pet Supply prides itself on knowing its customers and their pets.

"We established that mentality from the beginning of being an old-school neighborhood store," said owner Mike Palmer. "We have very much a mom-and-pop shop feel, and we worked really hard to create a family atmosphere with familiar faces and pets that we know by name. It's a warm, friendly and inviting environment."  

Palmer understands the importance of shopping local, and it's not only because of the customers who visit his stores. Staying local is part of everything he does — from purchasing from local suppliers to supporting local organizations.

"We go out of our way to support local businesses," Palmer said. "We want to keep the money local and support local entrepreneurs. We are proud to support our community." 

Premier Pet Supply sells products from more than 25 Michigan companies –– more than any big-box store in the area. Michigan-made treats, supplements and toys are just some of the local offerings in the store. The company also features a Michigan product each month. 

"Sixty percent of money that is spent locally stays local," he said. "We want to support the companies that are employing people locally while we are doing the same."

Premier Pet Supply also is involved with local chambers of commerce and partners with local groomers, veterinarians and boarding facilities to help give back to the community. 

"We are in their communities to provide goods and services to them, and we want to give back," Palmer said. "It all comes full circle."

Many people in the community shop at Premier Pet Supply because they recognize the employees as pet experts. The staff receives ongoing training about everything from nutrition to health ailments.

The staff also keenly understands the products sold in the stores –– and they can offer recommendations when customers have questions. That's particularly important because, in many cases, they already know many of the animals and their owners who come into the store.

"They know the history of many of the pets, and they can base recommendations specifically toward each pet's situation –– whether it's skin and coat, digestive issues, allergies, aging or obesity," he said. "They know and understand the products we carry. They help our customers through it." 

Premier Pet Supply's four new stores will be located in Westland, Riverview, Brighton and downtown Detroit. In those stores, Palmer hopes to develop the same community-focused relationship that exists at the other locations.

The new stores will have designated space for cat adoptions with the Michigan Humane Society, as well as local dog rescues and adoptions.

"We feel an obligation to every community we are in," he said. "We're just as committed to the community outside our stores as we are to the community inside our four walls." 

And that sense of community is what continues to bring people back –– whether it's customers or former employees.

"We have families who have shopped with us for years, and we have former employees who have had kids, and now their kids are working in our stores," he said. "It's incredible to be in a community that long and to see generations of people shop with us. It's because we're knowledge-based, and we have earned their trust." 

The stores offer online, curbside and free local delivery. And the store's prices are very competitive. 

"Some people assume because we're a smaller group of stores that you won't find the same selection as the big-box stores, but we carry more brands of food than any other pet supply store in Michigan," he said. "Our prices are competitive because we're smaller –– we can bend and flex more easily, and we'll go out of our way to earn people's trust and earn their business."

To find a Premier Pet Supply location in your community, visit premierpetsupply.com.