Southeast, NY
I buy some t
hings online. Ok, many things. Just like alot of people nowadays. That has hurt traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers and has made local small business a difficult business to be in. So how do you attract people? By makings a visit to a local store an experiential event, not just a transaction. Animal Kingdom USA does just that. And with three young kids I am always looking for things to do.
Every now and then, usually when we need dog food, we head over to Animal Kindom at 100 Independent Way in Southeast. It turns a kibble-buying chore into a fun thing to do with my kids. For only 25 cents a bag, the kids can buy fish food and feed the fish in the large open pool. I give my kids the money and make THEM approach the staff to ask for what they want, encouraging them to use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. This helps them build confidence in public. A bag of food lasts anywhere from 2 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on if they spill it, and they enjoy watching the fish gobble up the food.
We then head to the cages with bunnies, mice and other rodent-type animals, then spend some time checking out the fish and reptiles in the back room – a dark room lined with three isles of tanks of assorted things to learn about. I don’t feel bad knowing that I will probably never buy these fish, because I know I will buy my canine supplies at Animal Kingdom on a regular basis. Even if, in theory, I may be able to find it ‘cheaper’ on the internet, I am paying both for my rescued Boxer’s food as well as the experience. I would also argue that I may not be able to find it cheaper online – we have just been conditioned to believe that is a fact.
Next, we take a walk through the bird enclosure – which my wife stays out of because she fears birds have a dislike for her long, beautiful blondish-red-brown hair. Finally, we pick up our supplies and head to the checkout, after spending an enjoyable 30 to 60 minutes learning about the world around us.
Support local businesses like Aminal Kingdom USA by shopping there. You are geting your money’s worth. They hold birthday parties and other events from time to time. For more info, visit their website at www.animalkingdomusa.com or call them at 845/278-6400. And tell them you read about it on AdventuresAroundPutnam.com!