This is the first in a regular feature introducing you to the many small business owners along Jackson, why they love being part of the neighborhood, and what they hope to see in the future in our district. We know doing business on Jackson takes dedication, courage, and some luck. These folks need your business, so please print those coupons, and go in and say “Hi!”
Nicole Vasquez, Owner
Immortal Dog Pet Supply
http://immortaldogpetsupply.com/
1712 S. Jackson Street
Immortal Dog is admittedly one of the more upscale establishments on Jackson, and part of what we thought might have been wave of new businesses opening between 20th and 16th, a wave that never really materialized with the economic collapse of 2008 slowing development. Upscale or not, it’s the type of business we’d like see more of on Jackson: a well-thought out interior, unique products, often locally made (or like the dog biscuits, totally cooked in Nicole’s kitchen), and a business owner committed to the community with plenty of events, like the PAWS adoption days to draw folks to our neighborhood.
We had a chance earlier this week to chat with Nicole about the what it’s like to be the lone retail store on her end of Jackson.
How long have you been in business?
We opened in February of 2009 – so almost 3 1/2 years!
Why did you move to Jackson?
I relocated to Seattle in 2005 from Los Angeles. I chose this neighborhood as it was close to everything and had a nice diversity about it. When it came time to open a business I never considered opening anywhere else but on Jackson. I love the people in our neighborhood and I was really excited to be the first specialty retailer on Jackson Street. At the time I lived in Welch Plaza so that was also a bonus, and I still live in the neighborhood. The Central District is just a great place to be.
What’s the best thing doing business on Jackson Street?
We are the only pet specialty retailer in the area so we have a lot of dedicated customers. There are a lot of people who use Jackson as their main thoroughfare, so the traffic is high and parking is good for our customers. It’s easy for people to get to us.
What do you need to change on Jackson to be a more successful business?
I think many of us expected to see some growth on Jackson like in many of the other neighborhoods in Seattle. That has not happened. Three years later I am the only specialty retailer and we have no other new small business that draw foot traffic in the neighborhood. We need more retail and restaurants. We don’t need more offices and mini-marts.
We need to give our neighbors a reason to walk in our neighborhood. Columbia City is a great example of a thriving small neighborhood. Great food options, coffee, bars, shops and services. I am not sure how we make that happen but I wish building owners would work hard to bring these types of businesses into the neighborhood.
LOOK: A COUPON!
Seriously, thanks Nicole for taking the time to chat with us! People, go get your dog, cat, or hedgehog a little toy, check all the healthy quality pet food and supplies, and say hi to Nicole! Just print this page, or walk in there with your phone and show her this page. It’s that easy.
