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Ingleside’s neighborhood pet shop just got bigger and better.
Ocean Paws Pet Boutique, the pet store that opened last year on Ingleside’s stretch of Ocean Avenue, took over the space vacated by Chase Bank in its building complex to increase its space for retail and vet clinic along with a pet hotel.
Co-owners Mike Sorrels, Fernando Gomez and Raul Morales completed weeks of renovations and held a soft opening on Oct. 1 and a grand opening party this weekend.
“We made a deal and moved retail over to this space,” Sorrels said. “So we threw in and we're doing it — we're making it happen.”
They are adding new items daily to their inventory and still operate grooming services and the pet playground. They carry significantly more cat products among a variety of pet clothes, toys and treats that fill the floor. They have added new freezers for a variety of food and TV screens to display deals, services and photos of the pet of the week.
Ocean Paws carries much more inventory in its new storefront. Anne Marie Kristoff/Ingleside Light
“We have so many more products that we can help guide our customers to have the best product possible as well as a nice open space for people and the whole community to have something accessible for their pets,” said Gabriel Rios, the store’s clerk and inventory manager.
Sorrels said they also have a loyalty rewards program, a promo book and plans to release a monthly email newsletter filled with deals.
The store’s grand opening is this Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. during the neighborhood’s Halloween block party on Faxon Avenue. Visitors can expect a variety of deals such as $10 off 25-plus pound bags of kibble, giveaways, raffles and more.
“Everybody's super excited to see the store grow and to be able to know that we're neighbors,” Sorrels said. “That's probably the most rewarding part I think, for us, is that we have such a great base of loyal, kind, neighborhood customers. It makes all the difference in the world.”
While they are keeping up with the latest trends in the industry, they are more than willing to add or help you find any items you are looking for that are outside of their current inventory.
“It’s just nice to see. Mike’s been a really hard worker, wanting to branch out so we’re glad that he did and we’re here to support,” customer Smitty Smith said.
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Anne Marie Kristoff (she/her) is a recent graduate from San Francisco State University's journalism program. She enjoys writing about the arts, entertainment and nature.
