JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Self-service dog laundry and retail business Wag N Suds has no plans to close anytime soon, even with the support of the community.
Wag N Suds store manager April Archer said last week that she had talked with the owner about closing the store due to financial issues.
“Myself and the owners decided to put a post on Facebook explaining our situation and all the struggles we went through,” Archer said. “It exploded because of that and it was amazing. The community really came together and supported us for these four days of his life.”
Wag N Suds offers a DIY, self-service dog washing machine that allows owners to wash and dry their dogs. There are both high floor and barrier-free bathtubs. We also offer grooming, and our retail space is stocked with a variety of items for your furry friends.
Ms Archer said she was shocked to learn how much the community had worked for their business.
“This is amazing and crazy to think that so many people didn't even know we were here,” Archer said. “But it was like we really emptied the store and we were stunned and speechless. Great donations. I mean, they've been great.”
Resa Munt is a new customer who recently found out about Wag N Suds through Facebook.
“We saw the post and just the story of them having to potentially close their doors was just heartbreaking,” Mundt said. “Once I started sharing posts, I started getting more and more friends on Facebook. So I asked my girlfriend's niece and her friend to go for a drive with me this morning to a place where I could start shopping at this local store. I asked to see it.”
Mr Mundt drove from Bristol to work at Wag & Suds and believes it is important to support small businesses in the area.
“This is a man who had a dream and tried to make that dream come true,” Mundt said. “We have to take care of our small businesses. I work for a small business in Bristol and I think having a good customer base is very important and it goes hand in hand with the community. It seems to make it a little better.
Before the recent community support, Archer said he planned to close within a week.
“If things continue like this, we definitely won't close,” Archer said. “What has been truly amazing is the enthusiastic support of the community coming together for us. So, at this time, the door will remain open.”
Archer said he plans to work with the Appalachian Humane Society on a fundraiser in the near future.
Currently, Wag N Suds has two employees and is looking for more.
Archer said he wants people to know that Wags and Suds is owned by veterans, has a friendly and helpful staff, and that active-duty K-12 law enforcement and military working dogs can bathe for free. He said he would like to have it.
Wag N Suds is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday.
