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Love of pets bring customers to Lucy's Closet
Neenah store caters to dogs of all sizes - Post Crescent News Record
Dec 20, 2011Written by
Andy Thompson
News-Record Editor
NEENAH - Nicole Langohr doesn't want people to get the wrong impression about Lucy's Closet Pet Boutique in downtown Neenah.
While the name of the business and the pink interior of the building makes it appear that Lucy's Closet appeals only to owners of small, cuddly dogs, Langohr says the reality is much different.
"People assume that we just have little dogs - and all the Foo Foo stuff," said Langohr, who opened the boutique in November 2009 with her mother, Suzie Langohr. "But when they come into the store, they're kind of shocked to see what we have. We don't have all Foo Foo stuff. We can outfit big dogs, too. We want to make sure you can find a coat for a Great Dane or a lab."
The business was named after Lucy, Suzie Langohr's Toy Fox Terrier. Relatives kidded her that she bought so much clothing for Lucy that it filled a closet - hence the name, Lucy's Closet.
The business offers sweaters, coats, designer beds, pet carriers, ceramic bowls, collars and leashes, organic toys, treats and food. Roughly 90 percent of the customers are dog owners, while 10 percent come to Lucy's to outfit their cats. But there are exceptions. One customer brought a pot bellied pig to the store to check out the offerings.
Suzie Langohr is very pleased with how the business has caught on with customers during its first two years. Not only does Lucy's have the kind of high-end items that appeal to people who want to pamper their pets, it has a wide array of offerings for those who are looking for less extravagant ways to make their pets' lives more comfortable.
"One of our main reasons for opening this store was to show people you don't have to spend a lot to have your pet looking different," she said. "Our store is different; it's unique. Most of our distributors and vendors say they have never seen a place like this.
"The common theme with our customers is they all love their pets."
Nicole Langohr said people are always welcome to come to Lucy's Closet with their pets.
"(Customers) get really excited and really like it when their dogs come into our store," said Nicole, who owns two Great Danes and a Miniature Pinscher. "We get repeat customers and we really like customer suggestions."
Nicole said Lucy's offers a wide array of items to broaden its appeal to pet owners who tried so-called "big box" pet stores, but want something different at a moderate price.
The Langohrs say the pet store has been a successful venture, and they have no second thoughts about doing business in downtown Neenah.
"I love the downtown," Suzie said. "I like the intimacy of it. I get very tired of big, huge stores where nobody knows you."
Global Pet Expo Wednesday Headlines
Mar 16, 2011Downtown Business Owners: Suzie and Nicole Langohr
Women Magazine
Dec 01, 2010Suzie Langohr and Nicole Langohr Lucy's Closet Pet Boutique What do you enjoy about owning a business? It is our vision and we decide on where we want to go with it Why did you decide to locate in downtown Neenah? We were raised in Neenah and have wonderful memories of growing up with the downtown Neenah shopping district. It is a refreshing change to shop in a more personal atmosphere instead of battling the mall frenzy. What is the greatest challenge you face as a business owner and how do you overcome it? Obviously the economy, but we have tried to be original with our products ... Click here to read full story
Lucy's Closet Pet Boutique in Nature's Pathways
May 03, 2010If you're crazy about your pet, Lucy's Closet Pet Boutique is really the cat's meow. Nestled in the heart of downtown Neenah at 129 W. Wisconsin Ave., Lucy's Closet Pet Boutique offers most anything you can think of for your pet - and more! "We have coats, sweaters, collars/leashes, toys, beds, blankets, carriers, greeting cards, books, healthy treats and dog/cat food, ceramic bowls, charms and fun gift items for cat and dog lovers!" said Sue Langohr, owner of the shop, along with her daughter, Nicole. Fast acquiring a reputation for exceptional customer service, Luc ... Click here to read full story
Alison at Vintique and Lucy's Closet from Fox 11
Dec 03, 2009Lucy's Closet opens Wednesday in Neenah - Post Crescent
Nov 24, 2009This one's for the shaggy four-legged member of the family. Lucy's Closet Pet Boutique will open in downtown Neenah on Wednesday, Nov 25. The charming pink boutique is a venture of Suzanne Langohr and her daughter Nicole, both Neenah natives. The shop blended two of their passions. "We've always been animal people," said Langohr. They each have three dogs and jointly own three horses. "And I'm a small downtown boutique shopper." The shop is named after her toy fox terrier who is small and has short hair. Lucy has an ... Click here to read full story