Atlantic Station Couple Opens 'Uptown Pups' Pet Store below their Loft
Residents pursue dream with new pet store on 19th Street.
Photos
Midtown has a new place to pamper pets.
Uptown Pups opened Friday in Atlantic Station. The pet store -- located on 19th Street next to Atlantic Grill -- sells items for dogs and cats, including toys, natural treats and food, grooming supplies and healthcare products.
"We have unique items, because we buy from vendors that are start-ups like us," said owner Michelle Bunn, who runs the store with her fiance Brad Bielen.
Popular items include a variety of durable toys, as well as products designed for urban living such as a shock-absorbing leash for dogs that pull while walking.
"We try to keep everything affordable," she said. Pets are welcome inside the store.
Bunn and Bielen, who both live in Atlantic Station, began Uptown Pups as an online store in November 2010.
"We got a lot of great feedback in person," said Bunn, an engineer who graduated from Georgia Tech. So the couple took a "leap of faith" and decided to open a store ... in a retail space below their loft.
"I love it," Bunn said. She said the couple hopes to make the pet store their full-time career.
"I've always loved animals," Bunn said. If you stop into the store, you'll meet her two dogs: Zoe, a golden retriever, and Lexie, a Brittany spaniel (see the picture).
"We have toys on the floor to play with," Bunn said. Dogs really enjoy testing out the toys, she said.
In the future, Bunn said she hopes to hold "Yappy Hours," where people and their dogs can enjoy treats and mingling.
The store hours are: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m.
For more information, email info@uptownpupsonline.com or visit the pet store's website.
Liz
7:46 am on Tuesday, June 21, 2011
I think its great but I just hope they wern't suckered in by "big changes are coming" and "we have more money then will ever need, so we can close the place and change all the tentans" amd "we have social media is our new secret weapon"...
1) I think the first thing they should make Mark Toro and Liz Gillespie do is get rid of all of the Dogaroo stickers and signs that are everywhere and change the information on the dog park so it ONLY supports this store.
2) And let Atlantic Station's "we have more money than we will ever need" pay for it and really show their commetment to the "local" store owner.
3) and everytime Liz, Star or Molly come into the store keep your hands in your pockets and your cash box hidden because the one thing they'll be looking for is what can you do for them, that they won't have to pay for. *(just ask John at Kilwin's).
4) Have Mark Toro and his deep pockets (oh, that wouldn't be his), pay for vinyl stickers to put out in front of your store (ground paw prints) so it really gives you presence.
5) Don't take it personally if your neighbors aren't very friendly, they've want that spot for years, its a shame that A.S. wouldn't let them expand into that space.
6) Make sure they let you have a space in Central Park for every event, without having to pay or donate something and make sure they have a permit to do the event.
7) Keep you hands in your pocket ($$) and don't promise you'll do anything.