Hardware Stores Employ Cats to Boost Sales

Local hardware stores are increasingly utilizing cats to manage pests and attract more customers to their businesses.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cats

Hardware Stores Employ Cats to Boost Sales

Live Poll

Do you feel more inclined to visit local businesses that feature store animals?

Hardware retailers are recruiting cats to handle pest control and foster a welcoming community atmosphere. Stores like Shoppers True Value and Country Ace Hardware have leaned into this trend to engage shoppers.

Why it matters

Store owners have found that featuring feline employees helps increase foot traffic and improve sales. This approach allows local businesses to connect with a younger demographic through social media engagement.

A social media post featuring Daniel, an employee of the month at Shoppers True Value, garnered 67,000 views on Instagram. These retail establishments use cats to manage pests and cultivate a local following.

The players

Daniel

He is an orange tabby cat at Shoppers True Value who was honored as an employee of the month.

Shoppers True Value

This hardware retailer located in South Portland, Maine, employs cats as part of its store operations.

Country Ace Hardware

Located in Granby, Colorado, this business utilizes feline companions to interact with the local community.

Bigfoot

He is an orange tabby cat employed by Shoppers True Value.

The details

Stores like Shoppers True Value in South Portland and Country Ace Hardware in Granby have gained attention for their feline staff, including an orange tabby named Bigfoot. These animals serve as community mascots, often appearing in viral videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to drive customer interest.

The trend of using cats in hardware stores gained significant attention as of October 2026.

Culture Shift

The adoption of store mascots represents a move toward personalized, community-focused retail strategies. This shift follows a pattern set by the retail community's use of social media-driven mascot marketing to maintain relevance in a competitive market.

Shoppers visiting hardware stores with feline employees may find a more social shopping experience compared to traditional retail environments. These cats often become local fixtures, encouraging residents to return to the store for community interaction.

The takeaway

Store owners looking to boost engagement should consider how a low-cost, community-focused addition can humanize their brand. Embracing local quirks often creates a more memorable experience than traditional advertising methods.