The Surprising Strategy That’s Helping Small Retailers Thrive Amid Rising Costs

In recent times, the rising cost of living has put a strain on households across Australia, forcing many families to tighten their belts. This shift has had a significant impact on retail businesses, as consumers have become more cautious with their spending. At Hooper Ruff, we understood that this change was both understandable and necessary for many households, but it also posed a challenge for our business.

As the market evolved, it became clear that our existing store consignment model was no longer a viable path for growth. The traditional approach just didn’t align with the current economic climate, and it was time to adapt. Recognising the urgency of the situation, we made the strategic decision to shift our focus to wholesale.

Initially, our plan was to cater exclusively to large orders, with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 500 units. However, we quickly realised that by doing so, we would be excluding a significant portion of the market—small boutiques, cafés, and chain stores that needed smaller quantities. To address this, we restructured our offerings to make our products accessible to all buyers, regardless of their order size. Now, with a minimum order of just 48 products, retailers can select from our entire range, making it easier for smaller businesses to stock our products without overcommitting.

But we didn’t stop there. We understand that buyers, store managers, and small business owners are often pressed for time. To simplify the ordering process, we developed an easy-to-use online portal. This portal allows our customers to log in, place orders, and manage invoices and shipping—all in one place. With our streamlined system, most orders are processed and shipped within 48 hours.

Moreover, by utilising our online platform, we’ve been able to pass on significant savings to our customers, reducing shipping costs by up to $70 per order. This cost efficiency, combined with the convenience of our portal, has made it easier than ever for retailers to keep their shelves stocked with our high-quality dog care products.

At Hooper Ruff, our commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes has driven us to innovate and adapt. In a challenging economic environment, we’ve found a way to help our customers thrive—proving that with the right strategy, even the smallest retailers can succeed.