GoKawiilHardware stores turn pest-control cats into social media draws
Some hardware stores are promoting employees originally hired for pest control—store cats—as a way to attract customers. These animals are now featured in social media posts that have racked up thousands of views, according to reporting on the trend.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The trend suggests small retailers are looking for low-cost, organic ways to build brand personality and compete with larger chains and online retailers. It also points to how social media virality can turn an operational function, like pest control, into an unplanned marketing asset.
- Store cats originally hired for pest control are being leveraged as marketing tools.
- Social media posts featuring these animals have drawn thousands of views.
- The trend highlights how hardware stores are finding creative ways to boost foot traffic.
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Drill Kit — Hardware stores thrive on helping DIYers tackle projects, and a reliable cordless drill is the backbone of any home toolkit. The Ryobi One+ system is widely available at hardware retailers and pairs with a huge ecosystem of battery-powered tools. It's a great starting point if a hardware store visit has you inspired to start your next project.
See Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Drill Kit on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: wsj.com, 2026-10-12
Published there as: “Hardware Stores Have a Secret Weapon for Wooing Customers”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.