News Summary
Hair of the Dog, a new dog grooming business, has opened in Pacolet, attracting customers from nearby areas. Owner Whitney King, with over 13 years of experience, aims to connect with the community while offering quality grooming services. This opening marks a step forward in Pacolet’s effort to revitalize its business scene, providing locals with new job opportunities and a diverse range of services.
Pacolet Welcomes New Dog Grooming Business
Hair of the Dog, a new dog grooming business, officially opened its doors in Pacolet on July 17, 2023. Located at 150 W. Main St., the business aims to provide quality grooming services to the local pet community and has already attracted customers from as far away as Newberry.
Owner Whitney King brings over 13 years of dog grooming expertise to Pacolet. After previously working as a dog groomer in both Greenwood and Union, King returned to South Carolina with her husband and four children after a brief stay in Australia. She has emphasized the importance of connecting with the community and has been actively engaging with locals at feed stores and other venues.
Pacolet’s Business Revitalization Initiative
The opening of Hair of the Dog is part of a larger effort within Pacolet to revitalize its business community, particularly since the closure of the textile mill over 40 years ago. The town has a population of around 2,500 and is situated roughly 10 miles east of Spartanburg. Local entrepreneur and Town Council member Thomas Williams initiated an incubator program offering rent-free space for the first six months to attract new businesses. This program is crucial as it addresses the shortage of available commercial space in the area. After the initial six-month period, businesses have the option to enter long-term contracts.
During this initial period, King only incurs a power bill as an expense, allowing her to focus on building her customer base. Hair of the Dog’s success is evident, with the business drawing new customers in just over three weeks since opening. King has plans for expansion, including the goal of hiring another groomer to accommodate the growing demand for her services.
Community and Location
Hair of the Dog’s location near the historic train depot gives it a strategic advantage in attracting customers. King’s commitment to community engagement is reflected in her connections with local residents, as well as her efforts to create a welcoming environment for pet owners. Among her clients, a favorite is Izzy, a 14-year-old Yorkshire Terrier she groomed from a previous litter, illustrating her long-standing dedication to the pets she serves.
As a resident of York County, King has plans to move to the Pacolet area soon. This decision is motivated by her children’s fondness for the town and a desire to further integrate into the community. Her experiences and connections in Pacolet will likely contribute to the business’s appeal and its ability to thrive amidst the town’s ongoing revitalization.
Ongoing Development in Pacolet
The opening of Hair of the Dog adds to a list of new businesses that have launched in Pacolet within the past three years, which includes The Local Eatery, Upstate Chiropractic, EJ’s Place, and Callous Moto Coffee Garage. These establishments reflect a growing trend of economic development aimed at fostering business diversity and creating new job opportunities within the town.
Additionally, the former Walgreens location has been vacant since its closure in 2023, underscoring the continued need for more commercial enterprises in the area. As Pacolet seeks to balance growth with preserving its rural charm, the introduction of businesses like Hair of the Dog serves as a hopeful step toward a more vibrant local economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Hair of the Dog – Pacolet’s New Business
- Wikipedia: Pacolet, South Carolina
- GoUpstate: A Mile of Good Living
- Google Search: Dog Grooming Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
