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At Tilley’s, It’s Barking Up the Right Tree
At Tilley’s, It’s Barking Up the Right Tree
By Michele Husfelt
In the spring of 2023, with a blended family of four children in three different schools, and four dogs running about (they’ve since added another), Drew and Megan Robitaille were searching for a new adventure they could do together that would focus on a shared interest.
They had no idea purchasing a pet supply store would be that new adventure. Megan happened to be in Middleburg and saw the For Sale sign in front of the local pet store. She went home to pop the crazy question to Drew, “What if we buy a store?”
By that afternoon, they had an appointment to talk with the building owner and had secured an LLC. When asked about the name, Megan replied, “I had a few other business ventures all named after my pets. We needed a name quickly and Tilley, our tri-colored corgi, happened to be sitting in the kitchen. So, Tilley’s it was!”
Both Drew and Megan grew up surrounded by animals. Drew’s father owned a feed and supply store in New Hampshire and his aunt was a famed breeder of shelties. His grandparents showed huskies and participated in sled dog racing. For about five years, Drew raised cattle. Megan grew up in Virginia, riding horses and loving all the dogs in the barns, especially corgis.
When thinking about what sets Tilley’s apart from the competition, the obvious answer is the commitment to the community and personal service. They pride themselves on offering a clean, well-stocked, and friendly shopping experience.
“We are fully invested,” Drew said. “If we don’t stock something, we will find it for our customers. As a brick-and-mortar store, there is always someone to greet you and ask how that last bag of food worked.”
Because of their love for and vast experience with animals, their goal is to provide the highest quality food and products available. A few unique items include rabbit feet and ears (with hair!), freeze dried duck, dog gelato, a birthday wall of treats and toys, a seasonal section, and seven freezers of specialty foods.
One proud point that conveys their reputation for the best inventory is that “even our veterinarians shop at our stores,” Megan said. “We have something for everyone, at every price point.”
They also do cater to their four-legged customers who are known to literally drag their owners into the store, knowing the staff will be waiting to pet them, tell them how cute they are, and hand them delicious treats.
While they employ expert staff, on any given day you’re likely to see both Megan and Drew in the store themselves, chatting with all who come in, especially the “regulars.” They love when a dog comes in on a leash and he’s let go and comes right around the counter to say hello.
Just before Christmas, the Robitailles opened a second location in Georgetown. Pleasantly surprised, they realized the similarities in the community feel in both Middleburg and Georgetown and look forward to a long history of winning the favor of all their four-legged residents.
