Montclair Pet Store Hopes To Stay Afloat

Daniel Heaps, owner of  at 542 Valley Road in Upper Montclair, said Saturday that he's seen a significant increase in business following an article about the store's struggles on earlier this week.

Although some Patch readers have said the store's been closed when they dropped by this week, Heaps insists the shop is open for business, noting that the hours are noon to 6 p.m. during summer.

"My guess is they're not coming at they time and not reading the store hours sign. But there is a 'for rent' sign in the window," Heaps said. "But thanks to [the Patch article] there has been a significant uptick in business.

"There are a lot of people coming in for the first time and others returning," he said. "Fingers crossed people keep coming. If they do, we will try to keep the store afloat."

Earlier this week, Heaps indicated that the beloved pet store known for its rescue of hundreds of dogs and cats over the last five years most likely would close its doors this month due to a dramatic drop in business.

He said that business had dropped by about 50 percent in the last several months.

"People go to Petco now to get their pet supplies or they just buy them at the big supermarkets," he said.

Iggy's is the only pet shop in Upper Montclair and it's only one of two in Montclair. Montclair Feed & Pet Supply is located at 191 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair.