Bethany Beach Pet Boutique Yuppy Puppy Expands for Delaware Summer Season

A 600-square-foot pet boutique that has outlasted nearly 20 summers on the Delaware shore recently got a little more room just ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

Yuppy Puppy in Bethany Beach doubled its square footage this spring, marking a milestone for the retail pet store its owner once described “small but mighty.”

Founded in 2002 by Nicole Deangelis, Yuppy Puppy began as a side gig for Jamie Idzi, who spent three summers working part time at the pet boutique before purchasing the business in 2006 when Deangelis relocated to Costa Rica. “Deangelis is the reason Yuppy Puppy exists” said Idzi.

Idzi, who was only 20 years old at the time, spoke to her parents about the potential business opportunity and with their blessings and support, she acquired Yuppy Puppy.

“Fast forward, almost 20 later,” she explained. “We are still here and thriving.”

What began as a seasonal beach town shop has now grown into a destination for pet owners across Northen Virginia, Washington D.C, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New Jersey. “The best advice I was given when I purchased the business, was not to change a thing in the first year,” said Idzi. “I changed absolutely nothing the first year, that way I got a chance to fully understand the ins and outs of the business.”

Drawing on her background in merchandising, Idzi began making changes to the pet store slowly and deliberately, improving the store year-by-year.

“I kept evolving and would listen to customers, learning about other brands, what they liked. We are also a tourism store and predominantly seasonal, so during the Spring and Summer the store caters for the tourism market.”

U.S.-Made Goods and Handcrafted Products

To draw customers, the store stocks merchandise exclusive to the area, featuring Bethany Beach landmarks. This includes the iconic totem pole and such tourism landmarks as the Chief Little Owl, the boardwalk, the vintage trolley and the Bethany Beach Nature Center.

Idzi said the shop’s product selection differs from what shoppers would typically find in a pet store in a major metro city. She sources from various artisans and small cottage industry businesses.

“I focus on U.S made products which I get through my travel and trade shows. Sometimes I get products through word-of-mouth. I search high and low to find unique products you can’t find everywhere else,” said Idzi “I still work with the same suppliers since I took over the store. I have built strong partnerships and have continued to work with them year after year.”

Idzi says her shop carries no pet food; instead, she keeps the focus of Yuppy Puppy’s offerings on collars, leashes, toys, gourmet treats and gifts. It also sells limited health and wellness pet treats.

Beyond the treats, the store also stocks more than 100 patterns from a single supplier and college pride gear representing over 70 schools in and around the area.

“One of our up-and-coming bakers is based in Pennsylvania, and she’s been wonderful to work with. Her treats sell well and customers love them. We’re excited to partner with her again for a second year.”

This year the pet store will be launching its cat category, adding cat treats, toys and grooming supplies depending on requests from customers. Even with these new offerings Yuppy Puppy says it remains committed to its roots continuing its Sunday Morning tradition of making homemade pancake dog treats.

“Every Sunday morning at 9:00 AM, we have pancakes for the dogs, an annual tradition Bethany Beach has had since 2004. during Memorial Day to Labor Day. Every week we have a different flavor. It helps drive traffic to the store. So we plan to keep that going,” added Idzi.

A Commitment to Customer Service 

Beyond offering a curated in-store experience, Idzi said Yuppy Puppy’s success stems from its strong customer service. “We are very accommodating to all our customers, and we strive to do as much as we can to make their in-store experience positive and easy. If somebody comes in looking for something and they we don’t carry it, we will call other pet stores in the area.”

From the shop’s thoughtfully designed displays like its famous treat table to hands-on help with harness fittings and product sourcing, Idzi said every detail matters. The company also maintains a flexible exchange and return policy.

“We do what we can to make it right,” explained Idzi. “We don’t always get it right every single time.”

For now, Yuppy Puppy remains focused on delivering a personalized shopping experience while strengthening community connections and customer service that have defined the store for years.