Furday The Thirteenth successful PD13 debut

ON July 13, Phil Gillies of Port Dover launched a line of Friday the 13th-themed pet wear and accessories called Furday The Thirteenth. His merchandise made its PD13 debut on September 13 at a booth he operated on Walker Street. The Maple Leaf contacted Mr. Gillies to learn more about how the event went for his business.

“Furday The Thirteenth was a great success in September. After a slow start in the morning, people started coming to the booth on Walker Street in great numbers. We were run off our feet from noon till 8 p.m.! As a new business, I was delighted to recoup 40 per cent of my total investment on this one day. Next June’s [PD13] should be huge for us,” he said.

“The most popular item is the t-shirts. Both the dog logo and cat logo shirts for humans sold in all sizes—from children’s up to 3XL. The bandanas and tote bags were surprisingly popular too.”

Although he doesn’t plan to have a booth for PD13 in December, his business will still celebrate its namesake occasion with a sale. Mr. Gillies said Furday The Thirteenth pet jerseys are 25 per cent off until Christmas.

“We want all our dogs and cats to be warm when they go out! This discount will be available in our retail partners and online,” he added.

Customers can purchase products online at furdaythethirteenth.ca, in Port Dover and Delhi at A Pets Delight, in Simcoe at Live Right Pet Supplies, and in Jarvis, Brantford, Port Rowan, and Hagersville at other stores.

Looking ahead, he shared his excitement for PD13 in June 2025.

“Yes we are so looking forward to next June! The feeling locally is this will be bigger than last September. We will be back at our booth at Walker and Main with the full line of Furday merchandise—and probably a couple of new items,” he said.

Customers should know some proceeds from Furday merchandise sales are reinvested in the community to help animals and pets.

“We were happy to be able to donate around $700 to area pet rescues and SPCAs. We’re excited about the plans for new SPCA facilities in both Brantford and Simcoe.”

Overall, Mr. Gillies is pleased with his experience running the business.

“I’m just so happy at how Furday The Thirteenth has been received in the community. People seem to get a kick out of it. I’m a happy guy.”


Originally published December 11, 2024

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