Pet Parade

Make no mistake, pets are still big business. According to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, pet owners spent $41 billion dollars on their pets in 2007, and estimates for this year top $43 billion. While the category has shown signs of peaking, it's definitely not declining.

Increasingly, pets are seen as members of the family, and are being treated as such. This past holiday season, 56 percent of dog owners and almost half of cat owners included pets in their gift-giving. And with a wide variety of pet accessories on the market, “parents” are willing to splurge a little when it comes to their dog or cat. Gift retailers can tap into that impulse by offering a selection of merchandise — such as that unique pet bed or a package of gourmet treats — that consumers just won't find at Pet Smart. More importantly, independent retailers can offer pet owners the same kind of customer service they've come to expect when shopping for (human) family and friends.

Consumers also come to specialty stores for a fun shopping experience. Independent retailers can attract pet owners by hosting a party for them and their pets; offer treats for both pets and owners, and they'll be excited about the product on your shelves. Because when pets are happy, owners are happy. And when owners are happy, they're buying!