Leading Trends The Sales Picture at Pet Stores

By Carimé Lane

Are sales up because of the increase in pet adoptions during COVID? What types of products are trending when it comes to pet accessories? We spoke with three sources in the pet store business to find the answers to these questions, and more.

The 4,800-square-foot Animal Connection in Charlottesville, Va., offers both services and products. These include their in-house dog training, and corresponding products including training leads, exercise accessories like floatation vests, backpacks, and treat or waste bag pouches.

Their in-house bakery is another of their offerings, where birthday party and “gotcha” day party bakery treats, cakes, party hats, and party-themed dog toys have been a big hit, especially as of late, with many looking for ways to celebrate while conforming to pandemic stipulations, according to Owner Pattie Zeller .

Zeller has noticed an uptick in new dogs around the neighborhood since the start of the pandemic.

“We have seen an incredible increase in sales right across the board, from pet food to pet care and supporting accessories,” Zeller said.

They use various bundles and gift boxes based on a theme to make purchases easy for customers. For instance, they offer new dog packages including a leash, collar, and custom tag and birthday celebration packages, which include a party hat, toy, bandanna, and bakery treats.

Due to the increasing focus on climate change, Zeller said their eco-friendly “green” pet gear sells really well. In addition, they have an arrangement with a toy supplier where when a toy wears out, they send it back to the supplier who recycles it, and forms it into a new toy.

“Even our waste bag holders are made from recycled “festival banners” and they come in great colors,” said Zeller. “Our customers love that we’re upcycling and carrying our environmental theme all the way through.”

But their best-selling accessory by far, said Zeller, is a one size fits all “lead and harness all-in-one,” avail- able in many different colors.

“For new pet owners, it teaches a dog not to pull,” said Zeller. “But it’s not like those “gentle leaders” or “freedom harness” gimmicky items. This product really teaches the dog and helps the dog become a wellmannered family pet sooner than any other product we’ve found.”

Zeller finds this product to be important at this time in particular with many are migrating back to the workplace, which often means there’s less time for exercise and interaction. This product can keep owners from sending their dog back to the shelters due to training or behavior issues, Zeller said.

“Anything we can do to help keep that dog in their home is a benefit!” Zeller said.

Their other best-sellers, said Zeller, are interactive, mentally stimulating toys, especially those where CBD-infused peanut butter or yogurt can be used with the toy. At Animal Connection, Zeller prefers Hyper Pet or Nina Ottosson as they’re “sturdy and challenging.”

After enduring the effects of the shutdown, the roughly 1,800-square-foot Stinky’s Kittens & Doggies Too in Somerville, Mass., expanded their delivery service, held a pop-up market, and created an online store which all contributed to boosting business, said Owner Jo-Ann Keith

According to Keith, teepee tents are trending now that those in the area are buying up condos and homes. At the moment, they’re completely sold out. She added that VW bus carriers, along with unique squeaker toys like baby penguins and giraffes, are also hot.

For cats, scratchers are always trending. Customers are also finding Keith’s new knapsacks with a clear bubble for your cat or dog to look at their surroundings handy, especially when having to wait outside when visiting the vet. “Pets are calmer with the knapsacks–it makes a visit less stressful,” Keith said.

Since they focus on catering to cats, Stinky’s best-selling accessories are for felines. Their fly catcher toy is the best seller in that area. All of the food they sell also flies off the shelves, since the selection at Stinky’s can’t be found on Chewy.com or on Amazon. Instead, Keith prefers to buy from artists or small business just starting out.

Kerry

Scott , owner of Good Dog Goods in Oak Bluffs, Mass., agreed that there has

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A cat backpack carrier product shot from Stinky’s Kittens & Doggies Too in Somerville, Mass. In response to the pandemic, the business expanded their delivery service, held a pop-up market, and created an online store.