-From Pet Business, Feb 2009
Many pet owners are willing to sacrifice luxuries during the tough economic climate in order to provide for the needs of their canine companions, according to a survey released by the American Kennel Club.
The AKC polled more than 1,000 people on its website, (www.akc.org) for a one week period from November to December asking participants questions about what they would give up or cut back on for their dogs.
The survey found that more than 96 percent of those polled would forgo gourmet coffee to save money for thier dogs’ expenses. Ninety-seven percent said they would give up massages or spa treatments in order to afford a veterinarian bill, and nearly 79 percent said they would cancel a teeth-whitening appointment so Fido could have his annual teeth cleaning.
The survey also found that 69 percent of the respondents said they would cut back on gifts for their friends or extended family before skimping on gifts for their dogs. Nearly 9 percent said they would scale back on gifts for their spouse before cutting back on gifts for their dogs.
81 percent of respondents said they purchase gifts for their dogs during the holidays. 69 percent spend up to $50.00; 24 percent spend $50.00 to $100.00; 3% percent spend more than $150.00. 59% percent expected to spend the same amount on gifts for their dogs as they did last year.
“What shoppers need is a new and powerful reason to purchase. And that reason isn’t discounts or sales, but innovative, new, impulse items that will delight and excite the customer.”
- Pam Danziger, author of “Shopping: Why we love it and how retailers can create the ultimate customer experience”.
North Woods Animal Treats fills this bill perfectly!
All the products are excellent quality, displayed in an upscale and unique way, and are consumable, i.e. the customer can buy them again and again!
“Catnip has made a big impression on the pet industry, and every store should stock lots of in in many different forms. Catnip is a tremendously important item in the pet industry, as it can be sold to cat customers for a variety of reasons. When catnip is combined with toys, (such as Nip n’ Toy), it creates an added interest for the cat.
For cats, the biggest benefit of play is exercise and the resulting fitness. The health benefits of exercise are more easily obtainable when catnip is used as a tool to help entice the sometimes less than active cat. Planned play periods can also have a huge affect on the human animal bond, strengthening the relationship between the two.
The catnip used with toys to encourage more interactive play with also help with curbing disruptive behaviors, such as pouncing, jumping and biting, as well as the scratching of furniture, drapery and walls. Catnip toys represent the most common use of the catnip product for consumers. Stock heavily on catnip toys- they all sell well.”
From Pet Business, September 08.
The Pet industry is expected to remain the fastest growing consumer retail sector after electronics, according to investment banking firm The Mercanti Group.
In a new report, Mercanti says that the driver within the industry’s steady, basic growth remains pet owners with high wages. That group is increasing spending on high end foods, treats and other items and services.
The new display header cards highlight the fact that the treats are all natural, gives the store a place to put the price of each cookie, has a silhouette of a dog, and also includes a phrase designed to help move the consumer to purchase some treats!
We have had great feedback on the new look! If you are a customer, have display crates, and would like new headers, please let us know, we will get them right out to you!
From American Pet Products Association
APPA forecast 4.9% growth in pet spending to $45.4 billion for 2009. “These numbers further demonstrate that people are more willing to sacrifice on themselves before trimming back on their four-legged friends”, said Bob Vetere, APPA president. “People want to reward their pets in human terms and even in this economy are still demanding the highest-quality products and services. The pet industry continues to grow at a record pace and has proven to remain strong during times of change, stress and setbacks”.
Be part of this growth by offering North Woods Animal Treats to your customers!
