Using a well-developed employee education program to build a knowledgeable store staff is essential to the success of a pet specialty retail business.

Whether or not the U.S. economy goes into a full-fledged recovery, next year is sure to present a variety of challenges and opportunities for pet specialty retailers.

The close relationship between independent pet specialty retailers and their distributor partners has long been–and continues to be–the cornerstone of a healthy pet industry.

When facing economic uncertainty, it is essential that pet specialty retailers find creative ways to cut operational costs without killing sales.

Retailers that deal in exotic pets must navigate a jungle of challenges and scrutiny from regulators.

If done properly, a store redesign can greatly enhance a pet retailer's brand and ultimately result in increased sales.

There are nine areas that pet specialty retailers should focus on to give their customers a more convenient, and thus more attractive, shopping experience.

Retail franchises have long been dominant players in the pet industry. However, while joining a pet store franchise or franchising an established retail concept may be attractive options, neither move should be made without significant due diligence.

Pet-specialty retailers can learn a lot from the failures and successes of their counterparts in other industries.

Even with pundits heralding an economic recovery, a tough competitive climate has many independent pet specialty retailers struggling to survive.

Loss-prevention experts offer some low-cost, easy ideas on how pet specialty retailers can reduce troublesome shrink rates.