How are you still in business?

Seriously, given all of competitive and economic forces working against the small, independent pet specialty retailer today, how can it be that you still have your store turning a profit month after month, when so many others have gone out of business?

I’ll tell you how: by playing to your competitive strengths.

Sure, the big-box pet stores, supermarkets and mass merchandisers have a huge advantage in pricing and convenience at a time when these elements factor heavily in consumers’ shopping decisions. But shoppers—particularly those of the pet-owning variety—still appreciate the many qualities that the independent pet shop brings to the table: a well-crafted shopping environment, tailored marketing messages that speak directly to pet owners’ wants and needs, top-shelf customer service and a devotion to the local community.

Pet Business appreciates these qualities too. That is why we’ve partnered with the organizers of Global Pet Expo—the American Pet Products Association and Pet Industry Distributors Association—to develop the first edition of the Retail Excellence Awards.

Created to honor pet stores that represent the best of what the independent retailer has to offer, the program includes such award categories as: merchandising, marketing, service offerings, store design, customer service, and community service. In addition, one “Best Overall Retailer” award will be given to a store that demonstrates excellence in all of the categories listed above.

A panel of industry experts, which will include members of the Pet Business and Global Pet Expo staffs, as well as some of the nation’s most successful independent pet specialty retailers, will judge the contest based on the information provided about the nominees. This information will include a short written synopsis of each retailer’s approach to the category in which they’ve been nominated, as well as photos where applicable. For information on the nomination process, see the ballot on page 10 of this issue.

The award winners will be announced at next year’s Global Pet Expo, which will be held in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 29-March 2, 2012. The presentation will take place during the Industry Breakfast on March 1.

We invite all independent pet specialty retailers to nominate their stores in any and all categories in which they excel. Of course, you will also want to be sure to attend Global Pet Expo to see if you win.

Good luck to the nominees. We at Pet Business look forward to seeing you all next year at Global Pet Expo.