“It’s a good time to be in the pet-care market. It is estimated that industry spending topped $50 billion last year, with even further growth expected in 2012. Largely driven by increases in dog and cat ownership, as well as pet owners’ commitment to treating their companion animals as members of the family, this type of market growth represents a great opportunity for pet product retailers. However, the industry is not without its challenges—particularly when…”
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“As today’s turbulent economy sends scores of businesses into code-blue status, retailers of every ilk should consider themselves high-risk patients. The retail industry is like a heart attack victim who has gotten used to eating whatever he likes and still being okay, says Dan Jablons, president of Retail Smart Guys…”
“Imagine if every time you walked into your local Walgreens, CVS or Walmart, you had to pick through an odd assortment of hair sprays and deodorants to find your multi-vitamins. And then, with your vitamins in hand, you had to comb the aisles looking for the family-sized bottle of ibuprofen…”
“ The ability to offer a unique and innovative mix of products has long been the cornerstone of success for pet specialty retailers. But as increased competition from other retail channels and a turbulent economy have raised the stakes for these often relatively small retail operations, it has become more…”
“Independent pet retailers are facing a classic squeeze. A combination of steady price increases and inelastic consumer budgets is quickly eroding profit margins in even the healthiest of pet stores, and there is no relief in sight. Making matters worse is the fact that, even for retailers that resist passing…”