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PetFood Forum Highlights Changes in Pet Store Industry

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The PetFood forum was held in April of this year. This is an annual conference where data is shared and professionals within the industry gather. The focus of the conference is to look at trends and access the future of the industry. Here are a few of the highlights from the forum to keep in mind for those who have a business in the pet store industry. This can help you to understand the best products to carry in your store to maximize your profits.

 

GMOs are Out

Turns out pet parents are becoming overly concerned about the use of GMOs in their own food. This has spilled over into the pet industry as well. In terms of sales, having the words “no genetically modified ingredients (GMOs)” was overwhelmingly better for sales. This was better than having any sort of health claim on the food. This is something that has been on the rise in the pet store industry over the last few years and has continued to grow in popularity.

 

Nature Trumps Science

In the past people looked to science and scientifically balanced foods for their pets. This past year has seen a shift in that mentality. People are putting more stock into natural foods to give their pet the necessary nutrition. Along with this, people are preferring meals that were made in a kitchen for their pet over ones made in a lab. This change really goes hand in hand with the GMO boot from pet food. People tend to see scientifically engineered food as having unnatural ingredients.

 

Healthy Beats Out Indulging Treats

Another interesting find at the PetFood forum is that pet parents are making the decision to look at healthy foods over giving their dog treats on a more regular basis. In fact, 85% of pet parents polled believed that the foods they fed their pets were directly linked to how long they live. Even though the pet treat industry is booming, it has taken a backseat to better meals for pets.

 

Pet Parents are Intrigued by Non Traditional Foods

The top foods in this list are fruit and veggie chews, stews and soups for dogs and nutrient powders and drops. If you are looking for something new for your shop try out one of the foods in these categories.

 

Foodie Culture is Dead in Pet Food

Many pet foods speculated that pet parents had humanized their pets to the point that they would want to provide them with culinary delights. This includes foods such as beef bolognese or chicken tandoori. These are a flop as pet parents do not seem to think their pets have such a diverse palette. As much as you may love to have luxury foods such as these, pet parents don’t agree. For businesses in the pet store industry, steer clear of these products. 

 

Here are the 9 Best Franchises You Don’t Know for a 2016 Investment

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Franchising is a popular business model for many reasons. It can be just as beneficial to the franchise owners as it can to the franchise itself. For one, having a franchise means better branding and additional revenue for the franchisor. For franchisees this means having a business model laid out for you already and the support you need to be successful. This is especially popular with people who have never owned a business before or those simply want to guarantee their best chances for success. So here are the best franchises in America you don’t know about- but should.

 

9. Visiting Angels

This is a companion care franchise that is designed to offer support to seniors in their homes as well as in respite care. This franchise, which was established in 1991, was the first first non-medical franchise in North America to provide formal training and qualification programs to their clients with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other similar issues.

 

8. Wild Birds Unlimited

This is an interesting franchise because the focus of it is to offer supplies for backyard bird feeders and nature supplies. It is perfect for people who enjoy bird watching and nature. The company is passionate about introducing children to nature so they can have a better understanding of nature and therefore cultivate the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

 

7. Cruise Planners

This is one of the best franchises for many reasons. For one, the primary goal of this franchise is to sell cruises which is great if you are a travel or cruising enthusiast. This is also a position where you can work from home. Franchisees within this franchise work as travel representatives for the company which is owned by American Express.

 

6. Fitness Revolution

The fitness industry is booming and will more than likely continue to grow unless the FDA announces a weight loss and muscle building drug that can give people a celebrity body with no adverse side effects in no time flat. So yeah, that probably isn’t going to happen in our lifetime. That’s one reason this franchise made it on our list of the best franchises. This is where Fitness Revolution is different from gyms in that it is focusing on the results of their customers by providing group classes where instructors can give the customers a better experience.

 

5. Weed Man

While the name of this franchise may be a little confusing in states like Colorado, this is a booming franchise that has gained significant traction over the last few years. The company itself has been in business for more than 40 years. It is recognized at the top rated lawn care franchise in the United States.

 

4. Precision Concrete Cutting

The main focus of this franchise is to offer services for uneven or cracked sidewalks and concrete. The company is based out of Provo, Utah. The company has worked with local governments in almost every state to repair sidewalks, which is an incentive for many franchise owners. If you have experience in concrete or the construction industry and are passionate about this, then this may be one of the best franchises for you.

 

3. Kona Ice

Who doesn’t love shaved ice on a hot day? This is one of the reasons this company has the popularity it does today. The franchise is huge with their philanthropy work. This is part of what has lead to the company’s success, along with their in demand product. The company also does an amazing job with their branding as you can easily recognize the tiki hut style and island music playing.

 

2. Home Instead Senior Care

This is another franchise that based on providing services to the elderly. This company provides personalized care, support and education for the elderly as well as their families. While the company may not offer it all, they do have the resources to match clients with the services they need. They even have people specially trained to help those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

1 Splash and Dash

This is a dog grooming business that also offers a retail boutique. The motto of the company is play dirty. Live clean. They believe that dogs should be able to run free and get dirty without having to stay dirty. This is why they changed the pet industry by offering a bath membership program. This  allows people to bring their pets in as often as they want and this in turn provides the franchise owners with recurring revenue as well as boosts sales in the salon and boutique.