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Where is the Pet Store Industry Headed?

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Amid Expansive Growth: Pet Store Industry Trends for 2021 and Beyond

While the pandemic has made a mark on every industry, the pet industry has been especially resilient – recognizing significant growth during the pandemic. By just about every metric, the pet industry in 2021 represents one of the most lucrative business options, with franchise business opportunities leading the way. Now is a great time to own a pet grooming franchise – perhaps one of the best franchises to own in 2021.

Following the positive trend already established by Millennials, pet adoptions have continued to skyrocket in the United States. Three out of every four American Millennials own a dog or cat. But, it’s not just the growing number of pet owners that has positively influenced the market, there has also been a significant shift in how pet owners relate to their pets. A growing number of pet owners think of their pet as a vital member of their family. With this mind shift has also come a drastic increase in spending on pets, with pet owners increasingly seeking out luxury items and specialty services for their pets. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for their pet.

The Success of 2020 has Primed 2021 for Continued Growth

According to the latest statistics from the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the United States’ pet industry is currently worth $99.0 billion, up from $95.7 billion in 2020. With 85 million families in the United States owning a pet, it’s expected this industry growth will only continue.

With so much growth, changing pet owner attitudes, and increasing consumer demand, the pet industry is ripe for pet store franchises, especially a pet franchise business that delivers a recurring revenue model. In response to consumer demand and a booming market, the pet industry has developed some significant trends.

pet store industry

Top Trends for 2021

Here are the top industry trends that will continue to make a difference to pet owners in 2021 and beyond.

There are a Growing Number of Pet Products & Supplies

The largest pet store industry sales are in the food and pet care categories. There are a growing number of products such as pet clothing, collars, carriers, and food bowls that pet owners are eager to purchase for their pets. This business segment continues to see positive sales growth.

Pet Grooming & Other Services are in High Demand

Just because a pet owner works or some other reason has them away from home doesn’t mean they can’t still pamper their pet. More and more pet owners are dropping off their pets to be pampered at the groomers. The convenience of local pet groomers has seen the pet services category continue to surge in popularity, making it the fastest-growing product segment over the past five years.

New Pet Technologies Enhance Pet Care

New pet technology gadgets are hitting the market and becoming increasingly popular. With everything from automated feeders and pet cams to pet “fitbits,” new pet technology solutions are revolutionizing the way pet owners interact with their pets while they are at home and also while they are away from their pet. Unimaginable just a few years ago, today fitness apps enable pet owners to track their pet’s health, locate nearby dog parks, find a veterinarian, or monitor their pet’s activity remotely.

Organic and Sustainable Aren’t Just for Humans Anymore

With the growing trend of pets as family, it’s no surprise pet owners are looking for products for their pets that are in line with products they buy for themselves. This move includes such items as organic pet food, gluten-free and grain-free food options, natural fiber toys, all-natural cat litter, and pet groomers that use cruelty-free and environmentally-friendly products.

CBD Products Are Growing in Popularity

CBD products have gained massive appeal in the human market, so it was only a matter of time before it crossed over to the pet market. Thanks to the federal government, CBD products are now legal, provided the extract contains no more than 0.3 percent THC. Pet owners are flocking to buy CBD extracts, treats, and shampoos and topical oils for their pets to help ease anxiety and stress for their furry family members

Pet-friendly Travel is Taking Off

Pet owners are planning vacations that include taking along their pet. This opens up a big opportunity for pet travel-related products and services in the pet, hotel, and travel industries.

Online Shopping Continues Its Uptick

E-commerce options continue to grow, accelerated by COVID-19. However, boutiques that offer one-stop shopping along with specialty items are still in hot demand.

Pet Luxury Items and Customization Are Making a Name for Themselves

Designer labels such as Chanel, Gucci, and even Swarovski crystal are taking a trip down the pet runway, offering high-end fashion for our four-legged friends. Pet owners are willing to pay the high price tags to set their pet apart. Along these same lines, pet product customization in 2021 is lightyears away from what it used to be. Pet owners want more personalization – way beyond an engraved name tag. Today, pet owners are seeking customized pet food, using doggie DNA tests to determine the best food options for their pet.

Consumers Are Seeking More Social Experiences

Today’s consumers are digital-first, so a brand’s online presence is of paramount importance. Consumers want to see a website and social media that inspire trust and make a connection, and they want the information to be up-to-date and easy to use. Pet owners want to be able to easily schedule appointments and handle payments. Subscription boxes that deliver a monthly assortment of pet goodies to pet owners are also very popular. It’s all about creating a good experience for pet owners.

Looking Ahead: The Future for the Pet Industry

The pet industry is growing year-on-year. There is certainly space and plenty of opportunity and demand for the development of new products and services that cater to the needs and wants of pet owners.

At Splash and Dash Groomerie and Boutique, we know the pet service industry is going strong. Our franchisees are taking full advantage of the phenomenal industry growth. We are looking for passionate people who are looking for a rewarding business opportunity to join our franchise family.

If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you achieve your dream of owning your own business and get in on the booming pet industry, please download a copy of our free Franchise Report. Inside this report you will learn more about what Splash and Dash has to offer and what makes us a great franchise business opportunity.

5 Ways to Make Your Local Pet Store, The Most Popular Spot in Town

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How to Distinguish Your Shop From Other Local Pet Stores

Today standing out is more important than ever. Not only are small businesses competing with the other local shops in the area but the ubiquity of e-commerce makes store uniqueness indispensable. Those in the pet grooming industry have a big advantage. The service portion of this business will naturally build a clientele list. But standing out from other local pet stores still has its challenges.

It all starts with location. Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique owners premeditate location based on profitable key metrics. A local pet store’s location needs to have high visibility with tons of foot traffic. Neighboring businesses in the vicinity is also crucial to engage with prospective customers. Even with a phenomenal location, shop owners can make adjustments to strategize factors that lead to more customers and higher sales rates.

The trick is to against the grain. Whether you’re planning a local marketing campaign or decorating for the holidays it never pays to copy other local pet stores. Why be the same when you can be different and set the precedent? When you post on social media about new products don’t use language and media that mirror your competitors. Post things that represent what makes your shop special. Instead of organizing signage that emulates the competition—find new creative ways that you know your customers will resonate with.

This article offers some guidance on ways to make your local pet store the best one in town!

1. A Sight for Sore Eyes

It’s an old trick in an unwritten book but window displays are your first line of offense when it comes to getting foot traffic to come into your store. Bolstering your curb appeal.

  • Is your window display engaging?
  • Does it spark interest in potential customers?
  • Is it on brand and look inviting?
  • What makes a good window display?

The same effect that a mannequin has on shoppers is the methodology behind window displays. Customers visualize ownership. This is a part of influential merchandising. Themed window displays tell the story of what you sell inside and services your small businesses provide. For Splash and Dash shop locations it reads upscale, clean, and charming. Banners displaying the company name and brand also help distinguish local pet stores. Think about those famous golden arches and you can almost taste the french fries. This same evocation can happen by displaying your company banner.

Appealing to other senses is important too. Shops need to smell inviting—not like dirty dog water. Most local pet stores and grooming salons have that wet dog smell permeated into the walls. Not Splash and Dash!  Also make sure your store is always clean and well lit. Avant-garde merchandising isn’t effective unless the other elements of your store match the caliber of your displays.

A final thought is that when associates look busy, this image is psychologically welcoming for customers. When your employees looked bored, your store looks boring.

2. Unique Store Layout & Merchandising

The Splash and Dash brand carries a detailed and notable store layout and merchandising schematic. Everything from the color palette of the walls to the positioning of peg boards is all unique to the pet franchise. Display fixtures are made in-house and are complementary to the theme of the boutique.

Visual merchandising is the force that prompts people to pick up a product. The way shop owners purposefully organize product aisles to entice shoppers. For instance, think of holiday cards. Almost no one goes into a specialty shop to specifically buy a holiday card. But, when you get to the line to check out, and there’s the cutest card staring at you in the face, that you just have to get your friend—this is merchandising magic working.

The key to merchandising is having your store be in a constant flux of product positioning. You want items your repeat customers have never noticed to pop-up at them. You want items customers are readily looking for to be accessible and point them toward other items of interest. There is a lot of amazing literature out there for local pet stores. “Merchandising Theory Principles and Practice” by Grace Kunz is amazing. For those in the pet industry, “Quit Your Bitchin’ and Start Making Real Money” by Dan J. Barton gets straight to the point on more than just store design.

3. The Millennial Customer Experience

The buzz in all the local pet stores has been the recent announcement from the APPA, that Millennials have replaced the older generations as the primary pet owners in America.

Millennials have different shopping tactics than their generational predecessors. Millennials are much more experimental. The generation is less skeptical than their frugal parents but is also armed with mobile. Smartphone accessed consumer reviews and FAQs on products aren’t quite making old fashioned sales teams obsolete. A knowledgeable and friendly sales team is still vital.

Marketing to this consumer in your brick-and-mortar store will look different. This generation wants an experience. A personalized experience should be one that is easily shared on social media. Updating the tech in your shop may not be as difficult as you think. Simple low-tech things like selfie-boards and treat tastings are ways for your customers to interact with your brand.

4. Dazzle Them With Legendary Service

Mark Levy, shop owner in La Verne, California, describes his shop as a place “where a cold nose is treated with a warm heart and everyone is treated like royalty. ” Treating your customers like royalty is not as hyperbolic as you think. Thinking that customer service and building relationships are limited to the service industry is precarious thinking. According to BizReport, 75% of customers state that they consider customer service as a true test of a company’s competency. Why shouldn’t they? This is the segment of a company that interacts the most with customers.

Your employees need to be knowledgeable, honest, and fair with customers. Treating customers as fellow humans is simple and smiles go a long way. Remember, you are dealing with someone’s pet, and many pet parents are particular.

Splash and Dash help set a precedent for our customer service by setting a guarantee. The company guarantees full satisfaction with the quality of any product or service and Splash and Dash will do everything possible to set things right if complaints arise.

5. Embrace Corporate Social Responsibility

Local pet stores in your area have social responsibility just as much as the big guys in other industries like Microsoft. Arguably, a pet store is held even more accountable since the business is centered around animals. Focusing your business tactics on giving back to society not only betters the world but has massive consumer appeal.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique do their part by hosting adoption events, providing meals for local charities, and shrinking the carbon pawprint.

We hope you found this article helpful to make for all the local pet stores out there!

 

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