Who’s ready to shop? And learn? And network? We are! And we’d love to help you to do the same. Here are four ways to connect with the PETS+ team and your fellow retailers at Global Pet Expo this week.
1. Good morning!
We’re teaming up with Pet Boss Nation for Morning Mingle at our booth, #5809. Join us from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for a coffee, tea or mimosa and to chat with fellow PETS+ Community members and readers and Pet Boss Community and Club members. Some of you check all the membership boxes! Pet Boss Club Members can pick up their ribbons, totes (while supplies last) and more. And we’ll have PETS+ buttons, including America’s Coolest, and the March-April issue, which features more than 100 products to look out for at the show.
2. Who’s ready for a cocktail?
After a full day covering the show, we sure will be. But because it’s more fun to arrive at a party with friends, the PETS+ and Pet Boss Nation communities will meet back at #5809 for more mingling from 5 to 6 p.m., then walk together to the Global Pet Expo Free Networking Reception on Level 2, South Concourse.
3. So cool!
Don’t miss our annual (except for last year, thanks pandemic) must-attend panel: “The Cool Kids: Winners of the America’s Coolest Stores Contest Share How They Offer the Coolest Customer Experience.” It happens Thursday from 3 to 4:15 p.m. in Room S230 E/F.
You’lll hear from award-winning independent pet retailers about what makes their customer experience so cool. Among the shareables: a Hairy Pawtter day with house sorting and quidditch, a subscription box for hermit crabs, a biscuit and chew bar with more than 100 varieties, and a doggie fro-yo stand with toppings bar.
Participating will be Jennifer Thomas of Lucky Dog Pet Grocery & Bakery in Lawrence, KS; Anna Woodcock of Brown Dog Bakery in Ankeny, IA; and Keith Zeiler of Paws on Chicon in Austin, TX. Plus more current and past winners!
4. Pop in, please.
If you can’t make any of the above, we’d still love to see you. Swing by our booth to pick up the March-April issue, sign up for the PETS+ Sample Box program if you’re not already a member (free product samples, delivered to your store’s door!) and say hi.
If I’m not at the booth when you stop by, feel free to message me on Facebook so we can be sure to connect during the show. Speaking of Facebook, we’ll be posting live throughout the show on the platform and on petsplusmag.com. Join our exclusive group for retailers here and “like” our page here.