Catit Pixi water fountains from HAGEN were so popular before the holidays, and it carried over into January. I got them on a deal with an ISO, but I have a great everyday price as well: $42.99. — Paige Elder, Buzz n’ B’s Aquarium and Pet Shop, Erie, PA
ICELANDIc+ Cod Mini Fish Chip treats have been a big hit. Small, about the size of a dime, makes them a good treat for medium to large size dogs. They are very smelly, which is a big hit for dogs in training classes. — Sandy House, Paws ‘N Effect, Hamden, CT
Products
- We ran a promotion on several Colorado companies: ANDERSON’S NATURAL PET FOOD raw on sale, and treats from SMART COOKIE, WINNIE LOU and BOULDER DOG FOOD COMPANY. We used our social media, email list, and in-store signage to promote. The staff was on board and excited. Our customers shop with us because they like to support local companies, and so to double up on that by buying from other Colorado companies was a big hit. — Niki Patt, Chewy’s Bonetique, Denver, CO
- HEATH High Energy Bird’s Blend Suet. We were able to take advantage of a distributor closing and sell the suet for $0.99 per cake, which is quite a bit lower than what we’ve been able to sell it for since Covid. It has been a hit! — Cassie Nilsson, The Mill Stores, Whiteford, MD
- FIRSTMATE dog and cat foods. I brought in the full line in December, after many of my customers requested it and we were already doing special orders. Once customers saw it on the shelf, it really opened up the base for the brand. The food sells itself. It also helps that I feed it. It’s nice to be able to tell my customers why I feed the brand I do. It gives them an idea of the quality. — Errin Jolley, Purrz and Paws, St. Helens, OR
- So many dog owners come in and want something for sensitive tummies, so I always suggest a MINE PET PLATTER since Carole Smeja has done the research on how we feed our dogs, not just what we feed. This is great for French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs and other flat-faced breeds, and once the pet parent is informed, it usually converts to a sale. — Victoria Park, Park Pet Supply, Atlanta, GA
- TUFFY brand toys, $30 to $90, sold better than anything, followed by WEST PAW Toppl. We sold out of both twice! — Jacob Marchel, Animology, Olympia, WA
- Just like at Christmas, we’re finding consistent sales with TALL TAILS Dream Chaser cuddle bed. We’ve sold more of those beds in the last three months (as almost an impulse item) than we’ve sold any other bed in the past year! — Rebecca Martino, Stately Pet Supply, Clarks Summit, PA
- CHILLY DOG blanket coats. Colder than usual temps sent pet owners out for warm gear. They are beautifully made and available in many patterns. Size XS to 2XL, and 2XL fits most Great Danes. $43 to $49. — Pamela Modica, Lazy Creek Pet Food Center, Lexington, SC
- BARKING BUDDHA PET Beef Cheek Slices: 6-inch slices in plain, peanut butter and vanilla mint for $3.49; 12-inch slices in peanut butter for $5.99. Great value for puppies and small dogs, and if they start chewing through them quickly, we encourage customers to upgrade to rolls. — Katherine Ostiguy, Crossbones, Providence, RI
- Decorated cookies from BOURBON CITY BARKERY on Faire. They’re smaller, with a $2.50 price point, but really cute. They started selling immediately, and then we had a woman stop in and buy 20 to give as gifts. — Melisa Wynn, Paws & Fins Pet Shop, Bainbridge Island, WA
- PET RELEAF’s Edibites Family Size for $44.99. Since I started carrying this size, they have taken over as the bestseller. More value. — Randy Walker, Lakeshore Pet Boutique, Douglas, MI
- Fresh quail eggs from a local quail egg farmer. They fly out of our fridge. 12 for $7.99. I also found a free-roaming-duck egg farmer, and my raw milk farm brings us pasture-raised chicken eggs as well. Six duck eggs for $12.99. 12 chicken eggs for $12.99. — Becci Scott, The Fetching Dog, Scottsdale, AZ
Services
- We opened a new Training University program for dogs who do well in smaller group play and added in enrichment, exercise and manners activities throughout their day. — Jennifer Frankavitz, Four Leggers Pet Supplies & Services, Beverly, MA
- Long-term boarding, up to three weeks at $50 per day, per dog. No promotions other than posting cute photos on social. I’m so busy, I’m referring them to another professional. — Terri Ellen, Salem Bed & Biscuit, Salem, OR
What’s the Brain Squad?
If you’re the owner or top manager of a U.S. pet business serving the public, you’re invited to join the PETS+ Brain Squad. Take one five-minute quiz a month, and you’ll get a free t-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and make your voice heard on key issues affecting the pet industry. Sign up here.