Gen Z Is Influencing Pet Retail in a Big Way: Report

Gen Z is having a big impact on pet store traffic, according to a new report.

“To put it succinctly, the landscape of pet retail is evolving, and Gen Z is leading the charge,” wrote James Ewen, vice president of marketing at pass_by, in a blog post.

According to the report from pass_by, a geospatial and predictive analytics firm, Gen Z visit have increased by 1.3% over the past five years. They’ve grown by 1.89% at Petco and 1.65% at Pet Supermarket.

Meanwhile, millennial store visits have decreased by 6.26% at Petsmart, 6.86% at Petco and 7.63% at Pet Supermarket.

“Gen Z’s gravitation towards pet ownership reflects not only their love for animals but also their strong inclination towards brands and establishments that align with their values, such as sustainability and ethical treatment of animals,” Ewen wrote.

According to the report, effective strategies that retailers can harness to engage Gen Z include digital engagement, experiential retail, and sustainability and ethical practices.