IPP News
- Great information on the Independent Pet Partners debacle — so many moving pieces, almost daily, but PETS+ was able to report the facts without speculation in an accurate, thoughtful and timely manner. — Jeffrey Jensen, Four Muddy Paws, St. Louis, MO
- It was great that so many people came together to share info for the IPP story. That probably would not happen in many other industries. — Susan Nagel-Rees, Winky’s Pet Boutique, Chester, NJ
EDITOR’S NOTE: How were we able to report the IPP story first within the industry and nationwide? And continue reporting it? Because our amazing readers regularly send us new tips. Also, I’m from Houston, TX, where IPP brand Natural Pawz began. We wish everyone involved the brightest of futures.
Reader Raves
- We greatly appreciate the articles about manufacturers changing ownership, changing or discontinuing products. Sometimes you know before our reps tell us! — Michele Saharic, Barkley’s Marketplace, Flemington, NJ
- I always enjoy interacting with my peers in the Facebook group, the Brain Squad surveys and results are very informative, and I love the Sample Box program. Thanks for all you do! — Brett Foreman, EuPAWria Holistic Pet Center, Owego, NY
- I love seeing what other stores are doing for holidays and promotions, plus learning about new products that I had been unaware of or are new. PETS+ is the only magazine I make certain to look through with every issue! — Beth Kidd, Dogs By Design, Irwin, PA
Pet Peeves
- We indies work hard to build brands with customers, and brands offering savings if they buy direct is a huge slap in the face. Brands could at least match their own MAP/IMAP (instead of selling below, but holding us to MAP/IMAP), or offer coupons for customers to redeem in their local store. That way, indies stay in business and brands get their sales. — Theresa Sexton, For Healthy Pets, Wetumpka, AL
- I’m baffled that consumers can pay double or triple their usual price for anything in the meat department at their local grocery stores, but still get offended and angry at staff for pet food price increases. We’re doing the best we can! — Stephanie Wright, Bend Pet Express, Bend, OR
- Franchises are popping up everywhere! I hope those with grooming price appropriately to help lift up the industry. I’ve seen some starting at $50 to $55 in my area, which is what I paid for my dog to be groomed 10 years ago! — Cynthia McKinney, Loyl’s Natural Pet Grocery & Groomery, Houston, TX
On 2023
- With inflation and people now making payments on their EIDL loans and having no more access to money, we will see more closings, buyouts, etc. It has been a rough uphill road for many these last three years, and now is the true test of who will survive. Molly Taylor, Molly’s Mutt House, Houston, TX
2023 has a whole new feel for me. I feel like the plague of 2020+ has been shed. People seem to have begun to accept that the economy sucks and it’s going to for a bit. Spending was down in December, but there are less comments about pricing. I’m hopeful that spending is on the rise again. 2023 is going to be amazing! — Julie Sterling, Julz Animal Houz, Marysville, WA - We’ve been forced to start offering lower-cost dog and cat foods, something lower cost from brands we carry, as we know some of our customers have gone to grocery. We are featuring these in areas where we think those customers still shop, but not in our food area as we believe those customers don’t shop that section anymore. — Stacy Davis, That Fish Place – That Pet Place, Lancaster, PA
- To my fellow indies with freezers, if you haven’t grabbed gently cooked food options, do it now. Sit back and let direct-to-consumer spend $$$ on educating the market, but position yourself to receive these households when they realize the long-term costs of shipping. — Rebecca Martino, Stately Pet Supply, Clarks Summit, PA
See You at Global!
- Looking forward to seeing the PETS+ team highlight all of the cool new stuff sure to debut at Global! I so appreciate all that you do to keep retailers informed! — Shane Somerville, Paddywack, Mill Creek, WA
EDITOR’S NOTE: The PETS+ team will be reporting live from the show floor at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL, Mar. 22-24. Follow us at facebook.com/petsplusmag.