Editor's Note

It’s Going to Be a Busy Year for PETS+

We have big news to share about our 2024 America’s Coolest contest and this year’s GROOM’D and SUPERZOO shows.

Published

3 months ago

January 23, 2024

Pamela Mitchell PETS+ January-February 2024

TIME SURE FLIES when you’re having fun, and we’ve been doing exactly that here at PETS+ HQ. Don’t get me wrong — we’ve been hard at work, but enjoying ourselves in the process as we plan the coming year.

Here’s what’s happening in 2024, starting with this first issue. In lead story “Show Flow,” we bring together retailers, brands and distributors to talk about how they can do business better together at upcoming trade shows. Per usual, the PETS+ Brain Squad made this feature possible, as did the leading brands and distributors that shared insights and advice.

Also in this issue, columnist Candace D’Agnolo names the top three tech trends to adopt in 2024. Speaking of D’Agnolo, episode 108 of her “Boss Your Business” podcast features yours truly and discussion of the PETS+ 2023 Big Survey, sponsored by the American Pet Products Association and for which D’Agnolo served as contributing editor. Listen at petboss.com/episode108.

Next, be sure to read our America’s Coolest profile of Gangsta Dog in Norfolk, VA. This 1920s-inspired dog bakery and pet store perfectly represents why we hold this annual contest — to shine a spotlight on the many cool independent pet businesses and service providers in the U.S. Need incentive to enter this year? Other than the ultimate bragging rights? Turn to p. 39, where you’ll see big news about our 2024 contest. It involves new contest sponsor SUPERZOO and the amazing prizes it will provide to our eight winners.

And speaking of SUPERZOO, the World Pet Association has chosen PETS+ to be the 2024 media partner for SUPERZOO and GROOM’D. Expect us to bring even more of our usual nonstop multimedia coverage to these shows.

Happy New Year!

Five Great Tips From This Issue That You Can Do Today

Create a treasure map to promote your “dental” products. (Calendar, p. 8)
Show off your sticker collection in a nail polish display. (To-Do List, p. 10)
Benchmark your business against those in other industries. (America’s Coolest, p. 40)
Never say “yes” to anything immediately. (Tip Sheet, p. 46)
Use AI to personalize your email marketing campaigns. (Candace D’Agnolo, p. 47)

NASC Media Spotlight

At first it was just an idea: Animal supplements needed the same quality control that human-grade supplements receive. But that was enough to start a movement and an organization —the National Animal Supplement Council — that would be dedicated to establishing a comprehensive path forward for the animal supplements industry. In this Media Spotlight interview, NASC’s president, Bill Bookout, talks to PETS+ interviewer Chloe DiVita about the industry today: Where it’s headed, what’s the latest focus and why it’s vital to gain the involvement of independent pet product retailers.