We made shop dog Alex “Employee of the Month” to promote the new METROPAWS tennis balls. He is obsessed with all things tennis ball! We sold around 20 balls and 10 of the three-packs displayed nearby in June. — Becci Scott, The Fetching Dog, Scottsdale, AZ
We sold 44 PUDDLE JUMPER PUPS fabric collars in a mix of whimsical seasonal fabrics. Think summer vibes, patriotic pops and playful prints that align with special occasions or geographical themes. Customers love the personality they bring to their pups’ wardrobes, and it’s clear our customers love the fashion-forward collars. $32 average. — Robert Critselous, Drooly’s Dog Bakery, Bentonville, AR
- RAWZ Rabbit & Pumpkin Pate cat cans sold 320 units in June. It was a strong performer due to a noticeable increase in customers seeking more premium, minimally processed foods for their cats, especially those featuring novel proteins like rabbit. 5.5 oz can for $4.19, and the demand was entirely driven by consumer interest. — Victor Santucci, Garden State Pet Center, Audubon, NJ
- Antlers! We’ve had tons of rain in North Carolina, and antlers are fantastic for days when pets are stuck inside. We purchased 25 elk, deer and moose antlers from TUESDAY’S NATURAL DOG COMPANY and sold out before the end of July. We sell them at $20 to $45 each, depending on the size. — Roxane Cann, The Dapper Hound, Mount Airy, NC
- Human T-shirts have been selling like crazy! We have always carried a variety of dog-themed T-shirts and sweatshirts, but have sold more this summer than ever before. One particular shirt — a dog jumping off a dock — sold 24 units in two weeks. It’s a LUCKY DOGS exclusive. I found the photographer’s work and asked him for the licensing rights. Thankfully, he agreed! — Amy Schiek, Lucky Dogs, Skaneateles, NY
- HEALTHY ROOTS CBD Full Spectrum Oils were our top seller. We sold 78 bottles in July, even with most of our holiday sales in June. We didn’t run any specials, just recommended CBD in store and on our socials. — Jennifer Larsen, Firehouse Pet Shop, Wenatchee, WA
- We did a lot of sales on various brands, mostly at 20% off, to celebrate 20 years of business. A lot of WERUVA, ZIGNATURE and FROMM food went out to thrilled customers! — Shane Somerville, Paddywack, Mill Creek, WA
- PORTLAND PET FOOD meals. We added them to a puppy menu to be ordered when pet parents were eating at our cafe. They were such a hit that many folks picked up a few more to have at home or while traveling. On the menu they are $9, and as a retail item they are $8. We sold 32 in July. — Amy Wolf, The Dog Spot, Joseph, OR
- BLUE-9 Balance Harnesses continue to be one of our best sellers, mostly because people are coming to our training facility wanting help with a dog who pulls. We get them into a front-connecting harness and teach them how to communicate with their dog on a walk. We sold 24 harnesses at $40 each. — Stephanie Bennett, Believe In Dog Training, Houston, TX
- 12-inch Bully Sticks — 84 RED BARN, 56 CHASING OUR TAILS. We have a lot of dog-friendly, al fresco dining here in the summer. Customers like to have something to give their pups to chew. — Diane Mullen, Winni Paw Station, Wolfeboro, NH
- The PET SHOP BY FRINGE STUDIO T-Rex toys have been a hit! I ordered more at SUPERZOO. — Gary Hughes, Gangsta Dog, Norfolk, VA
- GREEN JUJU Goat Freeze-Dried Raw Diet. The company does an excellent job of marketing and has a following that’s growing. — Kat Vandermoss, All Natural Pet Supply, Vancouver, WA
- OC RAW LYFE! We listen to each of our guests and help them select what will work best. Power Cookies were our main sellers, especially for the dogs who play physically demanding sports. — Lisa Kirschner, Sit, Stay, ‘N Play, Inc., Stroudsburg, PA
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.
