Retailers were saddened Tuesday to learn that Mirage Pet Products will be halting operations as of Aug. 1. An email to them stated, “Our production will run normally until then, but imports and products where the raw materials run out will be removed from ordering as this occurs.”
The multi-generation family-owned business, with Stephanie Davis as current owner and CEO, produces more than 200,000 different products for pets in its Missouri factory. The email explained the reasons for closing: “Since 1957, we have supplied the pet industry across the world with fun, beautiful products for dogs and cats (as well as a few kangaroos, goats, horses, and chickens!). We have survived so much — a fire, Covid, floods, tornados, dot.com busts, recessions, an MS diagnosis, and so much more. We are exhausted and need a break.”
Jusak Yang Bernhard of Wag Heaven in Georgetown, TX, responded to the news in the PETS+ Facebook Community: “This is sooooo sad. So sorry. We understand the challenges that they are facing to keep the doors open, especially with the pandemic, etc. Wow. Please know that we are sending them our prayers during the transition and their facing medical issues.”
Several retailers shared their experiences carrying the products and working with the company.
Sheena Kirkwood of Felicity’s Pet Supplies in Bellefonte, PA, said: “Their blank fleece-lined hoodies are some of my favorites and our customers’, too.”
Lorin Grown, former owner of Furry Face in Redlands, CA, recalled: “They were great to work with, and I did incredibly well with many of their products. Sad to see this.”
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Lisa Wix of Puppy Dawgs and Cat Tails in Brenham, TX, added: “I’ve sold their products since opening in 2014. Loved that their products were made in the USA, and the quality of their leather collars with studs and rhinestones were top notch. They brought in a line of soft toys that sold well, too. It’s sad to see another made in the USA company closing their doors. I wish them the best though — cheers to great adventures!”
Danielle Wilson of Bath & Biscuits in Granville, OH, said: “Their fabric bones, in so many different colors and patterns, are a huge hit with my clients and dog trainer (great reward toy).”
And Patti Vincent of Puppy Love in Beaumont, TX, shared: “Stephanie was always a joy to work with! I will miss their products and their excellent customer service! I wish them much success in their next ventures!”
The statement also noted the company’s plans for the immediate future: “We will be selling off all of our inventory, departments, machinery, shelving, etc. in the coming months, we hope you will consider supporting us as we say good bye. For those that order our apparel, please let us know if you would like to be included on a daily email list to be notified of what colors/sizes are currently available – we will start this service tomorrow morning for those that wish to be included.
“We are also selling off the various divisions that make up Mirage, please let us know if you are interested in hearing more about that! These are the divisions available that make up Mirage: nylon collars, crystal collars, apparel, imports, plush toys, and other printed goods. We hope that we are able to sell these divisions to people that can continue to provide you with the products that our family has perfected for six generations! We will let all of our customers know where they can find our products again as these deals take place!”
The statement included long-term goals, as well: “We hope this isn’t a permanent goodbye, but perhaps a ‘see you later’ as we move to Europe (Portugal) to pursue better healthcare and a more stable business environment. There are many factories in Portugal due to the low cost of living so we are hopeful that we may be able to rebuild there in time, if we do not sell it all off before we leave!”
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For more information, visit miragepetproducts-com.3dcartstores.com or email [email protected].
Editor’s note: We reached out to Mirage Pet Products for additional comment and will update this post with any response.
