Products

PETS+ Readers Share Hot-Selling Products and Services for August

Check out this live grass for your feline friends!

Published

3 months ago

November 21, 2018

PETS+ Staff PETS+ November 2018 Issue Online Extra

Products

- We have sold a lot of No-Hide chews from Earth Animal mainly because of back to school. A lot of pets who spent all summer playing with children now spend more time alone and need pacifiers to keep from being bored. James Henline, Asheville Pet Supply, Asheville, NC
- In August, we sold just over 400 pounds of cookies. We offer mix-and-match for $4.99 a pound, and include grain-free and grain-inclusive options from several different brands. Just this month, we have started taking the broken pieces of cookies and bagging them up in a cello bag with curled ribbon tie. Each bag is about 8 ounces and sells for $1.99 — and really only costs us about 15 cents for the bag — for cookies that would have otherwise been just sampled out or trashed. No one wants broken pieces when they’re in the buckets at full price, but they’ve been flying out merchandised this way! Shane Somerville, Paddywack, Mill Creek, WA
- Momentum Carnivore Nutrition freeze-dried raw dog treats. Since we are big on offering all different types of options for dog treats, we have had a lot of people switch to the single-protein raw options. I have a hard time keeping Momentum in our store! It also helps that they have a frequent buyer program. Melissa Ripple, Paws & Effect, Eustis, FL
- The Chuckit! indoor ball by Petmate was a real seller. Ron Keller, Captivating Canines, Westerville, OH
- Pet Releaf CBD Hemp Oil. Amazing, quality product that works. Denise Strong, Pawz On Main, Cottonwood, AZ
- “This & That” snack station. Great price point with high-quality treats. We have chosen to use a two for type discount with the two lower-cost tiers in the rack. Two for $1 and two for $2. Our sales rep from Packer Mellum sold it to us through Pet Food Experts. Jack Carey, Amoskeag Pet Supply, Manchester, NH
- Elevate dog food. Pets love the taste; customers love the price and ingredients. Greg Gorski, Cody Pet Depot, Cody, WY
- Since we offer grooming, when a dog comes in with fleas, we inform them about our Seresto flea collar. It helpful that our staff also use it on their own dogs, so it definitely helps to push the selling when we give them the testimonial that we see it working on our own dogs. Tammi Bui, Wishbone Pet Care, Missouri City, TX
- Heavenly Hounds Relaxation Squares did very well for us in August. We have the box on the counter at the registers. When customers pick them up and look at them, we start talking about how it’s designed to calm dogs during stressful situations. Diane Marcin, Benny’s PET DEPOT, Mechanicsburg, PA
- LickiMats by Hyper Pet! It’s a way to engage high-energy dogs and also can be used as a slow feeder for both dogs and cats. Create tasty treats by spreading on soft foods, like yogurt, pumpkin, canned or dehydrated foods, then freeze it. It’s affordable at $7.99 so customers really love it! Toni Shelaske, Healthy Pet Products, Pittsburgh, PA
- Taste of the Wild is our biggest seller besides grooming services. Jan Guin, All Pet Supplies & Equine Center, Springfield, MO
- August was a big travel, vacation, camping month. We sold a lot of outdoor gear from Kurgo, Nite Ize and The Worthy Dog. Michelle Pelletier, Bentley’s Pet Stuff, Grafton, WI
- Stella & Chewy’s 12-pound Super Beef. I have three regular customers who are feeding a combined 6-plus bags a week. Wric Mack, Purrrfect Bark, Columbus, NC
- By far our supplements were our best sellers. The best one was Suzie’s Pet Treats. Most popular flavor: pumpkin. Debbie Brookham, Furry Friends Inc., Colorado Springs, CO
- We started carrying Blue Buffalo dog and cat food formulas and they have been bringing a lot of new business in! Lisa Keppers, Sauk Centre Country Store, Sauk Centre, MN

Services

De-skunk treatment for services and pumpkin for upset stomachs. Rachel Malmfeldt, Pampered Pups Grooming, Joliet, IL
Grooming was crazy. Dogs were shedding fast! It was incredibly rainy here so our self-serve dog wash was in big demand. Pattie Boden, Animal Connection, Charlottesville, VA
August is moulting month for many birds so we do a lot of grooming. Roughly 250 birds for the month. Customers who bought a bird from us get free grooming. For others, it’s a paid service. Either way it brings customers into the store. Paul Lewis, Birds Unlimited, Webster, NY

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PETS+ Staff

Since launching in 2017, PETS+ has won 11 major international journalism awards for its publication and website. Contact PETS+'s editors at editor@petsplusmag.com.

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Products

8 Styles in Dogwear — From Buzz Lightyear to a Cozy Sweater

Know what to stock and make them available.

Published

3 days ago

February 18, 2019

Michelle Lange

THE NATIONAL RETAIL Federation confirms the trend: More than 31 million Americans have an itch to dress up their pets for Halloween — and that’s just one day of the year! When you’re stocking dog clothing, look for daily wear and special event clothes, plus lots of sizes so there’s something for everyone.

Wonderful Coat

Parisian Pet

KEY FEATURES: The modern design features a faux-fur trim on bright red and light gray tones — a striking contrast to make the coat truly stand out.

SALES TIP: Pretty and practical, this coat is both a fashion statement and cozy.

parisianpet.com, (305) 463-7151

$29.99

Fashion Pet Plaid Reversible Coat

Ethical Products

KEY FEATURES: This machine-washable coat features imitation tortoise shell toggle buttons and a hook-and-loop fastener belly band.

SALES TIP: It’s a BOGO — this navy plaid fleece reverses to an all-black version.

ethicalpet.com, (800) 223-7768

$39.59

Long Sleeve Tees

Paco & Lucia

KEY FEATURES: Peruvian pima cotton T-shirts made of expensive fabric and thoughtful details like contrast stitching.

SALES TIP: Crossover artists: These precious pieces are made by seamstresses experienced in making luxury baby clothes.

pacoandlucia.com, (917) 447-4313

$39

Cookie Monster Costume

Pet Krewe

KEY FEATURES: A plush, bright blue costume of Sesame Street’s foremost food reviewer. It’s easy to get on and off, and good for pets who don’t really like dressing up.

SALES TIP: An Instagram-able “walking costume” where the dog looks like he’s carrying cookies.

petkrewe.com, (504) 458-8911

$24.99

Buzz Lightyear

Rubie’s Costume Company

KEY FEATURES: This officially licensed Buzz Lightyear costume shines with light-up wings, an easy to adjust chest piece and a flexible doggie helmet.

SALES TIP: Stock up for June 21, when the highly anticipated TOY STORY 4 hits big screens.

rubies.com, (516) 326-1500

$24.99

The Bood & The Snood

Ruffina NYC

KEY FEATURES: The Bood is a pullover coat for the body, cut in different styles for male and female dogs, and the Snood is a button-on scarf to keep everybody’s neck warm.

SALES TIP: A two-piece for pets — sell them as a set or mix and match complementary color combinations.

ruuffina.nyc, (917) 499-7888

bood-$40; Snood-$25

Stumptown Jacket

Ruffwear

KEY FEATURES: A fashionable quilted coat with side-release buckles, reflective trim and a leash portal so it can be worn over a harness.

SALES TIP: An insulated jacket that provides cozy warmth for pups who like cold-weather adventures.

ruffwear.com, (888) 783-3932

$64.95

Jackson Elk Sweater

PetRageous

KEY FEATURES: A light gray sweater accented with a darker gray collar and trim, and set off by the main feature, an elk head silhouette.

SALES TIP: This woodsy design looks high-end but it’s made of wash-and-go material.

petrageousdesigns.com, (800) 893-9893

$17.99

Products

Fix Up Your Reptile’s Digs with These 8 Products

Set the right scene — and provide comfortable digs — for your reptile friends.

Published

4 days ago

February 17, 2019

Michelle Lange

IN REPTILE HABITATS, pet owners get to use their imaginations. Building micro-studies of rainforests and river bottoms lets people design imaginary ecosystems and innovative environments. Stock up on reptile habitats and accessories designed to keep the dream alive. If you’re building a fantasy rainforest, why spoil it with a metal bowl?

Rainforest Terrarium

Exo Terra / Hagen

KEY FEATURES: An extra-tall glass terrarium with secure, swinging front doors and a fully ventilated top.

SALES TIP: Ideal for tree-dwellers — think boas, tree frogs and leaf-tailed geckos.

exo-terra.com, (800) 724-2436

$159.99

Flexible Climbing Vine

Penn-Plax

KEY FEATURES: A 5-foot stretch of flexible, bendable climbing vine can be used to fill in the gaps between plants and substrate.

SALES TIP: Keep things interesting — this natural-looking climber vine can be bent to create hiding spots and climbing areas.

penn-plax.com, (866) 625-2385

Bamboo Hide

Galapagos

KEY FEATURES: This 18-inch habitat hideaway is made of real, natural bamboo. When it’s filled with moist moss, the water is slowly released to boost humidity levels in a terrarium.

SALES TIP: Doubles as a tool for egg incubation, tarantula hide and even growing live plants.

galapagosreptilegear.com, (805) 450-6115

$19.99

ReptoHeat

Tetrafauna

KEY FEATURES: A dual temperature basking heater is designed with a microcomputer inside to control basking temperature with accuracy.

SALES TIP: Power up and save, as it’s the most efficient source of basking heat on the market.

tetra-fish.com, (800) 526-0650

$98.99

Naturalistic Terrarium Tropical Kit

ZooMed

KEY FEATURES: An all-in-one terrarium that’s good for beginners and takes up just a little space at 12 by 12 by 18 inches.

SALES TIP: A starter pack to add a little bit of the jungle to your life: day and nighttime lamps, substrates, moss, plants and a how-to guide.

zoomed.com, (888) 496-6633

$109.99

Wetlands Bowl

T-Rex

KEY FEATURES: A water bowl that’s truly natural — it’s made from half a coconut. Good for non-sterile environments, and particularly good for dart frog setups.

SALES TIP: A multipurpose accessory, you can recommend it as a water dish or seed it to grow moss and plants.

reptilesupplyco.com, (800) 750-9065

$4.49

Bow Front-Opening Terrarium

Zilla

KEY FEATURES: Bowed front doors give extra dimension to this terrarium, which includes a realistic tree background, removable doors and inserts to maintain humidity.

SALES TIP: The bowed glass lends a new depth to this style of reptile keeping.

zillarules.com, (888) 255-4527

$149.99

Black Terrarium Sand

Reptile Sciences

KEY FEATURES: A rich, 100 percent digestible calcium carbonate that also neutralizes odor.

SALES TIP: Reptile patterns pop on this inky background, and it’s versatile — works for snakes, reptiles, turtles and dragons.

reptilesciences.com, (954) 492-8196

$14.99

Products

8 Habitats and Accessories for Small Animals

Exciting homes for the little furballs.

Published

1 week ago

February 14, 2019

Michelle Lange

SMALL ANIMAL OWNERS want some excitement in the aisle, so give them style options to browse. Stock high-end cages that blend into the home décor, plus cages that play with colorful designs, design-forward architecture and lighting effects. Set up a display model and fill it with related accessories like colorful habitat fillers and hides within the larger space, and point out hidden surprises like extra deep debris trays.

Care Fresh Small Pet Bedding
Healthy Pet

KEY FEATURES: Made from scratch, this ultra-absorbent fluff provides the softest, driest, most comfortable home for small pets.

SALES TIP: Add a cheerful pop of color to any small pet’s home with Tutti Frutti or Blue Paradise options.

healthy-pet.com, (800) 242-2287

$16.99

Guinea Habitat Plus
MidWest Homes for Pets

KEY FEATURES: In just 15 pounds, this guinea pig cage offers 8 square feet of play space, plus more than a foot of ceiling space.

SALES TIP: Using special lock-in-place ramps, doors and divider panels, customers can customize the space for their pets’ needs.

midwesthomes4pets.com, (800) 428-8560

$61.99

3-Level Hamster Cage
Iris USA

KEY FEATURES: Hamsters get three levels of space in this compact housing unit that features a see-through front and wire sides to keep air flowing.

SALES TIP: ¡Claro! Pet parents will appreciate transparency of this colorful habitat.

irisusainc.com, (800) 320-4747

$54.99

Park Ave Indoor Hutch for Rabbit and Small Animals
New Age Pet

KEY FEATURES: Made with an eco-friendly and durable composite material, this habitat is nontoxic, nonabsorbent and easy to clean.

SALES TIP: A chic look in a snap — this requires no maintenance and can be assembled in minutes.

newagepet.com, (510) 887-5976

$299.99

Grass Feeder Hut
Prevue Pet Products

KEY FEATURES: A grass and treat holder with ventilated slots and a wide corner entry opening that accommodates most small animals, from rabbits to rats.

SALES TIP: The unvarnished look gives a shabby chic look to this furniture that encourages playing, hiding, snoozing and nibbling.

prevuepet.com, (312) 243-3624

$29.99

CritterTrail LED Color Changing Habitat
Kaytee

KEY FEATURES: The eye-popping habitat includes a color-changing LED and five color settings: nocturnal red, pink, green, purple and yellow.

SALES TIP: Super fun and super safe, this cage features narrow wire spacing and side lock latches, with secure openings on top and in the front.

kaytee.com, (800) 529-8331

$59.95

Tabby Cat Hamster Hideout
Ware Pet Products

KEY FEATURES: The Tabby Cat Hamster Hideout from is a little nook of a getaway for small animals, easy to wipe down and keep clean.

SALES TIP: A versatile piece, you can keep it inside a cage as a play place, or use it for outside the cage activities.

warepet.com, (602) 257-8803

$8.99

Living World Deluxe Habitat
Hagen

KEY FEATURES: Elegantly styled with an arcing red wire top, this hybrid cage has an upper wire frame and a plastic bottom base, with interior hiding spots for rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas.

SALES TIP: Get that quality time in: This habitat features a balcony where pets and people can play around.

hagen.com, (800) 554-2436

$99.99