July-August 2018
JULY-AUGUST/ 18
LEAD STORY
America's Coolest Stores
Come back on July 23 for the big reveal of this year's winning businesses.
BEST OF THE BEST
At a Minneapolis Store, Hoppy Hour is for the Rabbits
BENCHMARKS
Turbo-Charge Your Brand with a Vehicle Wrap
REAL DEAL
When a Valuable Employee is Caught in a Small, Petty Theft, Is It Time to Fire Him?
TIP SHEET
Speed Up Check-In with a Menu Board and 7 Other Tips
ASK PETS+
Get Your Staff to Show Some Enthusiasm
CALENDAR
July/August Happenings: Indie Retailer Month, Guinea Pig Appreciation Day
CANDACE D’AGNOLO
The Three Keys to Drawing, Engaging and Keeping Customers
LATEST RELEASES
From Carp Oil to Cat Nap Pods — All the Latest Items for Your Store
PET PRO GEAR
Polish Your Marketing with Stock Photos — and 4 Other Products to Help You Do Business Better
PRODUCTS
9 Products to Turn Your Customers Into Underwater Artists
PRODUCTS
9 Foods Show Expanding Options in Cat Fare
RUTH MELLERGAARD
Learn Lighting Basics to Transform Your Space
JANE HARRELL
5 Steps to Master Your Email Newsletter
SHAWNA SCHUH
Go Lay Down! How Taking a Break Will Help You and Your Business
June 2018
JUNE / 18
LEAD STORY
How to Do Everything
Okay, maybe not everything. But a lot of cool stuff, anyway.
FEATURE STORY
CBD and Hemp Products
The product line is on fire. Here's what you need to know about it.
ONLINE EXTRAS FOR JUNE 2018
• Read the Q&A with Ellyn Suga of Shop Dog Boutique in this month's America's Coolest Store.
• See additional blackboard signs from artistically-inclined pet businesses in this month's Benchmarks.
• Read additional responses to "The Case of the Wild Goldie" in this month's Real Deal.
• See even more fast-moving products and services from PETS+ readers in Hot Sellers.
AMERICA'S COOLEST STORES
A Store for Those Who Prefer Boutique to Big Box
BENCHMARKS
These 7 Businesses are Chalking Up More Sales with Blackboard Signs
BEST OF THE BEST
At a New Jersey Store, There's an App for That
SANITY FILES
For Wisconsin Pet Pro, Life is a Summer Camp That Never Ends
REAL DEAL
When a Puppy Spoils a Store Event, the Ones Most in Need of Training Are the Puppy's Parents
CALENDAR
June Dates: Microchip Month, Clean Your Aquarium Day, Take Your Dog to Work Day
MANAGER'S TO DO
To Do in June: Make Sure Your Website Has a Favicon
ASK PETS+
From Software to Help You Run Your Service Business to the Perfect Car Wrap
TIP SHEET
Freshen Up Your Product Selection Without New Orders ... and 7 Other Tips
HOT SELLERS
PETS+ Readers Share Their Hot-Selling Products and Services for April 2018
PRODUCTS
From Puppy Pools to Bug Repellents, a Look at the Latest in Summertime Products
PRODUCTS
Cat Foods for Felines of Different Ages and Stages
PRODUCTS
Cash in on Strong, Sustainable and Stimulating Dog Toys
PRODUCTS
Safer Tools, First Aids and Topicals for At-Home Groomers
PET PRO GEAR
Gear for Your Business, from a DIY Dog Wash to Cat Embroidery
CANDACE D’AGNOLO
Harness Data to Earn Repeat Sales
DAWN MENTZER
How to Get Your Pet Business Noticed Online
JANE HARRELL
Is Facebook Dead for Pet Businesses? The Data Says No
SHAWNA SCHUH
Your Words Have More Power Than You Think
May 2018
MAY / 18
LEAD STORY
How to Win Customers
and Influence Purchases
Our complete guide to event-planning.
FEATURE STORY
Cats and Coffee
Navigate the combo of pets and human refreshments.
AMERICA'S COOLEST
Years Of Collecting Images and Ideas Led to This Rhode Island Store
BEST OF THE BEST
Doggie School Bus: A Commute to Make Your Dogs Tired
BENCHMARKS
10 Uniform Styles for Your Staff
REAL DEAL
Shoppers Keep Using a Local Pet Shop to Browse ... and Then Buy Online. What’s a Store Owner to Do?
SANITY FILES
Niki Libarios' Secret to Sanity: Power Naps, Escape Rooms and Bargain-Movie Tuesdays
TIP SHEET
Let Other Businesses Advertise in Your Store, Take a Shower, and 6 Other Business-Building Tips
TOM CROSSMAN
You Have 10 Seconds to Make a First Impression. Use Them Wisely.
SHAWNA SCHUH
Are You Daring Yourself Enough as a Leader?
JIM ACKERMAN
4 Tips to Get You Back to Business
CANDACE D'AGNOLO
It's Not the Internet. It's You.
PRODUCTS
3 Trends in Dry Dog Food
PRODUCTS
Human Food Trends Make Their Way to Wet Cat Food
PRODUCTS
9 Extras for Feathered Friends
HOT SELLERS
PETS+ Readers Share Their Hot-Selling Products and Services for February 2018
LATEST RELEASES
13 Products Launched at Global
SERVICE SHORTS
Start Planning Now for Take Your Pet to Work Day
MANAGER'S TO DO
Create a More Natural-Sounding "About Us" Page ... and More To-Dos for May
CALENDAR
May Events: Chip Your Pet Month, Endangered Species Day, Bike to Work Day, and More
DO YOU OR DON'T YOU
More Than Half of Pet Owners are Having a Vacation This Year
ASK PETS+
An App That Will Have Your Pets Talking ... and More Answers to Your Questions for May
April 2018
APRIL / 18
LEAD STORY
It's Time to Become the Best Boss
17 ways to win your employees' love, without losing their respect.
FEATURE STORY
Working With the New Facebook
Facebook has gone and changed things again. Here's how to navigate the latest changes and stay in touch with customers.
AMERICA'S COOLEST
School's in Session for Dog Food Buyers at This New Jersey Business
BEST OF THE BEST
Give Your Current Customers Treats to Encourage Referrals
REAL DEAL
A Boutique Expands to Include Doggie Daycare Which Prompts Neighbors to Complain About Barking
BENCHMARKS
Grab Attention — and Customers — with a Wall Mural
SANITY FILES
8 Dogs, 2 Cats: Imagine Rachel Diller's Cuddle Piles
ASK PETS+
Handling the Employee Who Loves to Drop F-Bombs ... and More Questions Answered for April
MANAGER TO-DOS
Script the Perfect Store Tour ... and More To-Dos for April
CALENDAR
Celebrate National Pet Day in a Big Way ... and More April Events
DO YOU OR DON'T YOU
Most Pet Retailers Still Aren't Wearing Nametags ... Here's Why
TIP SHEET
Hire a Pro to Feed Your Instagram Account – and 6 Other Business-Building Tips
PRODUCTS
Aquariums from Nano to Mammoth
PRODUCTS
9 Secure, Stylish and Practical Quarters for Dogs
PRODUCTS
9 Products to Keep Your Cat or Dog Safe in Any Season
HOT SELLERS
PETS+ Readers Share Their Hot-Selling Products and Services for January
PET PRO GEAR
Help for Your Business: Cat Condos, Stylish Specials Board, Easy Tick Remover
LATEST RELEASES
April's Roundup of the Newest Pet Products
SHAWNA SCHUH
Two Truths to What You Can Control
CANDACE D'AGNOLO
5 Steps to Diffuse Conflict with Customers
ANGELA PANTALONE
An Illness That Sweeps a Boarding Facility Takes a Plan and Action. Here's What One Owner Did
March 2018
MARCH / 18
LEAD STORY
The Miracle of Happiness
Sell more, produce more, be more creative and satisfy more customers by keeping your staff happy.
FEATURE STORY
20 Ways to Steal More Time
Fit what you need to into your day with these tips.
AMERICA'S COOLEST
This Texas Store Shrugs Off Its Big-Box Competition
BEST OF THE BEST
Up the Convenience Factor With a Drive-Thru Window
BENCHMARKS
8 Bars That Will Have You Sitting Up for a Treat
DO YOU OR DON'T YOU
More Than Half of Pet Pros Do Cooperative Promotions With Other Local Businesses
SANITY FILES
This Georgia Pet Pro Reigns Over Her Reptile Business
REAL DEAL
An Employee's Phone is Stolen While On the Job. Should the Store-Owner Replace It?
MANAGER'S TO DO
Plan a Pet Fashion Show ... and More To-Dos for March
CALENDAR
March: Build a Library of Compliments This Month
TIP SHEET
Make Getting Lost on Your Website a Pleasure ... and More March Tips
STACY BUSCH-HEISSERER
Forget Christmas! Celebrate National Squirrel Day
PRODUCTS
9 Toys to Keep Your Feline Frisky
PRODUCTS
Wet Dog Food for Any Appetite
PRODUCTS
Flies, Crickets, Shrimp and Worms: 9 Reptile Specialty Foods
PET PRO GEAR
From Custom Doormats to Breed-Specific Cake Pans, These Items Will Help You Do Business Better
LATEST RELEASES
Some Special Tools for Teeth ... and More New Releases for March
HOT SELLERS
See Which Products and Services PETS+ Readers Are Selling Best This Month
SERVICE SHORTS
A Curated Product Search App to Check Out ... and More Services for March
TOM CROSSMAN
8 Rules to Figure Layout
CANDACE D'AGNOLO
3 Easy Steps to Tell Stories in Your Marketing
JIM ACKERMAN
Serve Your Customers Better by Up-Selling and Adding On
February 2018
FEBRUARY / 18
LEAD STORY
4 Weeks to Fitness
Monthlong plans to get peak performance out of yourself and your business in 5 key areas.
FEATURE STORY
Pet Tattoos Reveal an Indelible Passion
Pet pros tell the stories bheind their customers.
AMERICA'S COOLEST STORES
Minnesota Business Emphasizes the Happiness Quotient
REAL DEAL
A Groomer Leaves and Takes All His Customers With Him. How Can a Shocked Business Owner Respond?
BEST OF THE BEST
Laser Therapy, Acupuncture and Massage for Pets? At This Hotel, It's All in a Day's Stay
BENCHMARKS
6 'Gotcha' Ideas to Lure New Customers
SANITY FILES
Faith, Family and Furry Friends Are What Keep Adrian Archie Smiling
DO YOU OR DON'T YOU
Hear This! More Than Three-Quarters of Pet Pros Play Music in Their Businesses
PET QUIZ
Brush Up On Your Presidential Pets in Our Quiz
TIP SHEET
Your Secret Weapon Against Sidewalk Ice ... and More Tips for February
CALENDAR
February Calendar : More Than Just Valentine's Day
MANAGER TO-DOS
Incentivize Customer Referrals and More To-Dos for February
PRODUCTS
9 Must-Have Habitats to House Pocket Pets
PRODUCTS
3 Types of Dog Treats to Play to Your Customer Base
PRODUCTS
9 Options for Stress-Free Dogs and Cats
PET PRO GEAR
Dogs Hit the Gym, Electronic Nametags and More Stuff for Your Business
LATEST PRODUCTS
Political-Themed Scratching Posts and Other New Products You've Gotta See
JIM ACKERMAN
Don’t Just Wait for Referrals to Fall in Your Lap. Make Them Happen.
SHAWNA SCHUH
This February, Learn the Difference Between Being In Love with Your Business and Loving It
CANDACE D'AGNOLO
19 Questions Whose Answers Will Have Customers Coming to Buy from You
TOM CROSSMAN
How to Do In-Store Signs Right
January 2018
JANUARY / 18
LEAD STORY
Better Business, Better World
These businesses are proving sustainable practices can be a win-win. Here's how you can get started.
FEATURE STORY
Is It Redesign Time?
Know when to revamp your website and where to turn.
AMERICA'S COOLEST STORES
At Camp Canine, It's the Humans Who Get Trained
TIP SHEET
Make Every Card Unique, Give Cats Free Stuff Too ... and Other Tips for January
BENCHMARKS
5 Window Display Ideas to Suit Every Holiday
BEST OF THE BEST
Why Creating an Interest Beyond the Cash Register Could Be a Boon to Your Business
CANDACE D'AGNOLO
10 Ducks to Get in a Row Before You Fire Someone
TOM CROSSMAN
How 3 Lines Can Turn You Into a Merchandising Pro
DO YOU OR DON'T YOU
Less Than One-Third of Pet Businesses Use This Traditionally Powerful Marketing Technique
PRODUCTS
9 Bird Toys Worth a Peek (or a Peck)
PRODUCTS
9 Solutions to Solve Cat Scratch Fever
PRODUCTS
See How the Pet Industry is Making Dog Leashes Easier
PET PRO GEAR
A Shirt to Repel Fleas and Ticks ... and More Business-Boosting Products for January
CALENDAR
Dress Up Your Pet Day and More January Dates to Remember
LATEST RELEASES
A Smarter Wi Fi-Enabled Feeder and More New Releases for January
MANAGER'S TO DO
Plot Your Social Media Calendar ... and More Business To-Dos for January
TRUE TALES
Exactly What Kind of Grooming Establishment Do You Think We Are, Ma’am?
KNOW IT ALL
Petless President, Petful Congress ... and Other Headlines You Need to Know
November-December 2017
NOV-DEC / 17
LEAD STORY
The Holiday Success Plan for Pet Stores
Bring in the green and stop seeing red this season.
FEATURE STORY
To the Rescue of Hurricane Survivors
How the pet industry sprang to assist four-legged hurricane victims.
AMERICA'S COOLEST STORES
This Wisconsin Store is Unstoppable
SANITY FILES
Pet Pro Revs Up Her Business in the Motor City
REAL DEAL
How Can This Store Owner Deal With a Last-Minute Holiday Staffing Vacancy?
BEST OF THE BEST
Virginia Business Owner Goes Back to School for Her Customers
IF I OWNED
If PIJAC’s Mike Bober Owned a Pet Store, Here’s What He Would Do
DO YOU OR DON'T YOU
Almost Three-Quarters of Pet Pros Wish Customers a Merry Christmas
CANDACE D'AGNOLO
Do These Things This December to Ensure Santa Gives You a Holiday Bonus
LATEST RELEASES
A Fresh Take on Dog Beds and More New Releases for November-December
FISH PRODUCTS
9 Ways to Take Control of Your Aquascaping
FISH PRODUCTS
9 Pumps to Keep Fish Happy and Healthy
CAT PRODUCTS
Organic Cat Food Poised to Take Off
DOG PRODUCTS
New Dog Toys Engage Multiple Senses
PET PRO GEAR
Striking Dog Displays ... and More Business-Boosting Products for November-December
DOG PRODUCTS
Make Dogs Healthier With These 9 Food Options
September-October 2017
SEPT-OCT / 17
LEAD STORY
Create Wow In Your Pet Store
Super-charge your customer service with these wow ideas.
FEATURE STORY
A Holiday for the Small Guy
Cash in this year on Small Business Saturday.
AMERICA'S COOLEST STORES
"Adding Value" is the Most Powerful Mantra For This Montana Store
REAL DEAL
How Would You Deal With the Case of the Outsourced Sitter?
BEST OF THE BEST
Store's Bergamascos Inspire a Super-Sticky Brand Booster
BENCHMARKS
6 Stores Show How to Celebrate a Store Anniversary
MY LIFE
Church, Family and Horses Are This Master Groomer's Stress Relievers
DO YOU OR DON'T YOU
More Than 70% of Pet Pros Shop Their Competitors
NANCY HASSEL
10 Ways to Re-inspire Yourself and Your Business
CANDACE D'AGNOLO
Instagram Direct a Huge (and Temporary) Marketing Opportunity
STACY BUSCH-HEISSERER
5 Ways to Celebrate Your Customers
PRODUCTS
Help Your Customers' Cats Diet With These 9 Food Options
PRODUCTS
9 Travel Carriers for Cats on the Move
PRODUCTS
9 Herp Habitats Worth Hanging Around In
PRODUCTS
Help Pets Get Salon Styling at Home With These Grooming Tools
PRODUCTS
9 Pet Beds That Will Firm Up Your Sales
LATEST RELEASES
Little Toys for Petite Pets and More New Releases for September-October
PET PRO GEAR
A Super Swag Selection ... and More Business-Boosting Products for September-October
CALENDAR
The Year's Dumbest Holiday and More September-October Dates to Remember
MANAGER'S TO DO
Build Your Christmas Music Playlist and More To-Dos for September and October
July-August 2017
JULY-AUGUST / 17
SPECIAL FEATURE
Our First Annual America's Coolest Pet Retailers, Revealed
Jungle Bob's Reptile World of Selden, NY takes home the top prize.
FEATURE STORY
See Our America's Coolest Honorable Mentions
Get your first look at the stores we'll feature in Pets+ in the coming year.
BUYER'S GUIDE
Need a New Point of Sales System? Begin Right Here
CAT PRODUCTS
9 Sleep Choices for Your Drowsy Cat
CAT PRODUCTS
9 Cat Food Choices for Senior Cats
BIRD PRODUCTS
A Bird Food Station for Every Kind of Cage
DOG PRODUCTS
9 Flea and Tick Products for Dogs
DOG PRODUCTS
3 Eating Approaches for Dogs With Allergies
LATEST RELEASES
A No-Pull, No-Drag Leash and More New Releases for July-August
PET PRO GEAR
Super-Cute Cat Buttons ... and More Business-Boosting Products for July-August
CALENDAR
A Day for Fire Safety ... and More July-August Dates to Remember
MANAGER'S TO DO
Attract a Big Shot and More To-Dos for July and August
DO YOU OR DON'T YOU
Pet Pros Share the Secrets of Their Refrigerators
BEST OF THE BEST
Seventh Heaven for Those With Nine Lives
REAL DEAL
A Crime Results in the Loss of an Owner's Client Records ... How Can She Recover?
BENCHMARKS
6 Stores Using Pet Health Events to Support Customers
SANITY FILES
Birds and Music Are the Inspiration for This New York Pet Pro
CANDACE D'AGNOLO
5 Ways to Sell More to Your Best Customers
SHAWNA SCHUH
Learn the Art of Leadership
STACY BUSCH-HEISSERER
Make Your Charity Events Even Sweeter
MAXIME REIMAN
What Insurance Policies Does Your Business Need to Carry?
TIP SHEET
The One Thing You Should Fear Most ... and More Tips for July
ASK PETS+
A Smart Way to Stop Mites and More July Questions Answered
IF I OWNED
If Best-Selling Author Harry Paul Owned a Pet Store, He'd Start By Doing This
May-June 2017
MAY-JUNE / 17
LEAD STORY
If I Owned a Pet Store
Experts from outside the world of pets offer their ideas of a perfect pet-store experience.
FEATURE STORY
A Moveable Treat
Why pet food truck entrepreneurs could teach you a trick or two.
AMERICA'S COOLEST PET BUSINESSES
For These NY Pet Business Owners, What's Old is New
PRODUCTS
9 New Dog Fashions for Parties, Recreation and Relaxation
PRODUCTS
9 Healthcare Products to Help Reptiles Flourish
PRODUCTS
9 Organic Options in Wet, Dry and Raw Varieties
PRODUCTS
Sample These 3 Wholesome Dry Dining Trends for Cats
PET PRO GEAR
Doggie Eyeglass Holders and More Business-Boosters for May-June
BUYING GUIDE
Looking for a Business Consultant Who Will Bring Out Your Best? Start Your Search Here
BENCHMARKS
Five Businesses Who Used Old Stuff to Give Their Displays a New Twist
REAL DEAL
One Dog's Screeches Are Scaring Away Customers ... What Should an Owner Do?
SANITY FILES
11-Year-Old Accessories Designer Has the Brightest of Futures
CALENDAR
Giving Chewbacca His Due, and More Key Dates for May-June
SHANNON HEGGEM
6 Simple Stress-Busting Techniques for Pet Entrepreneurs
SHAWNA SCHUH
Stop Being a Manager! Instead, Start Being a Leader
TIP SHEET
Try This Trick to Add Spark to Your Marketing Writing ... and More Tips for May-June
March-April 2017
MARCH-APRIL DIGITAL EDITION SPONSORED BY
BANNER AD 450x150
MARCH-APRIL / 17
LEAD STORY
50 Marketing Tips to
Crush the Competition
Ideas for events, sales, more successful advertising promotions and direct marketing techniques.
FEATURE STORY
Get Some Luxe Lessons
Learn from the experts how to go high-end in your business.
REAL DEAL
A Pup Tragically Escapes During a Self-Groom ... Who's to Blame and What Can Be Done?
AMERICA'S COOLEST
At Omaha's Green Spot, Color is Only Part of the Story
BEST OF THE BEST
South Carolina Store Offers Salon Experiences Even a Human Would Love
BENCHMARKS
Six Creative "About Us" Pages That Pack a Powerful Promotional Punch
SANITY FILES
Former Radio Guy Now a Multi-Store Pooch Pamperer
TIP SHEET
Using the 10-10-10 Rule to Make Better Decisions, and More Advice for March-April
CALENDAR
A Day to Improve Your Memory, and More Key March-April Dates
PRODUCTS
Nine Specialty Dog Balls That Leave Tennis Balls in the Dust
PRODUCTS
Nine Cool Ways for Your Pocket Pet to Get More Exercise
PRODUCTS
Wet Dog Foods Make the Case for Canned Proteins
PAMELA N. DANZIGER
For Better Facebook Results, Try a Social Makeover
CANDACE D'AGNOLO
3 Quick Ways to Boost Customer Traffic
TRUE TALES
This Pomeranian Was a True Predator