SIMPLY PUT: NO ONE can compete with the creativity of independent pet retailers and service providers. The promotional ideas they generously share with each other in the PETS+ Brain Squad reader survey group and in the PETS+ Facebook Community rival those of global brands that spend big bucks on advertising campaigns. Indies DIY fun and engaging promotions that — most importantly — deliver results.
You will find 12 months of such ideas throughout the 2026 PETS+ Ultimate Calendar, neatly inserted into our Jan-Feb print issue. We invite you to pull it out, go through the calendar with your team, and then hang it in your office for regular inspiration and advice. Regarding the latter, you’ll also find operational and other business tips mixed in each month. (Download a digital version of the 2026 Ultimate Calendar here.)
The examples of indie creativity in this issue don’t stop there. “PigNic Basket” on p. 40-41, shows how B&B Pet Stop has created a community of guinea pig pet parents who shop and socialize at the store.
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And “Enlightened Approach,” the profile of America’s Coolest winner Believe in Dog, on p. 42-46 explores how a core idea and mission can extend throughout all aspects of a business and its brand. You’ll also find creative ways to handle a common problem for pet businesses in “Real Deal: The Case of the Discount Dilemma” on p. 48-49.
If after reading this issue you feel inspired to contribute your own creativity to the PETS+ audience, we invite you to join us at petsplusmag.com/brainsquad and facebook.com/groups/petsplusmagcommunity if you don’t already belong.
Here’s to a successful 2026!
Five Great Tips From This Issue That You Can Do Today
