Editor's Note

Ready! Set! Shop!

Whether you’re going to Global or not, we got you.

Published

3 years ago

April 5, 2022

Pamela Mitchell PETS+ March-April 2022

I LOVE A TRADE show. Yes, they are physically and mentally exhausting, but the benefits far outweigh any temporary discomforts. I have the opportunity to check out thousands of pet products in person, discovering for our readers both bestsellers and new launches, and even surprising them with a few sneak peeks! I also get to meet with indies who attend, by far my favorite part of any show.

The PETS+ team — Publisher Desirée Lynch, Sales Representatives Peter Sienkiewicz and Trish Rodriguez, plus myself — will be at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL, from Mar. 23 through 25.

We’ll be meeting with our valued brand partners about their products as well as making new connections. Want us to swing by your booth? Email desiree@smartworkmedia.com ASAP. Our calendars fill up quickly.

For retailers not attending Global, we still have plenty to offer you in this issue. Between our regular category roundups and “Show & Tell,” the issue’s lead story about products new to or launching at the show, there are more than 200 pet products featured, and many of those are just one or two of entire lines! With each, you’ll find contact info so you can easily learn more and/or place orders.

And you can find out about even more products starting Mar. 23, when I’ll begin reporting live from Global. I’ll post throughout the three days on petsplusmag.com, facebook.com/petsplusmag, and in our private Facebook group for retailers and service providers. Visit, follow and join us for full coverage!

And please be sure to stop by the PETS+ booth, 5809, if you’re attending the show. If I’m not there, leave me a note or message me on Facebook so we can connect.

See you at the show!

Five Great Tips From This Issue That You Can Do Today

Wear comfortable shoes, a different pair every day, at trade shows. (Inbox, p. 8)
Visit the Pet Sustainability Coalition website to find brands for Earth Day displays. (Calendar, p. 10)
Train your team to give first-time customers a “tour” of your business to make them feel welcome. (Manager’s To-Do List, p. 12)
Offer a “Price-Match Guarantee.” (Bob Negen, p. 50)
Update your employee policy on cell phone usage by groomers. (Real Deal, p. 68)

P.L.A.Y. Media Spotlight

At P.L.A.Y. — Pet Lifestyle & You — toy design is definitely a team effort! Watch PETS+ interviewer Chloe DiVita and P.L.A.Y.’s Director of Sales Lisa Hisamune as they talk about the toy design process, the fine-tuning that makes each toy so special and why every P.L.A.Y. collection is made with independent retailers top of mind.