Retailer Thoughts About the Pet Industry, Plus Praise for Real Deal and Ultimate Calendar 

Ultimate Calendar

• I love the Ultimate Calendar (Jan-Feb 2026)! It is so easy to keep track of marketing ideas and #holidays, and it’s fun to look at. — Victoria Park, Park Pet Supply, Atlanta, GA
• Loved the Ultimate Calendar! Some great marketing ideas! — Loree and Danielle Shirazi, The Original Paw Pleasers, San Diego, CA

Great Reads

• Thank you for “Be Your Best Advocate,” by Sandy Moore (Jan-Feb 2026). We all need reminding to speak up and advocate for ourselves and others. — Roxane Cann, The Dapper Hound, Mount Airy, NC
• I leave my PETS+ in the break room. It’s helpful and enjoyable for staff to read the articles, see new products and study the industry trends. “Real Deal: The Case of the Discount Dilemma,” by Gary Hughes (Jan-Feb 2026), came in very handy. I had just had a conversation with an employee about this, when I found out from a customer that their purchases were being rung up under the employee’s account, which automatically applies a 25% discount. After a good conversation with the employee, I mentioned the article, and they exclaimed, “I read the whole thing!” and went on to tell me how it helped them to understand not only the financial impact on the business but also the moral implications. They were quite thankful I didn’t choose the “fire and press charges” option! — Molly Lewis, Dog River Pet Supplies, Hood River, OR

Industry Thoughts

• The out-of-stocks right now from a few brands are worrisome. We are actively switching customers away from one brand, as we’ve had no inventory for nearly a month and with no real explanation. It’s very frustrating. — Karen Conell, The Bark Market, Delavan, WI
• Last year was a really down year for us. I feel more positivity in 2026. I think people were waiting for the sky to fall and since it hasn’t (yet), they are in store buying for their pets. I need to focus on this and on ways to bring in new customers! — Barbara Clemmens, Aardvark Pet Supplies, Thornwood, NY
• Minor rant: When brands and distributors break up, they never think about the customers left scrambling! Just a little advance notice would be appreciated, rather than pulling the rug out from under us. — Cassie Nilsson, The Mill Stores, Whiteford, MD

And the Winner Is

• As always, we enjoy each issue and the boxes. So fun to flip through the magazine to see that you have been quoted or been able to participate via Brain Squad in putting together articles. It has become a bit of a competition to see whose name appears the most. — Danyle Morse, Claremont Pet & Aquarium Center, Claremont, NH

See You in Orlando

• Looking forward to Global Pet Expo and reconnecting with friends and colleagues. — Bill Trufant, B & B Pet Stop, Mobile, AL
• I won’t be able to attend Global, but I’m excited to see what debuts there and know PETS+ will keep me in the loop! — Shane Somerville, Paddywack, Mill Creek, WA