(PRESS RELEASE) ORLANDO, FL — At the 2026 Global Pet Expo, Scoochie Pet Products recognized two outstanding partners whose long-standing commitment, innovation, and leadership continue to shape the independent pet retail landscape.
Retailer of the Year: Pets Plus (Pennsylvania & New Jersey)
Scoochie Pet Products is honored to name Retailer of the Year to Pets Plus, led by industry veteran Mark Arabia. A loyal customer and trusted partner since Scoochie’s founding in 2014, Pets Plus has grown into a multi-location operation with five retail stores across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, along with a strong presence on Amazon.
Mark Arabia, who has been in the pet industry since 1988, represents the resilience and adaptability required to succeed in today’s challenging retail environment. As many independent pet retailers face increasing pressure, Pets Plus continues to thrive and expand.
“Mark isn’t just a customer—he’s a friend, and someone I have tremendous respect for,” said Gary Jacobs, President of Scoochie Pet Products. “What he’s built over the years is no accident. It’s the result of hard work, smart decisions, and a deep understanding of the business. There’s a reason Pets Plus has not only survived, but grown.”
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Private Label Retailer of the Year: CountryMax (New York)
Scoochie Pet Products is also proud to present the Private Label Retailer of the Year Award to CountryMax, a leading independent pet and farm retailer based in Upstate New York.
Founded in 1984, CountryMax has grown from a single farm and fleet store across from a racetrack into a dominant force in the pet industry. Today, the company operates 19 stores and a centralized, state-of-the-art warehouse, making it the leading independent chain in New York State.
A Scoochie partner since day one, CountryMax has been a pioneer in private label retail—recognizing early on the importance of offering high-quality, branded alternatives that deliver both value and customer loyalty.
“I’ve been friends with the Payne family for over 30 years, and it’s been incredible to watch their journey,” added Jacobs. “They’ve grown from one small location into a true powerhouse in our industry. Their early commitment to private label was visionary, and we’re proud to be a major partner in helping them build that program into what it is today.”
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For more information about Scoochie Pet Products and its retail partnerships, please contact: Scoochie Pet Products
