My role at World Pet Association (WPA) gives me a terrific vantage point on what’s driving excitement, and sales, in pet retail. From SUPERZOO to our insightful reports produced with our close industry research partners, we give store owners a pulse check on what’s trending. It’s this knowledge that fuels their excellence and helps their businesses thrive.
And the trends I’m seeing right now are influenced by new consumer habits. Their preferences are changing, and pet aisles need to adapt, too. Here are four areas pet retailers can capitalize on to meet customer demand and stay in step with the industry.
The Movement From Pet Owner to Pet Parent
Orthopedic beds, anxiety supplements, high-quality food, fitness trackers and fashionable clothes. They’re not just for humans anymore; increasingly, they’re also for pets who are treated just like any other member of the family.
With this growing trend toward humanization, people are shopping for their pets with the same value-based intentionality that they apply to their own purchases. Organic, sustainable and premium have moved beyond mere buzzwords; they hold significant buying power. Consumers who look for the latest tech gadgets, such as smartphones and tablets, are seeking out AI-powered pet cameras and GPS-enabled collars. Even packaging has evolved to offer greater aesthetic appeal to more discerning customers.
All Is Well(ness)
Humanization has also sparked a heightened interest in preventive pet care. Pet nutrition trends include premium nutrients, functional ingredients such as probiotics, and customized formulations for specific dietary concerns.
Supplements are also surging in popularity. Pet parents can choose from an ever-expanding array of options that target everything from joint support and energy levels to coat health and immune support. These owners also schedule regular medical checkups for their pets, and often, those veterinarians use high-tech health-management tools and digital patient portals for seamless tracking and communication.
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For pet retailers, it’s not enough to stock these products. Their customers believe that happy pets are healthy pets, so they research ingredients and seek informed recommendations. A well-trained staff of wellness experts can give them the answers they need to make these important purchasing decisions.
Subscriptions: Set It and Never Forget It
Life is busy, and people depend on the ease and convenience of auto-ship, loyalty programs, personalized product boxes and other subscription models. Independent pet retailers are responding by offering subscription plans of their own tailored to pet care.
Subscriptions create a continuous revenue stream for pet stores and help retailers build long-term customer relationships. They’re also a way to test out new products by including them as a reward for VIPs or as part of a customized box. Subscription success, however, relies on meeting specific customer needs, giving them the flexibility to pause orders when needed or build their own box with products they are interested in, rather than receiving a random assortment.
Not an Errand, But an Experience
Visiting a pet store shouldn’t be a chore. Pet owners want to spend their time (and money) in an inviting, immersive environment, with a diverse inventory and knowledgeable, attentive service. Smart retailers are creating engagement in spaces that invite product discovery.
And the results are dynamic. In-store pop-ups, adoption events, training demos, and product samples help drive foot traffic and build community. Live animals, such as fish, reptiles and small mammals, add a unique interactive element. Brand partnerships are mutually beneficial for both the brands and the stores. With thoughtful planning, these stores draw customers in — and turn first-time visitors into loyal regulars.
See the Trends Come to Life at SUPERZOO
My years in the industry have shown me that the retailers who stay ahead of the trends are the ones who adopt them early. SUPERZOO is where that work begins. With 60-plus education sessions and more than 1,000 debut products on the show floor, pet retailers come away with new ideas, inventory and relationships that help them move forward with confidence.
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