Most pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family and are increasingly conscious of their pet’s health. However, with so much information available and several methods to shop, pet owners may find it challenging to determine the best place to purchase food for their pets. This article focuses on pet shops and examines how they benefit pet owners, the changes in consumer shopping habits, and the ways in which independent pet shops help local communities and the economy.
There are a total of 3,000 pet shops in the UK and a further 60,000 in Europe, each with its own unique speciality. Pet shops contribute significantly to the value of the UK pet food market, which is now worth £3.2 billion, according to the PFMA.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Pet Shops
COVID-19 has affected many industries, pet food included. Consequently, the shopping habits of pet owners have begun to change. E-commerce websites gained market share in the pet food industry as restrictions limited the time people could spend outside their homes. Although internet sales in pet food had grown steadily in recent years, the pandemic significantly accelerated this trend.
While some industries had to close their doors for a considerable time, pet stores proved to be resilient through the pandemic, with many governments across the world deeming them essential. Less movement amongst pet owners and pet shops being local helped them benefit because people didn’t have to travel far to get their food for their pets. In addition, panic buying, particularly during the early stages of the pandemic, meant an influx of sales for pet shops. This has gradually returned to normal levels; however, pet owners that shopped in pet shops have realised the value these shops bring.
Recent research revealed that in April 2021 consumer confidence in pet retail grew by 0.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2019. In addition, the pet shops and veterinary category experienced a growth in sales of 32.4 per cent compared with two years ago, a rate faster than that of any other high street store. Furthermore, 42 per cent of consumers are now more likely to shop locally than before the pandemic, and 47 per cent describe the high street as the heart of their communities.
Health and Wellness Trend
There has also been an increased focus by pet owners on the health and well-being of their pets. Lockdowns and restrictions have led people to concentrate on physical fitness, diet and overall health.
This concern has extended into the pet food market. Research from Packaged Facts suggests that 23 per cent of dog owners and 24 per cent of cat owners are especially concerned about their pet’s anxiety and stress, while 20 per cent of dog owners and 21 per cent of cat owners are particularly worried about their pet’s immune system.
As pet health and well-being have become a focal point, current events have further reinforced these concerns. Consequently, pet shops have had to adapt their offerings by providing products that are especially beneficial to a pet’s health.
The Benefits of Pet Shops
Independent pet stores offer pet owners numerous opportunities and advantages that are not typically available through online retailers.
Knowledgeable About Their Products
The knowledge available when entering a pet shop is second to none. Specialist pet stores possess extensive information about the products they sell and offer valuable insights into pet health and welfare. In addition, most employees have received specialised training, enabling them to draw on real-life experiences when assisting customers and ensuring that pets receive the best quality products.
Understanding the Individual Needs of Pets
In addition to their extensive product knowledge, pet shops are often well aware of the specific needs of different pets. Whether addressing a query regarding a pet’s breed or age, staff can usually provide a suitable recommendation. Regular customers may benefit from knowing that a particular product is available to suit their pet’s needs, saving both time and money by eliminating the need to experiment with various products.
Offer a Unique Shopping Experience
Pet shops offer a unique shopping experience within the pet industry. They provide a venue for owners to explore the latest trends in pet food and to gain ideas for their pets. Frequently, samples are available for pets to try, allowing owners to purchase the full product if it proves satisfactory.
Connect With Like-Minded Owners
For some pet owners, visiting a pet shop is also an opportunity to socialise. At these establishments, pet owners can share their experiences and seek solutions to any issues they may have with their pets, often finding that they share similar interests with others.
Local Insights
Pet stores are an excellent source of local information, often providing details about community events. Whether it is a dog show or information on local pet-friendly walks, a pet shop can be a veritable goldmine of useful insights.
Provide Solutions
Supermarkets and online pet retailers sometimes discontinue stock without suggesting alternatives, which can pose a problem for owners who may struggle to find a suitable replacement for their pets. Pet shops, however, can promptly inform customers of any changes to available products and offer appropriate alternatives, ensuring that pets continue to receive high-quality food.
Convenience and Choice
Pet shops are typically local, making them convenient for most people. In today’s fast-paced world, they allow pet owners to purchase the products they require quickly. Furthermore, pet shops offer a wide range of products to cater to the diverse needs of different pets. For instance, a dog owner seeking food with a high meat content will find a variety of recipes featuring substantial proportions of meat and various types of protein sources.
Pet Shops and the Community
Local pet stores often connect with their communities on a personal level and appreciate the unique bond between pets and their owners. Many pet shop owners and employees have chosen their career paths out of a love for animals, which enables them to relate to pet owners and share in their experiences. Typically, independent pet shops are family-run and derive significant benefit from every sale. Without these independent shops, many communities and town centres would be deprived of choice and specialised expertise.
In summary, independent pet shops offer pet owners numerous benefits, including expert knowledge about pets and products and an understanding of individual pet needs. Moreover, pet shops are vital to local communities, providing an opportunity for pet owners to obtain local insights about events and activities. As mentioned earlier, 47 per cent of people describe the high street as the heart of their communities, and pet shops play a crucial role in this regard.
Although independent pet shops offer many advantages, the rise of online pet retailers and supermarkets means that they must strengthen their branding to highlight what sets them apart from the competition. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in online purchases by pet owners, making it more important than ever for pet shops to maintain their unique value proposition to customers.
Matthew Aiken
Marketing Communications Expert
Matt graduated in 2017 with an undergraduate degree in Business & Management. Here he discovered that he had a passion and interest in Marketing. In his spare time, he enjoys anything fitness related and getting outdoors. He also has a French Bulldog called Harley and a Persian cat called Bonnie Blue.
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