In a word: Overwhelming
By Gina Spadafori
February 23, 2007
The pet business just keeps getting bigger. One of the top 10 industries in the country, it’ll acount for almost $41 billion in 2007. In 1996, that figure was a “mere” $21 billion.
Believing the numbers is effortless when you look at the trade show floor at Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s annual extravaganza which itself has tracked that kind of growth. They’ve outgrown almost every conventiion center in the country, this year selling out the show in record time with more than 2,300 booths, filling every corner of Orlando’s cavernous center.
Everything retail trend you see in products for people will soon be an echo trend in pets. No surprise, notes Bob Vetere with the host , since the same people are making the buying decisions for both.
Organic is big, and so is bling. So is the so-called “taffy effect,” with the middle market dropping out and products competing at the low end or the high. Knock-offs and value for the Wal-Mart crowd, and high-end bling for the limousine set.
More later … Dr. Marty and I have a book signing in a few minutes.
I was just reading about a new twist on the old diaper delivery service - pooper scoopers who come to your house and clean up after your dog! truely everything that want as people is being marketed for our dogs as well.
Its interesting that you mentioned the loss of a middle ground in retail with more and more people either going for the high end or the bargain basement. It seems there will be a lot of room for the mid range in a few years. Toyota sells plenty of midrange cars - I think that for most of us it will come down to finding a balance between luxury, quality, and affordability.
Comment by Pet photography by Chip — May 16, 2007 @ 11:17 pm