Small Animals Driving Sales of Habitats and Supplies in Pet Stores

Prevue Pet Product’s Cat Novotny was featured in a Pet Products News article about small animal products:

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"Many small-animal keepers purchase bigger setups as upgrades after their initial purchase.

'Customers often start with smaller cages, but as their pets grow and become more integrated with their family, we find that customers tend to upgrade to larger housing,' said Caterina Novotny, vice president of sales and marketing for Prevue Pet Products, a manufacturer in Chicago. 'The important thing to pay attention to as they expand into larger cages is the wire spacing that is appropriate for their pet. Within the small-animal category, you can go from hamsters to large rabbits, so in addition to the size of the cage, the wire spacing is also a key component that needs to match the type of pet.'”

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"Manufacturers are working to meet the need for variety in the category. For instance, Prevue has introduced a modular cage system for ferrets called the #58501 Ferret Stack.

'This cage system includes ramps and platforms and is available in one-, two- and three-story models, and they come with an add-on set,' Novotny said.

"The system is designed to be easy to assemble and expandable, which allows customers to add on to their existing cage as their pet grows with the #58500 Ferret Stack Add-on, Novotny stated. Features include a large half-cage front door, a small rooftop access door, an integrated stand with storage shelf, easy-rolling casters, plastic ramps and platforms, and a soft hammock."

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"Focusing on the shopping experience and customer support can give retailers an edge in the small-animal category.

'The one thing that the internet cannot replace is the experience of walking into a pet store, speaking with staff, seeing the product and interacting with live animals,' Novotny said. 'Online competition definitely does exist. However, it cannot compete with the personal touch and knowledge that comes from the independent brick-and-mortar retailers.'”

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"Offering a large selection may help independent retailers stand out and earn sales in the category.

'We suggest that stores carry as wide a variety of products as possible,' Novotny said. 'And if they are limited on space, they should have catalogs from their favorite manufacturers and the ability to source specialty items for their customers. By keeping the customer in the store and engaged, [the customer] will not feel as compelled to go online.'”

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To read the full article click here.