A special report from Giftware News’ columnist Marilyn Nason
The word family in family pet was clearly the over-riding theme of the annual SuperZoo show held July 23-24 in Las Vegas. The result was a growing interest in both home decor compatibility with all things meant for Fluffy, Fido and Tweetie, as well as strong concern for the practical well-being of the family pet(s) indoors, outdoors, even when traveling.
For gift retailers, the general category of pets has become a significantly major profit category with almost limitless variety of looks, styles, functions and pricepoints options. Recognizing the importance of designing basic items like pet beds, blankets, apparel, toys to complement the pet owner's home decor preferences, exhibitors addressed colors, textures and styling to delight both interior decorators and pet owners everywhere.
Perfect examples were scratch units with lines that were eye-appealing while still functioning properly for the cat and pet beds for dogs and cats with the same emphasis on both eye appeal on easy care.
Even safety car seats reflected optimum pet safety features while also blending with the car's interior. Bike basket for Fluffy holds the cat securely in place, while allowing him/her to enjoy the passing scenery. When not in use, the basket collapses and stores easily.
Cat/dog toothbrushes followed the same color coordinated theme as well. Pet apparel, meant for every imaginable seasonal change, combined durability, easy care with current fashion colors, patterns and embellishments -- from ruffles to embroidery, sequins, ribbons to detachable hoods. Several exhibitors emphasized their apparel comes in several sizes to assure comfortable fit for its wearer.
For gift retailers committing to the growing pet ownership interest nationwide, countless introductions and or expansions of existing lines offered buyers more than ever exciting assortments in the mid-to mid-high price ranges which many retailers surveyed reported work best to assure customers repeat business "to add items for their pet's health and happiness" even if the store has only a small space allocated to the pet products category.
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