Jan 25, 2009

Steady sales at stores keep tails waggingBy Sandra EcksteinAJC.com

The nation may be in an economic slump, but many of the pet product vendors attending the recent Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market said the pet market is holding its own.

“My December sales were the same as 2007, and my total 2008 sales were up over 2007,” said Abby Adams, who owns a pet store in Birmingham and also wholesales pet products such as collars, toys, clothing and treats.

Dion Longtin, who was selling Premier Pet Products, said his sales at the January wholesale show for retailers in Atlanta were up from his last AmericasMart show in July.

“I think people are still shopping for their pets, but they’re looking for better-made products that will last,” said Longtin, whose line includes the Tug-a-Jug treat toy made with bulletproof plastic.

But the picture wasn’t all good news for sellers of pet supplies. That was clear from the sheer number of vendors, or lack of them, at the show. Two years ago, AmericasMart had 45 vendors and a waiting list to get into its pet area. This year there were about a dozen vendors.

Gone were the people selling hand-painted silk collars, high-cost dog charms and spa products. Instead it was cute dog cookies, pet-related cards, reasonably priced toys and collars, and practical items such as dog dishes and beds. But those were selling well.

“Maybe people won’t buy the $200 collar now, but they still want treats for their pets or an impulse toy now and then,” said Mark Kalaygian, editor in chief of Pet Business, a magazine for pet retailers. “We expect to see some modest growth in the pet industry this year or at least see it hold its own.”

Sunia Hood, founder of Taxi’s Dog Bakery of Holyoke, Mass., said her highly decorated dog cookies, which sold well at the show, are the kinds of things pet owners are seeking now.

Read complete article.