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Month: April 2014

PetLooks Offers Retailers Boutique Items at Local Trade Show

Attending trade shows and other events to find the newest, as well as unique, pet products is a must for retailers, but traveling all across the country can get super expensive very quickly.

It is a driving force behind the new event, PetLooks, a small trade show that hopes to move around the country putting manufacturers in the retailer’s backyard.

“This allows vendors and buyers to talk to everyone,” Shawn Parisi, director of sales at PoochieBells, said. “There is no rush.”

Parisi, who pitched the idea of having these more intimate shows to her friend David Fine, of Bark-n-Bag and Furry & Fabulous after hearing from retailers that it was getting too expensive to travel to shows where then when they get there vendors don’t have much time to spend with them, or they run out of time before seeing everything they wanted to check out.

“For vendors and buyers, after three days it’s hard to stay organized,” Parisi said. “Plus, with the economy the way it’s been for both sides, we wanted to work together to grow the industry.”

The pair targeted retailers within a two hour radius of Philadelphia, where the Tuesday show was being held, and plan to do the same for future shows, which they would like to hold in other parts of the country.

“It’s affordable for vendors and buyers,” Fine, who expected to see about 100 buyers come through the door, said. “No one is staying over, it’s economical and they get more personal one-on-one time. ”

Many of the products being showcased were moderately priced, yet upscale looking and featured both items for the pet and the pet owner. A perfect combination for husband and wife  Kerry and Jean Ustaszewski, who along with their daughter, Hallie, run The Dog Stops Here, a seasonal kiosk at Berkshire Mall in Reading, Pa.

“[The big shows] are overwhleming,” Jean Ustaszewski, said. “Dog food, aquariums, we don’t need that. We need more boutique items. We have repeat customers that come in every year so we need to find different gift items. They say, ‘what can I get for Aunt Lucy? I got her this last year.'”

Their kiosk is open from late October until the end of December, lending themselves to a customer base who is looking for gifts for their own pet, gifts for other people’s pets and pet themed items for other people.

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM PETLOOKS FIRST SHOW.

That’s where products like Sara England Designs was offering, come into play. They feature, among other things, breed-specific cheese boards, coasters, matted prints and more.

“We’ve done Backer, Global, SuperZoo, other pet expos for years, but we’ve scaled back,” Sara England said. “We like those shows, but in a tough economy that is a lot of financial commitment.”

Instead of shipping enough product to fill a 20-foot booth like she typically would, she picked a selection of her favorite designs and items, put them in her car and drive to Philadelphia from her home in Maryland.

“There is less of a commitment,” she said. “Plus, we are coming to them [the buyer]. They don’t have to travel.”

Less travel was something that attracted Christine Savage, the manager at Flying Fred’s in Maryland, to the event.

“It’s more cost effective,” Savage, who manages a shop of about three people,  said. “If we go to the big shows, that takes a few days ans since we are a small store, that takes time away from us being there.”

Savage has attended large trade shows in the past, but wasn’t planing on doing so this year.

“Last summer wasn’t that great so we didn’t go to Global and we are not going to SuperZoo,” she said. “[But here], I still get to see new products and check out the quality of them, which is very important for a store like ours.”

PetLooks organizers plan to hold a similar event in the Boston area next, and would eventually like to see it expand to the Northwest.

 

 

 

 

 

Reef-A-Palooza Holds First East Coast Show

Ask Ryan Cook how long he has been involved in the aquatics hobby and he will get a smile on his face, laugh and respond, “since I could walk.”

Now, the 33-year-old is a manager at Bermuda Triangle, an aquatics store in Chattanooga, Tenn.

When Cook found out that Reef-A-Palooza was going to be held on the East Coast after 10 years of successful shows on the West Coast, he knew he had to come.

“You have got to come and see what the new toys are,” Cook said. “We have limited advances in our area [of the country]. You have to see the new products, new foods. You can call and talk on the phone to [manufacturer reps] but it is different to see them and talk to them in person.”

Cook wasn’t the only one who was traveled a distance to attend the Orlando, Fla., show at the Double Tree Universal. Organizers said they gave out 1,000 admission wristbands within 10 minutes of the show opening and estimate several thousand people attended the two-day event.

Like the Aquatic Experience, attendees were a hybrid representation of the aquatics industry and ranged from long-time hobbyists and those looking to get into the hobby, to manufacturers, retail store owners, breeders, wholesalers and those who just wanted to learn more. It also brought in people from counties from as far away as Chile, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Ecuador to name a few.

Local retailers, and their customers, also took advantage of the fact the show was close.

“You get to check out rare corals, frags and new products,” Brad Lewis, owner of The Fish Tank, in Daytona Beach, Fla., said.

Lewis has been in the aquatic industry for about 10 years, and bought the 44-year-old store a little over a year ago.

“[Shows like this] help keep people in the hobby,” he said. “Technology and social media have really helped better [the industry]. There are a lot of nice shops and you get to see what others are doing up close.”

 

Growth In Aquatics

After attending Reef-A-Palooza  for years, Victor Fornari, co-founder of World Wide Corals in Orlando, Fla., really wanted the very successful West Coast-based trade show to come to Florida.

“After the 2010 MACNA [Marine Aquarium Conference of North America] was in Orlando, the industry seemed to grow like weeds over the past three years,” Fornari, one of the East Coast show managers, said. “Florida has really taken the number two spot when it comes to popular areas for aquatics and continues to see tremendous growth. There was a need for a show.”

Fornari plans on making Reef-A-Palooza Orlando a yearly event, especially given what he described as renewed interest in the aquatics field, which he attributed to, among other things, technological advances like LED lighting and the popularity of TV shows such as, “Tanked” and “Fish Tank Kings,” as well as movies like, “Finding Nemo.”

SEE PHOTOS FROM REEF-A-PALOOZA ORLANDO

Many of the manufacturers exhibiting at the show were pleased with the turnout, and agreed with Fornari’s assessment.

“The past 6 to 8 months, the industry has been just booming,” Omar Mojena, north eastern region sales manager at Hikari, said. “They are asking a lot of questions and are excited about our new products.”

Mojena added that he thinks the growth is partly tied to the economy leveling off after an unstable few years.

“People are getting used to the way things are and are getting back into their hobbies,” he said. “They are starting to do more things for themselves.”

Scott Kohler, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Red Sea, agreed.

“The economy has improved a bit and the shops are getting a renewed sense of enthusiasm at the retail level,” he said. “There are still good advancements in equipment and products happening which improves the retention of the hobby.”

Shows like Reef-A-Palooza are a great way for manufacturers and retail stores to work together, he explained.

“We have tons of consumers say, ‘where can we get this,'” Kohler said, explaining that’s when they can direct them to a local retailer, because Red Sea doesn’t sell direct to consumers during a show like Reef-A-Palooza.

Just during the first few hours of the show, Kohler met representatives from retail stores as far away as Wisconsin and Atlanta in addition to at least five Florida-based ones.

While some might consider a show like Reef-A-Palooza a “consumer” show, that perception is changing. The reality is these specialized shows attract both hobbyists and retailers.

“People are starting to target specific audiences better,” Aleck Brooks, who runs commercial sales and special events at  San Francisco Bay Brand , said. “Traditional trade shows are massive.”

Instead, he explained, shows like Reef-A-Palooza are starting to attract a blended audience, because it’s a place for both retailers and consumers to see cutting edge products and what’s happening in the industry.

 

Interzoo Caters to Global Pet Industry

Visitors to Interzoo, the world’s biggest trade fair for pet supplies, will get a comprehensive overview of the latest products and services from the global pet industry.

This year’s show takes place at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from May 29 to June1. Attendees can use the exhibitor search function on the website www.interzoo.com to plan their visit.

There is expected to be more than 1,500 exhibitors from over 50 countries at Interzoo.

It is the opportunity to meet top experts at the world’s leading trade fair for pet supplies. Attendees can see and test innovations from all over the world in one place and close up.

 

 

Protecting the Pet Industry’s Interests

Relationships, relationships, relationships.

Whether they are with the local media, state officials, government policy makers in Washington D.C. or the next generation of consumers, it’s the most important thing the pet industry can do to make a positive impact and ensure the future health, and growth, of the industry.

“You have to build those relationships now,” Rep. Dennis Cardoza from California told a crowd of more than 200 at the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council’s Top2Top conferenceWednesday. “Because it is absolutely impossible to do when you are in the middle of a crisis.”

Cardoza was one of about a half dozen experts who spoke to pet industry leader during the first full day of PIJAC’s annual c

onference that provides attendees with the opportunity to set the course for the future of the industry, gain powerful insights that will make a difference in their business today, and create valuable relationships with other leaders.

With proposed pet legislation popping up not only on the national, but also state and local levels, government relations was a large focus during the day’s programming, with insiders like Cardoza giving leaders tips and ideas on how the pet industry can make sure their interests are being represented.

One of those ways, which was a recurring theme throughout the day, was the importance of something the pet industry does not currently have — a political action committees, or a PAC.

“For a $60 billion industry, you are not investing enough in this,” Cardoza said. “It’s like trying to do your work with your hands tied. When you have a crisis, you will have little, or no, relationships built up.”

Cardoza explained that while a lot of people may have a negative opinion of PACs, what it really comes down to is building relationships and making connections when something is not being asked for in return, so that when a crisis does happen, such as a pet food recall that sparks calls for more regulations, the industry will already have established connections.

“You are investing in that relationship by having them spend time with you and get to know you, and that is so critical to successful advocacy for your industry,” he explained. “In every part of your advertising, talk about the good practices that you do.”

Similar advice was given by Mike Bober, vice president of government affairs at PIJAC, who also stressed the importance of building those types of relationships on all levels of government.

“‘Thank you’ will open so many more doors than ‘please,’” he said, suggesting pet industry professionals get to know their government representatives.

Sam Geduldig, former senior advisor to Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner, warned that with an industry as large as the pet industry, the government will start to take notice, and look for ways to get involved, especially when something goes wrong.

“You guys have some issues … any scandal or any kind of recall could impact your industry and spin way out of control in a way you can’t fully see,” he said. “And politicians and congressman generally like to side with the emotional side of the issue. When you are proactive in Washington, you can make the system work for you. Make sure you make a friend before you need the friend.”

Even if someone is not directly involved in lobbying efforts on a national level, there are many ways pet industry professionals can get involved.

“Trouble starts at home,” Lisa Camooso Miller, partner at Blueprint Communications, said.

Before reading the Washington Post, Politico or other national publication, politicians tend to look at what their local media is reporting on, first. Taking the time to create a positive relationship with the local media will not only help should a crisis, or controversial issue come up, but it will also make politicians aware of the positive things that are happening when it comes to the pet industry.

For example, a retail store hosting an adoption event could invite the media to cover it. They could also invite their local congressional representative to hold a press conference at their store, even if it doesn’t specially have to do with the pet industry, such as an announcement about commerce, jobs or the economy, Miller suggested.

The conference continues Thursday with additional sessions, including a keynote address by former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Transportation Norman Mineta.

 

Networking

The art of networking in the pet industry cannot be under-emphasized. I caught up with Nancy Hassel, of Long Island Pet Professionals – someone who has made a career of connecting people, to share her insight with Pet Age.

Pet Industry Leaders Gather at PIJAC Conference

Top pet industry professionals from across the globe gathered in Florida Tuesday night to kick off the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council’s annual Top2Top conference.

The conference, in its third year, provides attendees with the opportunity to set the course for the future of the industry, gain powerful insights that will make a difference in their business today, and create valuable relationships with other leaders.

This year more than 200 people traveled to Amelia Island, including 29 new organizations who were first time attendees, like Long Island Pet Professionals.

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE WELCOME RECEPTION

“I have wanted to attend Top2Top since the first year, and am excited to be here this year,” Nancy Hassel, founder and president of Long Island Pet Professionals, said. “I am looking forward to hearing all the speakers and learn more about growth, trends and policies that are impacting the pet industry.”

During the three day event, which kicks into full gear Wednesday, guests will hear about new research about marketing to millennial generation, how to use their business knowledge to help solve government challenges and improving pet industry public relations outreach, among other talks.

FOLLOW PET AGE ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM FOR LIVE UPDATES FROM TOP2TOP

This year’s key note will be delivered by  former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Transportation Norman Mineta. He will offer examples from his vast reservoir of experience as to how business executives can ensure their views are properly represented in the government decision-making process.

 

Listen to Ken Oh, chairman, president and CEO of PIJAC, talk about this year’s conference.


Novartis Animal Health Sold to Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly and Company will acquire Novartis Animal Health for approximately $5.4 billion in an all-cash transaction that will strengthen and diversify Lilly’s own animal health business, Elanco.

This will make Elanco the second-largest animal health company in terms of global revenue, will solidify its number two ranking in the U.S., and improve its position in Europe and the rest of the world.

“Animal health continues to represent an attractive growth opportunity for Lilly. We intend to keep Elanco and to take advantage of the substantial synergies between our animal health and human health businesses,” John C. Lechleiter, Lilly’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, said. “Significant investments in our animal health business in recent years have enabled Elanco to double its revenue since 2008, leading the industry in growth. Global trends suggest continued sustained demand for animal health products in the years ahead.”

With a presence in approximately 40 countries and 2013 revenue of approximately $1.1 billion, Novartis Animal Health is focused on developing better ways to prevent and treat diseases in pets, farm animals and farmed fish.

Lilly will acquire Novartis Animal Health’s nine manufacturing sites, six dedicated research and development facilities, a global commercial infrastructure with a portfolio of approximately 600 products, a robust pipeline with more than 40 projects in development and an experienced team of more than 3,000 employees.

The acquisition will greatly expand and complement Elanco’s product portfolio, R&D and manufacturing capabilities, and commercial presence in key geographies, the company said. In particular, it provides Elanco with a greater commercial presence in the companion animal and swine markets, expands Elanco’s presence in the equine and vaccines areas, and creates an entry into the aquaculture market.

More Changes for Backer’s Total Pet Expo

After extensive upgrades to its annual fall event in 2013, H.H. Backer Associates is adding more new programs and improvements to enhance the trade show experience for both exhibitors and buyers during this year’s show.

“Backer’s Total Pet Expo continues to be the best place for our buyers to meet face-to-face with current and potential vendor partners while getting the product and business education they need to continue to be successful,” Colette Fairchild, the show’s director, said. “The additional changes we’re making are designed to make the overall show experience better for everyone.”

Attendees to this year’s show, which takes place Sept. 19-21, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, will find the following new features.

An app for smartphones and tablets available from iTunes and Google Play that includes exhibitor and attendee locators, schedules, speaker bios, maps, a QR scanner, photo gallery and social media links.

A “Top Ten” All-Natural Product Lounge within the popular All-Natural Area on Level 1, showcasing the best products of current exhibitors as voted on by retailers online pre-show.

A contest that will provide a new and exciting opportunity for exhibitors. Companies that have an interesting and innovative pet product should be ready to make their best pitch for prizes valued at $10,000 and a chance for significant national media exposure. More information will be announced at a later date.

A Secret Shopper contest designed to reward exhibitors. Mystery shoppers visit select booths to assess exhibitors’ levels of knowledge and service. Prizes will be announced at a later date.

There will also be improvements to existing programs.

A boutique section will be added to the “Pet Store on the Floor,” a 3,500-square-foot store located on Level 2. Retailers can get merchandising tips, find out about POS systems, learn about staff training programs and interact with live animal displays.

A change in the Backer Buyer Rewards program will award cash back rather than gift cards for buyers placing orders at the show. For every $3500 worth of orders placed at Backer’s Total Pet Expo, buyers will receive $75 post-show, up to $225 with proper documentation per qualified firm.

There will be a new business management track in the “Smart Zone” education station area. Several new speakers have been added to the other stations in addition to more seating to accommodate larger groups. Other tracks include technology, aquatics, marketing/merchandising and animal health/wellness.

In addition there will be a new full day pre-show seminar by Chris Beykirch on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. entitled, “The Nuts and Bolts of Bigger Retail Profits.”

Other popular returning features include the New Exhibitor Area; the All-Industry Networking Party on Saturday, September 20 featuring an ‘80s theme; the GoToRovers.com 5K Fun Run/Walk; The Idea Wall; the Product Innovations area; the Celebration of Style Grooming Competition and the free Chicago shuttle bus service on Friday evening, Sept. 19.

Accreditation Program Offered for Pet Crematory Facilities

The International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories is offering a worldwide accreditation program for pet crematory facilities, the first and only accreditation program ever to be established for the pet aftercare industry, the group said.

Through the IAOPCC accreditation program, pet crematories are evaluated against a pool of more than 240 standards that represent the best practices in pet cremation care and pet crematory management.

An international task force of crematory operators and a veterinary professional created, and continually update, the standards to reflect the latest developments and improvements in pet after care, pet cremation techniques, records, cleanliness, staff and client safety and a host of other areas essential to excellent pet and client care.

Since 2009 the IAOPCC Standards Committee, a group of eight pet crematory owners and operators located throughout the United States and Canada, have met monthly to develop these intense and rigorous standards. The accreditation standards, processes and program of inspections were rolled out in January of 2014 across the United States, Canada and worldwide to its members.

A Beloved Friends Pet Crematory of Northern Nevada, in Reno, was the first pet crematory in the United States to successfully complete the accreditation and inspection process. They were awarded their accreditation status on April 1.

Founded in 1971, the IAOPCC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the standards, ethics and professionalism of pet cemeteries and crematories worldwide. Recognized as the leaders of the pet aftercare industry, they have members in more than 15 countries.

Fromm Partners With Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Fromm Family Foods and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., the organization that produces Summerfest, is bringing Fromm Petfest to Henry Maier Festival Park.

The event, being held at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 20, invites both pet owners and their pets to experience the free festival that will be host to a variety of pet-focused attractions and activities including dock diving, agility demonstrations, nutritional seminars, grooming competitions, a pet-themed marketplace, family-focused games and activities, contests, live music, food and more.

“Summer is such an exciting time for Wisconsin residents and the lakefront has become synonymous with festivals,” Bryan Nieman, brand director of Fromm Family Foods, said. “We truly believe that pets are part of the family and decided it was time to invite them into the fun of festival season.”

Inspired to create a Petfest with a purpose, Fromm has identified both the Wisconsin Humane Society and Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission as charitable partners and will work to raise funds at Petfest to support both organizations and benefit local animals in the community in need. The groups will also host an “Adoption Avenue” where people can meet dogs and cats looking for their forever homes.

“Milwuakee World Festival, Inc., is proud to partner with Fromm Family Foods to bring yet another free event and programming to Henry Maier Festival Park,” Don Smiley, president and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., said. “Petfest will be a great addition to this year’s fall festival schedule and give the community the opportunity to enjoy time at the festival grounds with the whole family and their pets.”

Fromm Petfest admission and parking will be free for all attendees. Dogs and cats are welcome as long as they are on leash and up-to-date on vaccinations. To ensure a fun and safe experience for both fest-goers and pets, participation rules may be found on petfestmke.com. For more information call 920-350-3378 or email at [email protected]

 

GloFish Partners With UPG

GloFish is celebrating their 10 year anniversary, and has announced an exclusive partnership with United Pet Group.

“We are proud to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and mark the positive impact we continue to make on the ornamental fish industry,” Alan Blake, CEO of GloFish, said. “As we recognize this occasion, we are very grateful for the opportunity we’ve had to work with so many leaders in our industry to build a new category of fish keeping. We are especially appreciative for the tremendous effort made by our exclusive producers, 5-D Tropical Segrest Farms, who have contributed greatly to GloFish’s success.”

Originally starting with a line of red fluorescent fish, GloFish has grown to 10 lines, six colors and three species. It is also available to more than 7,000 stores across the U.S.

The company has also exclusively partnered with United Pet Group to market more than 70 complimentary products for its brand of fish.

“We are honored to have a chance to work with United Pet Group to offer dozens of GloFish-optimized companion products,” Blake said. “They are a wonderful partner and have allowed us to dramatically improve our product offering. With the help of these products, GloFish offers a stunningly unique experience that captivates our customers’ imagination unlike anything else in the aquatics industry.”