Recent Articles from Erik Martin
Rabbits and Their Merch Appeal to Many Customers
They say you’ve got to think big to grow big. Which is why it makes sense to focus on the largest of the small animal pets—the rabbit, which continues to remain among the world’s most in-demand animal companions. In fact, a Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science study published last year estimates that 800,000 domestic […]
Songbird Sales Soar: Have Ample Offerings of Canaries and Finches
Parrots are precious, and budgies are beautiful, but finches and canaries hold a special place in the hearts and homes of many bird lovers. That’s because that special place conveniently takes up less physical space, and the sounds these compact pets sing are soothing. Plus, their relatively low price point and low maintenance required make […]
Retailers Should Fill Up on Bird Feeder, Waterer Wares
Shakespeare wrote that the empty vessel makes the loudest sound. That’s certainly true of a hungry bird squawking for a refill of its vittles vessel. But while that screeching may bring seed to mind first, the caged containers that hold the food and water shouldn’t be an afterthought. In fact, an empty feeder or waterer […]
Make Room for Small Animal Cleaning, Odor-Control SKUs
Few things grow irksome as quickly as a talk-aholic party guest, a dimwitted sequel to one of your favorite movies or a small animal habitat that makes its presence known to your nose from 50 feet away. Fortunately, you can control the latter with an expanding range of odor-halting and cleaning goods that stress pleasant […]
Pad Profits with Pocket Pets
Cavies are cute but common place. Rabbits require extra real estate. And mice and rats make some people shudder. But for many folks, hamsters and gerbils are just right, making for the ideal first or supplemental pet and providing a coveted combination of low maintenance and playful fun in an ultra-portable package. That’s why any […]
Bird Products Continue to Trend Toward ‘Natural’
As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. But feel free to judge a product by its packaging, including the healthful claims, ingredients and transparent sourcing information listed right on the box or bag. Patrons are paying increased attention to these better-for-you boasts, as evidenced by a 2016 Consumer Reports poll, which […]
Inspire Customers to Visit by Expanding your Treat Offerings
Staples like daily diets and bedding may bring shoppers into your store. But what puts a smile on their face—and keeps them coming back for more—are the edible packaged pleasures that get their small animal pets excited. Because, truth is, everybody loves treats—domesticated rodents included. But while any self-respecting pet shop is sure to offer […]
It’s a Mistake to Skimp on Bird Supplement SKUs
Ask the experts and they’ll tell you that today’s bird shop has to be more than just a “pet store;” it should be a health foods store of sorts, too. That’s because consumers shopping for avian goods are increasingly preferring better-for-you brands and ingredients that promote bird well-being and longevity. And few wares are as […]
Ferret Category Presents Opportunity to Boost Sales
They’re soft, long, twee-faced, friendly, frisky, inquisitive and downright irresistible. They live a heck of a lot longer than hamsters, cavies or mice (up to 10 years or more). And they bond and interact with humans more closely than many other pets. We’re talking, of course, about Mustela putorius furo—better known as the ferret. But […]
Bigger is Better, Variety Rules When it Comes to Bird Cages
The single most expensive purchase a bird owner is going to make is not necessarily the animal itself—it’s often the enclosure their feathered friend will inhabit. Hence, it’s good business sense to accentuate aviary offerings in your store by providing an array of species-friendly sizes, styles and colors from which customers can choose. And nowadays, […]
Open Doors with ‘Rainbow of Choices’ for Small Animal Daily Diets
Sure, litter looms large. Toys and treats are hard to beat. But there’s no staple more fundamental than furbaby food. Because, chances are, if you carry the right everyday edibles for small animals, you’ll build a loyal clientele who will repeat its eats purchases and pick up other pet essentials and impulse items, too—again and […]
Catch Customers’ Eyes with Creative, Colorful Bird Toys
With the demise of Toys ‘R’ Us, the great American toy store may be gone. But you can turn your shop into the great American bird toy store and tap into a growing demand from owners seeking fun and excitement for feathered friends. Make no cuttlebones about it—bird baubles, trinkets and playthings are hot commodities […]