Anything that's a trend in human foods, within four to six months it will be a trend in pet food, too. |
As a human, to just buy him a dirty old tennis ball is just not enough, even though he doesn't care. I feel better because I've given him something more than just a tennis ball. |
Baby boomers are turning to pets because it fills the empty house, as kids have gone off to college. Young professionals who aren't starting families right away are still looking for some kind of companionship. |
Based on year-end 2005 and early 2006 activity, we can anticipate almost the same growth this year. |
Consumer demand for pet products and services is expanding into almost every corner of what has typically been reserved for human consumption. |
In fact, there's a working cell phone that you can fasten onto your dog's collar and call him anytime that you want. It acts as a little speaker phone. |
It is interesting to note that food continues to show growth not only in the expected high-end areas with vitamin fortified formulas, gourmet lines and natural/organic food but with the value-priced portion of the segment as well. |
It's a healthy segment, no question about it. These are folks with a little more disposable income and they are looking to make sure their pets are well taken care of. |
It's nice to have a pet that offers unconditional love, someone who doesn't talk back. I love cats, but cats take you on their terms. My golden retriever could have a broken leg, and his teeth could be falling out, but if I walk in the door, he'll wag his tail until it hurts. |
Maybe 60 to 70 percent of them are new or start-up companies. These numbers continue to grow. |
More people are discovering the many therapeutic health benefits associated with aquarium fish, ... An increasing number of offices, classrooms and homes are being equipped with aquariums, as additional studies show watching fish contributes to stress and anxiety reduction, relaxation and even leads to enhanced creativity and learning environments. |
Not only are boutiques surviving, they are running with success. About 70 percent of them are start-up companies. Entrepreneurs who are savvy enough to eye the market and assess their community's demo are very successful. |
Pets are an emotional issue, and retailers have a level of communication with the key people who will make noise about these topics. |
That's a lot of mouths to feed. |
The boomers' kids have gone off to college, and they are looking for somebody to fill the void in the house, ... It's also the young professionals who are putting off having families, and are looking for companionship. |