Pet Retailers Eagerly Prep for SuperZoo 2021
With this year’s SuperZoo show less than two weeks away, pet industry retailers are outlining their goals and fine-tuning their approach to get the most out of their experience in preparation of this year’s show.
For some of these retailers, SuperZoo marks the first in-person industry tradeshow they have attended in over a year. The tradeshow, which kicks off on Aug. 17 and wraps up on Aug. 19 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, will remind retailers of the benefits and opportunities only an in-person show can provide. When pet products such food and treats require curious retailers to rely on their sense of smell or items like pet toys, beds and leashes that demand a tactile approach, retailers are eager to reunite with exhibitors and learn about their latest products face-to-face.
“Pet products in general need to be seen in person, the touch and feel (quality) have a major component in the decision factor,” said Tammi Evans of Dillard’s.
Lynna Sherman of Treats Unleashed has a newfound appreciation for discovering and learning about product launches in real time.
“I’m looking forward to having face-to-face meetings and getting to see and touch the products again,” Sherman said. “It will also be great to feel the energy in the convention center.”
Jeff Tawson of Raley’s can relate to never again taking for granted everyday things that people are able to do again.
“Just the idea of seeing and touching actual product is something that will not be taken for granted again,” Tawson said. “Old school I guess but I prefer face to face conversations and shaking hands after an agreement. What do I miss most? Walking and talking.”
One positive to come out of last year’s challenges was the surge in pet adoptions. Choice Pet’s William Dellipoali is looking forward to discussing with exhibitors their experiences and where they see the industry headed in the not too distant future.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing new products in person where I can look, touch, ask questions and make deals in person,” Dellipoali said. “Talk to other professionals in our industry and see what they’re doing coming out of Covid and their thoughts on this influx of animals in our industry that will impact our business for the next10 years.”
Similarly, Brian Hass of Ollie’s Bargain is interested in engaging in conversations with exhibitors to gain a better understanding of the hurdles manufacturers have been addressing that are specific to their segment of the industry.
After more than a year of doing business largely at a distance, Hass is looking forward to, “understanding the supply chain challenges the industry is facing.”
One key component of prepping for a tradeshow of this size is focusing on specific categories and trends to uncover.
Concord Pet Foods’ Lindsay Mutschler appreciates how tradeshows like SuperZoo and Global Pet Expo give retailers an exclusive first look at new products.
“There are so many products that we see at both Superzoo and Global that you just don’t get to see anywhere else, and I love that part of it,” Mutschler said. “Sometimes we see stuff that never even hits the market. These shows are important for that reason. Manufacturers can get our views on what will and will not work.”
Kayleen Stover of Zamzows is prioritizing her time on discovering new products for cats to share with pet parents that frequent Zamzows.
“Dog has always been the leader in sales, but we have heard there is an overall increase in cat across all categories in recent years, and we would like to see more of that increase reflected in our stores,” Stover explained. “Just new and innovative products across the board. We’re looking for something that is new and different that we believe can take off in a huge way.”
Despite changes to the show’s format and months of uncertainty, many pet retailers have remained loyal to SuperZoo and are unfailingly excited to return to the show.
“We do look forward to attending this year and are excited to see what the various vendors have in store as the industry continues to evolve,” said Jeff Strauss of Wag N Wash. “It’s always exciting to attend and see everyone face to face, for ourselves and especially our team.”
“We’re very excited to look at new products and see what has changed. We’re always excited to attend the educational series and although there is not a specific series we’re interested in; we enjoy sharing the speaker information among our teams to continue to strive on our guest service experience,” Strauss added.