Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
As cities and states across the U.S. issued shelter-in-place orders for residents, one retail bright spot is the uptick in purchases made for pets, according to new data from the National Retail Federation (NRF).
As consumers stocked up on essentials like paper products and canned goods in early March, they also stocked up on supplies for their four-legged friends.
“The large initial pantry load did drive March sales as consumers stocked up,” says Don McIntyre, CEO of wholesaler Animal Supply Company. “As consumers worked down the pet food they had stocked up on, sales slowed in late March and April.”
Allison Rynne, general manager of Muttropolis, a specialty pet supplier in San Diego, sees customers spending more time on their pets’ well-being, and consequently an increase in spending on items like collars and harnesses, toys, treats and pet beds.
Tell Us About Your Pet Sales
How are pet supplies sales going at your business amid COVID-19? Join other retailers on the North American Retail Hardware Association forums to share your experience.
