4 “Handy Tips” to Increase Pet Store Sales with an Effective Store Design

In 2017, a National Pet Owners Study was conducted by the American Pet Products Associated (APPA), concluding that 85 million families, or 68% of all United States households, own at least one pet. The first year this study was conducted was in 1988, and back then, 56% of U.S. households owned at least one pet.

Given the significant growth seen in the pet supply industry, pet store retailers have been consistently on the rise over the past twenty years. In this article, we detail four ways pet store owners can increase their sales with an effective store design that will meet the increasing demand of the consumer segment.

Display Heavy Bags of Food Along the Store Perimeter

The Handy Store Fixtures Wide Span Shelving units are the perfect store fixture displays for merchandising heavy food bags. Purchasing bags of dog or cat food is likely the primary reason for your customers to shop in your pet store. One of the many benefits of using Wide Span Shelving is that you can merchandise a significant amount of food and display the decks to your best advantage. Like the grocery store model of presenting milk in the far parameters of the store, you want your customers to follow a direct path to the heavy bags of food that will entice them to purchase add-on items such as treats and toys, bedding, and other pet accessories.

Merchandise Impulse Products at Checkout Counters

Retail Sales Counters are perfect for displaying impulse products near cash registers when your customers wait to check out. Impulse merchandising effectively presents products to help persuade customers to make unplanned or additional purchases. These items add to total sales significantly, and impulse purchases greatly impact a pet store’s gross profit. For an independently-owned retail business, merchandise treats, candy, small toys, and gift certificates in this area.

Merchandise End Cap Displays Properly

Many retailers believe that the most expensive merchandise in their store should be showcased on End Units. Handy Store Fixtures CEO Richard Kurland writes, “From a profitability standpoint, the merchandise on your End Caps should not include your most expensive products. Instead, they should feature your highest profit products, and there is a significant distinction.” This is especially critical because retailers are limited to the number of End Units used within their store design. Therefore, those precious merchandise displays must feature products that help your pet store’s overall bottom line. End Caps are an ideal location to utilize gondola accessories such as security cases, open-end baskets, and chrome wire fencing & dividers.

Recommended Reading: How to Increase Sales With End Units

Take Advantage of Offset Gondola Shelving

One of the many advantages of working directly with a manufacturing facility is having the ability to customize your order. This places a premium on the best methods to merchandise your offerings according to the store design plan. Did you know that you can offset your gondola shelving to meet the requirements for your store best? When discussing offset gondola shelving, we refer to the concept of ordering a gondola shelving unit with two distinct size base shelves. For example, a 16” base shelf on one side and a 13” on the other. This, of course, will allow you to take advantage of possible quirky building aspects, such as a column, without disturbing your store layout design.

To learn more about our store design services, contact Handy Store Fixtures today and speak with one of our pet store designers.