PERSONAL
KNOWLEDGEABLE
COMMUNITY-FOCUSED
Supporting Independent Pet Stores Benefits You, Your Pet, and Your Community
Ever since the late 2000s, when financial investors noticed that pet products and services were one of the few industries that held steady during a down economy, independent pet retailers have been facing new challenges.
Investment companies began buying up "mom and pop” brands and reducing quality to save shareholder dollars; corporate “big box” brands with large marketing budgets and bulk purchase agreements further decreased market share—these days it’s difficult for pet parents to know what’s behind a label and who they can trust.
The exceptions are independent “indie" pet retailers. These stores are typically started by people in your neighborhood who are fellow pet owners and lovers—often because they were trying to find the best possible products for their own pets and decided to make a business of it. They remain in business because helping pets and people in their own neighborhood brings them joy. They're invested personally, hire and promote locally, build connections with other local businesses and service providers, and tend to be better informed about the products that support the welfare of your pets (because they want to know for their own pets too).
Still, competition is fierce and corporations are strong, so that’s why IndiePet was formed: to unite and support independent pet retailers in ways that enable them to continue providing personalized, knowledgeable, exceptional service to their communities.
The Independent Pet Store Difference
Independent pet retailers help improve the lives of pets and provide their customers with personalized experience that no big box retailer can offer:
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Informed Decisions: help you research, find, and select appropriate nutrition, supplements, and gear for your pet's optimum health and quality of life.
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Up-to-Date Product Info: Our independent members have direct access to current and accurate product information to help you make more informed decisions.
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Monthly Specials: Ask your retailer about ASTRO specials… and free products with in-house loyalty programs.
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Next Level Expertise: Independent pet retailers hold staff education to a far higher level than “big box” stores.
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Neighborhood Pet Store Day: Every year in September, IndiePet's national "Neighborhood Pet Store Day” celebrates the contributions of independent pet retailers within the communities they serve by offering special sales, giveaways, and activities to their customers.
