Momentum and Visibility

How IndiePet Is Showing Up at Global Pet Expo

Each year, IndiePet enters Q1 with a clear focus: building momentum and amplifying visibility for independent pet retailers across North America. As the industry gathers at Global Pet Expo each March, IndiePet members show up not just to walk the show floor, but to stand together as a powerful, unified voice representing a growing membership of approximately 400 retailers and 1,600 storefronts.

In an increasingly competitive retail landscape, the strength in numbers matters.

Why IndiePet Matters Now

Independent pet retailers are the heart of the neighborhood pet channel. They are trusted advisors, educators and community builders. But they are also navigating mounting pressures, from the explosion of e-commerce and big-box competition to evolving consumer expectations.

IndiePet exists to ensure these retailers are not navigating those challenges alone.

Through year-round support, strategic partnerships, educational resources and targeted industry programming, IndiePet delivers measurable ROI to members. From national campaigns like Neighborhood Pet Store Day to curated networking events and brand connections, the association helps independent retailers amplify their voice, visibility and credibility.

Global Pet Expo is a perfect example of that impact in action.

The ROI of Attending Global Pet Expo with IndiePet

 Attending Global Pet Expo is always valuable. Attending with IndiePet is strategic.

Global Pet Expo is where IndiePet kicks off their year. IndiePet members benefit from dedicated programming, organized networking opportunities and exclusive events designed to maximize time on-site. A highlight each year? The IndiePet Retail Member Breakfast: a signature gathering that sets the tone for collaboration and connection.

This year’s breakfast once again underscores the power of partnership between independent retailers and leading industry brands. Retailers are able to meet with and learn from new and leading brands in a low-key environment as well as enjoy delicious, complimentary breakfast buffet.

“I’m proud to share that Nature’s Own Pet Chews will once again be a sponsor of the IndiePet Retailer Breakfast at Global Pet Expo for the third consecutive year,” said Trevor Russwurm of Nature’s Own Pet Chews. “This event continues to be a highlight of the show and a meaningful way to connect with the independent pet community. It provides a valuable opportunity to network with passionate independent pet retailers, as well as fellow independent-focused brands who share the same business philosophy as Nature’s Own Pet Chews. I’m truly looking forward to the conversations, collaboration, and continued relationships that make this event such an important gathering each year!”

A Gathering Built for Building Relationships

 The IndiePet Retail Member Breakfast is more than a meal. It’s a strategic touchpoint that fosters meaningful dialogue between retailers and brands who support the neighborhood pet channel. This year’s sponsors share the value that this event brings.

“Hill's Pet Nutrition is proud to announce our sponsorship of the Indie Pet Members Breakfast at Global Pet Expo,” said Lisa Darragh of Hill's Pet Nutrition. “This sponsorship highlights our deep and ongoing commitment to the Neighborhood Pet channel and the Independent & Neighborhood Pet Retail Association (IndiePet), further reinforced by our decades-long investment in nutritional science and innovation to ensure pets live long, healthy lives. We are dedicated to supporting your continued success and the vital role you play in the lives of pet parents. We look forward to connecting with each of you at the breakfast.”

That recognition—from a global leader in pet nutrition—reinforces IndiePet’s credibility and influence. When national brands invest in IndiePet events, they are investing directly in independent retailers.

That sense of shared philosophy is key. IndiePet creates space where retailers and brands align not only on products, but on purpose: prioritizing education, transparency and long-term relationships over transactional interactions.

Chelsea Norton of InClover echoed that sentiment.

“At InClover, we're longtime supporters and members of IndiePet. Partnering with Independent retailers is core to our business, and we find the deep relationships they have as educators and advisors to their customers key for communicating the value of supplements in changing pets' lives. We are excited to attend the IndiePet breakfast at Global Pet Expo to have the opportunity to meet independent retailers in a dedicated space and share the ways that we support their success, from trainings with our team to offering educational resources, loyalty programs, and more. Our team thrives when we get to meet with retailers, exchange success stories, and brainstorm ways that we can personalize support and improve our partnerships.”

That commitment to education and long-term partnership is shared by emerging brands as well. Ernie Ambrose of Real Simplicity™ emphasized the essential role independent retailers play in driving meaningful innovation.

“At Real Simplicity™, we believe independent pet retail is where meaningful nutrition innovation lives. These stores lead the industry forward, and their knowledgeable associates play a vital role in guiding new pet parents toward better feeding decisions. Our team has spent their careers building brands alongside independent retailers, and we’re proudly committed to this channel—exclusively. We’re excited to sponsor today’s retailer breakfast and to introduce Real Simplicity™ to our retail partners as we grow together, rooted in independence, education, and community.”

Strength in Numbers. Strength in Voice.

With its growing membership, IndiePet brings collective strength to the table. At trade shows, during industry campaigns and in ongoing standardization efforts, that unified presence elevates the independent channel’s visibility.

For retailers, that translates into:

• Increased credibility with brands

• Access to member-only events and networking

• National marketing initiatives like Neighborhood Pet Store Day

• Educational resources and peer collaboration

• A stronger voice in industry conversations

For brands, it means connection to a concentrated network of passionate, community-rooted retailers who influence local purchasing decisions every day.

Building Momentum Beyond Q1

While Global Pet Expo provides a powerful Q1 launchpad for IndiePet’s year, IndiePet’s impact extends throughout the year. With the many opportunities IndiePet provides to support retailer brand connections, IndiePet remains focused on driving growth and visibility for its members.

The first quarter is about momentum. It’s about showing up strong, building strategic relationships and reinforcing why the independent channel is essential to the pet industry’s future.

As Lisa Darragh noted, independent retailers are “the essential backbone of the pet community.” IndiePet ensures that the backbone remains strong through connection, collaboration and collective action.

For independent pet retailers looking to amplify their voice, strengthen brand relationships and maximize their investment in trade shows like Global Pet Expo, the message is clear:

There is strength in numbers. And with IndiePet, you never stand alone.

If you are an IndiePet Retail Member who is planning to attend Global Pet Expo, we invite you to join us for our Retail Member Breakfast on March 26. RSVP to let us know you'll be attending.